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Butterfly Knives, also known as balisong knives, are folding knives with two handles that allow a user to open the blades using one hand. The blades are usually connected by a 5-inch (127mm) pivot bar which allows for fine control over how far each blade opens.
The word butterfly comes from its distinctive shape which resembles that of a left-right symmetrical butterfly with its two wings and tail. The knife's two handles are called the "front" and "rear/stop". The front handle contains the blades, which are connected by a semi-weighted pivot bar. The rear handle contains a finger guard soldered to one of the blade edges.
A variety of blade shapes and materials have evolved since their creation in the 1950s. Current models sometimes incorporate a spinning element that produces a whistling sound during the opening.
Distinctive Features of Balisong Knives
Butterfly knives combine the blade of a folding knife with the tanto-pointed tip of a stiletto. These knives feature a recurved blade that works similarly to the blade on an ice pick, but unlike the latter, butterflies are not intended for stabbing. For self-defense purposes, these knives can come in either straight or curved shapes and almost always have a serrated edge.
The serrations are used to saw off limbs and help get through clothing in self-defense situations and also to maximize damage against soft tissue with every slash. However, because they rely heavily on slashing as opposed to stabbing, they usually lack locking mechanisms such as thumb studs or primary locks and thus tend not to be designed for retention purposes.
The blade shape of balisong knives is often called the "butterfly" and the knife is named after the characteristic. However, some notable manufacturers have made knives with different blade shapes, like the "bowie knives" that are more often pointed than recurved and have no characteristic name.
Certain manufacturers also make knives with a "boxlock" mechanism of their own design for knife retention purposes, though none of these locking mechanisms are interchangeable with other butterfly knife designs.
How Balisong Knives Work?
Butterfly knives work because of physics rather than engineering. There is no stud on either end of the knife's handle; instead, it has one finger guard and one blade edge for maximum control.
The "front" handle consists of the blades and a semi-weighted pivot. The front is the only knife part that can be swung open for a stabbing attack. In this position, the user's entire hand is in contact with the blade, preventing any weapon from getting in between his hand and his target.
The rear/stop handle contains only an edge to prevent injuries to fingers or hands in case of an accidental close encounter with a blade; it also suffices for holding on to it during use. The design does not incorporate a weight because the user does not need much force to control the knife opening, unlike scissors which are designed based on resistance.
Butterfly Knives Today!
If you have no idea what a balisong knife is, it's a type of folding pocket knife that opens up to reveal two sharp blades from both sides of the handle. The blades are usually not connected but can be found together in some models.
Butterfly knives were created by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century. These unique blades began to rise in popularity in the United States during WWI when soldiers of foreign descent returned and brought them with them. They were immediately enamored by their use, and soon joined the ranks of other popular knives that Americans had come to love throughout history.
In more modern times, these knives have become very popular with collectors from all over the world, including a number of celebrities. Because they're so compact, they can fit into your pocket easier than many larger folding knives on the market today.
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