The butterfly knife, also known as a balisong or fan knife, is an iconic folding pocket knife that originated in the Philippines. The distinct design of the handle provides an incredible range of motion when flipping the blade open and closed.
What is a butterfly knife?
A butterfly knife is a type of folding pocket knife with two counter-rotating handles that pivot around the blade, allowing it to be opened and closed with a single hand. It is also known as a balisong or fan knife and is most commonly associated with Filipino martial arts, but has become increasingly popular in the US as well.
The unique design of the butterfly knife allows for extreme maneuverability and agility due to its ability to quickly change direction when flipped. This means it can be used for various tasks such as cutting rope or string, slicing fruit, and even self-defense if needed. The blade itself is usually stainless steel and can be either double-edged or single-edged.
The History Of Butterfly Knives
Due to its popularity amongst tricksters, many manufacturers now offer models with spring-assisted blades so that they may perform fancy stunts with ease. Butterfly knives are also notorious for their sharpness; the knives originally meant for martial arts often had razor-sharp edges which were designed to inflict maximum damage in close combat scenarios.
Regardless of its intended purpose, the butterfly knife remains an iconic symbol of both skill and style. Not only does it remain one of the most popular knives on the market today due to its versatility, but this combination tool also makes a great conversation piece and collector’s item.
The Different Variations & Materials
Butterfly knives come in many variations, with a variety of materials used in construction such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, Damascus steel, and even plastic. The most common type is one constructed with two metal halves joined together by pins or a latch. This makes for an incredibly strong yet lightweight design ideal for performing flips and tricks with ease. Some designs also feature holes or slots along the length of the blades for added grip when opening and closing.
Selecting The Right Butterfly Knife
When selecting the best butterfly knife for your needs, there are several factors to consider such as size, weight, handle material, blade shape/style, and overall build quality. For example, if you’re looking for something smaller for everyday carry then be sure to look out for compact designs with shorter handles and blades. On the other hand, if you plan on using your balisong primarily for tricks then go with something larger with heavier handles that will help add stability during flips. Additionally, you may want to choose a model that features a spring latch instead of pins which helps keep it securely locked while in use.
Conclusion
No matter what type of butterfly knife you choose it’s important to practice safely at all times. It’s recommended to train under supervision until you’re comfortable enough to use it without risking injury. Be sure to wear protective gear such as eye protection when performing any kind of trick as well as learn how to properly fold/unfold each type of balisong before attempting more advanced maneuvers like aerials or twirls. With proper safety measures taken into consideration, there’s no limit to what can be achieved through practice!
