A Little Bit Of Butterfly Knife History
There is a heated debate over whether the butterfly knife was an ancient design that originated in the Philippines or whether it was actually brought to the Philippines from Europe. Of course, on one side, you have the Filipinos, who claim it was a part of their martial arts since about 800 A.D. (unfortunately, there is no hard evidence to support this belief) and, on the other side, you have those who believe it originated in Europe between the 1500s and 1700s (the oldest documented balisong, dating back to before 1791, was found in France). Regardless of its debatable origins, it gained popularity in the United States when soldiers returned from the Philippines after W.W.II.
How Is A Butterfly Knife Constructed?
A butterfly knife can be constructed in two different ways, but the basic design is the same – when it’s closed, the blade is concealed between the two handles of the knife. Really, the only difference is the that the “channel construction” gives you a solid, one-piece handle and the “sandwich construction” gives you a layered and screwed or pinned together handle. Those who want to take their knife apart prefer the “sandwich construction” but it doesn’t make any difference as to the utility of the knife. The design of the butterfly knife allows the handles to counter-rotate around its tang so that the blade can be deployed quickly. This knife has been classified, in some instances, as a “gravity knife.”
What Do I Do With A Butterfly Knife?
Now, learning to “flip” a butterfly knife quickly takes practice and patience. If you don’t start slowly to get the motion right before you “go at it,” believe me, you will be sorry. Afterall, this is a sharp bladed instrument we’re dealing with here. The basic concept of maneuvering the knife is to let the flipping motion of one handle and the blade, plus the twist of your wrist, actually spin the handle you’re holding. There’s lots of videos online to watch, so, you might check some out first. Many people, who own butterfly knives, say the find the act of “flipping” it to be relaxing. Also, there are impressive tricks that can be learned and performed using this type of knife.
Our Recommendations
All that, and it’s still a great folding pocket knife. You can count on it to perform any of the tasks that you ask of it on a daily basis. The only difference is that you do them with style. When you flip out a butterfly knife, when someone asks if you have a pocket knife to cut something with, the look of amazed appreciation is priceless. Go ahead, take a look at some of
Butterfly Knives we have and treat yourself today!
1. Kershaw Lucha Butterfly Knife
A high-quality, state-of-the-art butterfly knife, the Kershaw Lucha was specifically designed with flippers in mind, using feedback from real flippers. So, if you want to learn how to do tricks with a butterfly knife, then this is the one for you. Made in the USA, it’s made of premium materials with a 14C28N stainless steel blade and an all-steel handle. You get exceptional performance because the blade tapers so that the top has more weight to pendulum around smoothly, aided by its dual KVT ball-bearing pivots. The handle has a rounded bevel, making it roll effortlessly in your hand and the latch is also rounded so that it never catches as you flip. The light, fast Kershaw Lucha Butterfly Knife will jump, fly, and spin in your hands.
2. Bear & Son Cocobolo Butterfly Knife
If you’re looking for a more classic-themed butterfly knife, the
Bear & Son Cocobolo is handsomely understated. The handles are crafted of rich and warm cocobolo wood, complemented by polished nickel bolsters, and are sleek and slender. The 5” stainless steel blade is hollow ground with a black, titanium finish. The butterfly knife has a closing latch with a double-tang pin design and a precision ball bearing system.
3. Vortex Balisong Knife
With a metallic blue blade, the
Vortex Balisong will look like a blue streak when you’re flipping it. It’s perfect for martial arts performances as it will be completely eye-catching. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s any less capable of any cutting task that you need it for. The stainless steel, clip point blade is razor-sharp and the black, anodized handles, which have a sandwich-style construction, are solid and grippy. The butterfly knife has the classic T-latch to secure it whether open or closed. The Vortex Balisong is a great knife to perfect your flipping moves with!
4. Galaxy Karambit Balisong
Now for something a little different! Sleek and well balanced, the
Galaxy Karambit Balisong is a one of a kind combination of a butterfly knife with a karambit-style blade that is guaranteed not to disappoint! The butterfly knife has a keenly sharp and penetrating, curved stainless steel karambit-style blade. It has vivid printed galaxy artwork in blues and purples. The black steel handles have weight-reducing thru-holes, to match the ones on the blade, and the open-ring pommel of a traditional karambit. The grippy handles feature a magnet lock to keep them in the closed position.
5. Silver Skeleton Butterfly Trainer
If you’re just starting out with a butterfly knife and you are intending to learn its tricks, it’s probably a good idea to start off with something that won’t cut your fingers off. Learn and master butterfly knife skills with the lightweight
Silver Skeleton Butterfly Trainer. It looks and feels just like a real butterfly knife, allowing you to safely practice and hone your flipping skills. The trainer has a solid, stainless steel construction and a 4” rounded, non-edged blade with weight-reducing thru-holes. The comfortable skeletonized handles swivel smoothly around their tang pin, and they’re secured with a handle latch when folded shut.
