The Zentinel is a mostly familiar design with a few new features that I’m sure you’ll appreciate. With the overwhelming positive reception surrounding the Sentinel project, I wanted to improve on the already beloved design by implementing both your feedback and my personal desire to continue innovating within the balisong space. You guys wanted handle jimping, so I added handle jimping. You guys wanted better blade steel, so the Zentinel is rocking S35VN steel. You guys wanted serialized builds, so every Zentinel will feature laser engraved serialization/build info on the blade. As for me, I wanted to make the Zentinel extra special by making it the first balisong design to feature my “Pin Shield” pin system. I had the idea for this system before the Sentinels were originally released, and it is now finally being realized in one of my balisongs at scale. Just like the Sentinel, I set out to design a production balisong that features a blend of aesthetics, construction, and performance. I believe the Zentinel hits the mark.

With the Zentinels, I wanted to get the balance and weight distribution as close as I could to its predecessor. They don’t feel exactly the same, but the flipping experience is close enough according to those who have tried them both. Weighing in at about 4.6 oz, the Zentinel isn’t too heavy nor too light, just like its older brother. I wanted the low maintenance of the Sentinel to carry over into the Zentinel. Thanks to the channel handles and Pin Shield construction, there are only two screws on the Zentinel that you need to worry about. Because the Zentinel runs on hand tuned bushings and fitted phosphor bronze washers, these screws shouldn’t need much adjustment. And with the addition of some blue loctite on the screws, the factory tune should hold for even longer. The only consistent maintenance necessary is lubricating the pivots and a good cleaning after excessive use (as long as you don’t beat it too hard of course). It is also important to note that the handles feature a widened channel which helps combat blade rub from forming on your blade. Overall, the Zentinel is ideal for any balisong enthusiast, collector, flipper, or combination of the three that either enjoyed the first generation Sentinel or want to pick one up to try for the first time.