Butterfly knife

A multifunctional instrument, the butterfly knife is both a training weapon and a cutting tool. Finding its roots in Hong Kong, this instrument has a mythical and extraordinary style.

Principle of the butterfly knife

The butterfly knife is a folding blade knife with a sharp edge. Indeed, it has a cutting blade and two mobile branches axled and articulated on this blade. Unfolded downwards, the two branches form the knife handle. Unfolded upwards, they allow the blade to be wrapped. This mechanism is the origin of its name, butterfly knife. It also provides additional protection when you need to carry it on you or in a bag, making it an ideal pocket knife. The locking of the instrument is ensured by a pivoting or spring-loaded latch, depending on the model.

Thanks to its configuration, the butterfly knife allows for numerous figures, as well as throws and shots with one hand. The figures performed with the butterfly knife are called "tricks". People who train with butterfly knives are called "flippers".

How is a butterfly knife used?

The butterfly knife can be used for hunting, camping, and even in the kitchen, although this is rare. But it allows for cutting tough meats. It can also be used in DIY to strip electrical wires, but in general, it's a bladed combat weapon for self-defense in case of physical aggression.

The instrument is notably used in traditional martial arts and is associated with training combat styles.

Handling a butterfly knife is not something to be improvised. It is essential to practice before considering using it. You can learn by looking at books or tutorials on the Internet. Many flipper communities exist on the web.

To use the butterfly knife, you need to learn how to hold it correctly. You also need to learn basic tricks like rotation, simple pivot, ricochet, or latch drop. Once you've mastered the basic tricks, you can learn intermediate tricks like double rotations and helicopters. As you progress, you can learn more complex figures.

The training butterfly knife

The use of a training butterfly knife is essential for any beginner. It allows you to learn how to handle the balisong without risk. When you're starting out, getting a grip on the instrument is not always easy. You risk injuring yourself or letting the knife slip between your fingers. The training butterfly knife has a non-sharp blade. The blade is rounded and presents no risk of cutting yourself.

How to choose a butterfly knife?

There is a wide range of butterfly knives on the market. Unless you choose a training model, make sure the blade is sharp. Here are some criteria to observe during your choice.

The design

The knife exists in several types of designs. There are darker models and those that are replicas from video games in which it appears, such as in Counter-Strike.

The material

The blade of the butterfly knife is often made of stainless steel. It's a solid and durable material. There are also titanium blades which are lighter. For handles, opt for wooden or steel models which are very sturdy. Aluminum handles are not very resistant to falls.

The weight

The butterfly knife weighs between 100 to 200 grams. A lighter knife will be easier to handle, but may not be sturdy.

The size of the knife

The butterfly knife is about 20 to 30 cm in length. Smaller models are suitable for small hands and involve greater ease of manipulation.