Butterfly Knife: A Sharp Twist of Art and Skill
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A butterfly knife is not just a blade. It’s a tool. A trick toy. A collector’s dream. And sometimes, a feared weapon.
Also known as a balisong, the butterfly knife has a long and colorful history. From the streets of the Philippines to Hollywood movies, this folding blade has captured attention for decades.
In this article, you’ll learn everything about butterfly knives — what they are, how they work, their history, uses, safety tips, and why people still love them today.
What Is a Butterfly Knife?
A butterfly knife is a folding pocketknife. It has two handles that rotate around the blade. When closed, the blade is hidden inside the handles. When opened, the handles snap together, locking the blade in place.
Sounds simple? It is. But it’s also clever.
The unique design makes it fast to open with one hand. That’s why many users love it for flipping tricks and fast blade access.
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Parts of a Butterfly Knife
Here are the main parts of a butterfly knife:
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Blade – The sharp or dull metal edge. Some blades are pointed; others are blunt for training.
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Handles (2) – The two separate parts you hold. One is the bite handle (connected to the sharp side); the other is the safe handle.
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Tang Pins – Small metal pins that keep the blade from rotating too far.
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Latches – A small metal hook that keeps the knife locked when closed or opened.
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Pivot Pins – These allow the handles to swing and rotate.
Each part plays a role in safety, movement, and flipping.
A Short History of the Butterfly Knife
Butterfly knives have deep roots. Most people believe they were first made in the Philippines in the 800s.
Back then, they were used as tools and weapons — good for farming and self-defense. The knife’s folding design made it easy to carry and hide.
In the early 1900s, butterfly knives gained popularity in Europe and the United States.
In the 1980s and 90s, they became more famous through action movies, martial arts shows, and street culture.
Why Are They Called “Butterfly Knives”?
The name comes from the way the handles open — like a butterfly spreading its wings.
It’s a beautiful image. The blade “flies out” as the handles rotate. Some people even compare flipping a balisong to dancing.
The official name, balisong, is believed to come from Tagalog (Filipino language). “Bali” means "to break" and “sungay” means "horn." Early balisongs were made from carabao horn (water buffalo horn).
Types of Butterfly Knives
Butterfly knives come in many shapes and sizes. Here are the most common types:
1. Live Blade
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A real, sharp blade
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Used for utility or martial arts
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Often illegal in public areas
2. Trainer Knife
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Same shape but no sharp edge
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Safe for learning tricks
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Legal in many places
3. Spring-Latch Knife
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Has a spring to keep the latch open
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Easier to open quickly
4. Channel vs Sandwich Construction
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Channel: One piece handle (stronger)
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Sandwich: Two-piece handles with spacers
Flipping: The Fun Side of Balisongs
One big reason people love butterfly knives is flipping. This means doing tricks with the knife — spinning, twirling, catching, and flipping it with your fingers.
It’s a skill that takes practice, patience, and quick hands.
Some popular tricks include:
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Basic Open
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Y2K Rollover
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Zen Rollover
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Behind the 8-Ball
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Chaplin
You can learn these using a trainer knife. There are hundreds of videos and tutorials online.
Flipping a butterfly knife is almost like juggling or skateboarding — fun, challenging, and creative.
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Is It a Weapon or a Tool?
That’s a big debate.
In the Philippines, balisongs were used as everyday tools — to cut rope, food, or plants.
In other places, butterfly knives are seen as weapons. Movies and crime reports sometimes show them as gangster knives.
But the truth is: It depends on the user.
A butterfly knife can be:
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A tool for cutting
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A sport item for flipping
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A collector’s item
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Or yes, a weapon in the wrong hands
Just like a kitchen knife or a hammer.
Butterfly Knife in Movies and Pop Culture
Hollywood helped the butterfly knife rise to fame.
You’ve probably seen them in movies like:
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Face/Off
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Kick-Ass
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The Outsiders
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John Wick
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Big Trouble in Little China
These movies often show the knife being flipped before a fight. It looks cool. It adds tension.
The knife also appears in video games like:
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Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)
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Call of Duty
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Grand Theft Auto (GTA)
In CS:GO, the butterfly knife skin is one of the most expensive!
Laws Around Butterfly Knives
Here’s the serious part.
In many countries, butterfly knives are illegal. Or at least heavily restricted.
Why?
Because they can be opened quickly and hidden easily. Authorities worry they could be used in street crimes.
Examples:
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USA: Laws vary by state. Some allow possession but ban carrying in public.
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UK: Completely banned as a “gravity knife.”
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Canada: Prohibited.
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Germany: Illegal to buy or carry.
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Pakistan and India: Mostly banned in public places.
Always check your local laws before buying or carrying a balisong.
If you just want to flip, get a trainer knife — these are legal in many areas and safe to use.
How to Use a Butterfly Knife (Safely)
Here are basic tips for beginners:
Step 1: Get a Trainer Knife
Don’t start with a sharp blade. Use a blunt trainer to avoid cuts.
Step 2: Learn the Parts
Know which is the safe handle. Always hold the safe handle when flipping.
Step 3: Start with Simple Tricks
Try opening and closing slowly. Move on to rollovers only after mastering basics.
Step 4: Practice Over a Soft Surface
Practice over a bed or carpet. You’ll drop the knife a lot at first.
Step 5: Wear Safety Gear
Wristbands or gloves can help prevent cuts and bruises.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Using a Live Blade Too Soon
– You might cut yourself. Practice with a trainer first. -
Holding the Wrong Handle
– The bite handle can hurt. Always start with the safe handle. -
Flipping Around People or Pets
– Dangerous. Always flip in a safe, clear space. -
Breaking Laws
– Don’t carry your butterfly knife where it’s banned.
Collecting Butterfly Knives
Butterfly knives are loved by collectors for their design, material, and rarity.
Some collectible features include:
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Damascus steel blades
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Titanium or G10 handles
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Handmade or limited editions
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Vintage Filipino balisongs
Prices can range from $20 for basic trainers to $1000+ for custom knives.
Brands like Benchmade, Squid Industries, BRS (BladeRunnerS Systems), and Bear & Son are well-known among collectors.
Why People Love Butterfly Knives
Let’s keep it real.
People don’t just love butterfly knives because they cut well. They love them because:
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They look cool
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They’re fun to flip
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They feel satisfying in the hand
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They have a deep history
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They connect people — flippers, makers, collectors
It’s not just about the knife. It’s about the experience.
Butterfly Knife vs Other Knives
| Feature | Butterfly Knife | Pocket Knife | Fixed Blade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Folding Mechanism | Two rotating handles | Single handle | None |
| Speed of Opening | Fast (with practice) | Fast (with spring assist) | Instant |
| Safety | Medium (depends on user) | High | High |
| Tricks & Flipping | Yes | No | No |
| Legality | Often restricted | Mostly legal | Depends |
So, the butterfly knife is truly unique among blades.
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Final Thoughts
The butterfly knife — or balisong — is more than just a sharp blade. It’s a symbol of style, skill, and history. Whether you see it as a weapon or a toy, one thing is clear:
It demands respect.
If you want to own one, do your research. Learn the laws. Train safely. Flip with care. And remember — it’s not just about the knife.
It’s about the hands that hold it.
