Many fans of the balisong, popularly known as the butterfly knife, find uses for it in their own way. But every self-respecting owner can make a splash by showing the ability to effectively handle a knife.
A kind of culture has emerged - flipping, spinning, turning over, throwing, tossing the balisong. The artist handles him so bewitchingly that the audience falls into a kind of trance from the tricks. Flipping lovers themselves note the calming effect of its spinning.
History of the origin of the knife
There are several legends about how the butterfly knife appeared. One story refers to Philippine sailors of the 8th century, according to which it is said that they came up with such a design.
Then he was considered:
- A cult item.
- Had a sacred meaning.
Two handles and a blade symbolize clear sky, solid earth, calm water. Men passed the balisong knife from generation to generation. Unfortunately, this is only a legend with no supporting facts. The Filipino people actively used and still use the knife:
- sailors, when going to sea in a storm, cut ropes;
- rural residents for domestic purposes.
If required, it instantly turns into a weapon of defense.
From the old Tagalog language, the translation of the word “balisong” means a broken horn. According to legend, the first designs had handles made from animal horns. In addition, in the Philippines there is a small village with a name that could well have gone to the knife.
The first official mention of a butterfly knife was recorded in 1905, since the organization of their widespread production by Perfecto de Lyon. He is mainly credited with the history of the creation of this type of butterfly knife. These days, his factory supplies classic Philippine balisongs all over the world.
The Western version claims that European citizens contributed to the appearance of this type of knife in the Philippines.
After which the enterprising de Lyon organized the production of butterfly knives, according to the drawings that came to him.
There are several documentary evidence that mention ancient European prototypes of modern balisongs. For example, French shipwrights often used a “pie-de-roux” measuring device in their work, which is a folding ruler combined with a knife, consisting of two halves.
One of the surviving copies is inscribed with the date 1791. Soon the first patents for “winged knives” began to appear.
One Anglo-German company attempted to establish the production of such models, but a flaw in the design became an obstacle to the growth of their popularity. In 1988, they founded the Benchmade company, which registered the Bali-song brand. It still maintains leadership in their production.
Trick "Ventilation"
The element refers to the simplest tricks. To perform safely, follow the instructions:
- Grasp the blade by the safe part.
- The blade should be lowered down and the fingers folded into a tube. It is necessary that the thumb and forefinger lightly hold the blade. The handle should move freely between the unused fingers and the hand.
- Next, you should make a rotational movement, in any available way.
- To return to the starting position, you need to catch the moment when the handle is located above the hand. And you should slow down its movement as much as possible. The knife should close on its own.
Spreading the knife around the world
Increased interest in the butterfly knife was revived after the end of World War II. American soldiers brought home many of these devices, which were jokingly called “click-click knives.”
Also, some revived types of fighting arts contributed to the interest in the “winged” knife.
Cinema in its own way contributed to their distribution. In films they were often masterfully wielded:
- Backstreet punks.
- "Bad guys".
This strengthened the view of the image of a knife as an element of a gangster’s device. In any corner of the world in the criminal chronicle you can find a crime committed with the help of such a knife. In many countries, wearing them is punishable by law.
Despite the prejudiced attitude towards this device, it does not lose its popularity. The companies involved in their production supply these products all over the world.
Tricks for beginners - safety first
The tricks available to beginners are based on keeping the handle securely in your hand. There is the simplest trick called “trabucco”. Almost anyone can perform such a maneuver with a knife. With the correct rotation of the blade, the trick is not difficult.
For beginners, the best option would be to use a training balisong. This will help protect your fingers from injury. The blade on his blade is not sharpened. Such products are made with holes in the handle and on the blade itself for proper balancing of the knife.
The blade of a butterfly training knife is much thicker than that of the working versions. Having mastered the trick on a training apparatus, you will not have any difficulties with a real balisong. You can also seal the blade with tape on the working knife, this will prevent possible injuries.
Design, materials for manufacturing
The classic balisong consists of:
- blade;
- handles made of two elements;
- latches;
- two pins;
- two hinge axes.
The handles of the two halves have grooves in which the blade is hidden. There are protrusions on the shank in front of the handle that prevent your hand from slipping and causing you to cut yourself. This is a description of a simple and reliable design. Thanks to it, you can use almost any curve of the blade.
Today, many varieties of butterfly knives are produced, some in a classic design, others with an unusual blade shape. Masters who engage in knife fighting divide devices into groups or forms:
- Large butterfly knife shape, reaching a length of 29 cm.
- The average shape is 24 cm.
- Small 19 cm.
- Ultra small 9cm.
- The training form of a knife with a blunt blade or in the form of a comb.
- Exotic knife shape.
All models are quite suitable for everyday needs and are durable, but sometimes the hinge elements need lubrication. Thanks to the special design, the balisong can be opened with any hand, whether a person is right-handed or left-handed.
High-quality models have specially designed recesses and flat pins on the handles. A butterfly has an advantage over a folding knife - it is speed and convenience, while switchblades have reliability.
Traditionally, the handle is made from:
- wood;
- bones;
- animal horns;
- metal
In ancient times, balisongs were made of metal for springs, bearings, and pipes; the resulting specimens were distinguished by their high-quality work and the sharpness of the blade.
Modern manufacturers use CAD programs with high accuracy and metal processing on modern automatic equipment to create innovative models.
But it is impossible to deceive people who know a lot about weapons. The master who makes balisongs brings his soul and his secrets into them. Therefore, having visited the Philippines and purchased a butterfly knife there, you can see the difference between the product of a European manufacturer who has put the business on stream.
Latch Throw Technique
The trick is a little more difficult than the previous one, but it is not so difficult that you can master it without problems. We follow the following steps:
- You should take the knife with the blade away from you. The latch should be pressed against the index finger and held with the thumb.
- A sharp downward movement is made with the movement of the hand; the two halves of the handle should also descend automatically.
- In this case, the latch should be held with your thumb and forefinger. The remaining fingers should be moved to the side.
- After connecting the two handles, the balisong must be taken by the dangerous part and the hand is clenched into a fist.
The attitude of the law to this knife
In famous countries such as:
- Great Britain.
- Switzerland
- Germany.
- Australia.
- Canada.
- Hong Kong.
- Philippines.
- USA, in some states.
- Russia.
Wearing, using, or storing balisong is prohibited by law or a special permit is issued.
Due to the spread of terrorist and extremist groups, many countries have their own measures to limit the use of these types of knives.
To avoid various sanctions for the production of butterfly knives, many manufacturing companies have moved to Southeast Asia.
If the blade of a knife reaches 20 cm, then it is classified as a full-fledged edged weapon.
Those models that are available in stores are made with a blade no more than 9 cm, with small handles that do not provide support for the fingers, and this excludes them from the range of effective military weapons.
But when a knife is used for self-defense, it combines striking and blade properties. This measures the influence on the attacker, taking into account the current situation, the transition from a shock-painful technique with a folded device or the application of piercing, cutting blows with an unfolded knife.
And this, according to the law, is qualified as an excess of self-defense and threatens with a real sentence.
Therefore, when purchasing such a knife, be guided by the law; ignorance of the law does not excuse you from answering.
Tips for Beginners
A real balisong is a serious weapon. For training, buy yourself a simpler product. Training products are inexpensive and have holes in the handle and blade. They are not heavy and well balanced. You will also need to learn some safety rules:
- If the training knife has a sharpened blade, it can be sealed with masking tape. If this part gets on your hand, and this definitely cannot be avoided, then in this way you can prevent a cut;
- For turning tricks, use only a working knife. Balisongs may have problems with the clasps coming loose;
- It is necessary to distinguish between balisong handles, safe - safe and bite - dangerous. The dangerous handle has a buckle that holds both parts together. To avoid confusion with the name, the handles can be painted in different colors;
- tricks should be divided into several parts. And they should be performed in order. It will be difficult to perform the entire feint at once.
Application in military affairs
In military affairs, butterfly knife designs can be used. They are made of high-quality steel and are distinguished by precise mechanical processing using technological alloys. For example, models of the “BLUECLASS” series:
- 32 MORPHO;
- the blade has steel D2 (59-61HRC);
- with a thickness of 2.57 mm;
- 82.6 mm long;
- Crowned Spear-Point blade;
- handle G10 6AL 4V Blue Anodized Titanium;
- thickness 11.25 mm;
- make a clip from stainless steel;
- Next Generation Spring Latch;
- weighing 76.54 g.
Another representative of this company:
- 42 BALI-SONG;
- the blade has steel 154 cm, (58-60HRC);
- length 106.7 mm;
- thickness 3.18mm;
- the blade has a Weehwak type;
- Skeletonized Cast 6AL-4V Titanium handle;
- thickness 13 mm;
- Stainless steel is used for clips;
- Integrated Spring Latch;
- weighing 116 g.
Russian also produces balisongs:
- Knife "Scat M Knox". Hinged frame design with a sleek, sophisticated design. Small in size, weighing 56 g.
- Hinged frame butterfly knife "Scat B". This model looks universal, practical, with a comfortable blade. Suitable for everyday and travel needs.
Nowadays, balisongs are being developed with a combination of a set of tools that help in solving various problems. The manufacture of blades in these knives involves combining them with a steel tool plate. This allows them to be used as a tool with multiple functions.
The Werewolf2 model was developed by the popular Russian knife designer I. Skrylev. His presentation took place at the exhibition dedicated to “Rescue Means 1994”, where he attracted interest from army representatives, special services, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Subsequently, this design was adopted for arming the special forces of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the army, and special services, as an army survival knife.
"Werewolf" does not have similar designs abroad.
Thanks to its functions and capabilities, it is a priority for most foreign and Russian devices created to overcome difficulties in extreme situations.
Knives in the history of weapons have always played a supporting role. The design of the knife depended on the main weapon. Because over time their role as weapons for military purposes has diminished, they have become a universal tool in the fight for survival.
Simple rotation
The Basic Twirl trick requires more preparation. It is a little more complicated than the previous options. The knife should be taken with the safe side and should be held with all fingers except the thumb, it should be free.
When the movement is performed, the blade is moved with the fingers. The Bolisong should be thrown over the middle finger and at this time the ring finger is moved to the safe side. While the butterfly is open, you need to have time to do these movements.
When rotating the butterfly, it should hold onto the part first with the middle and index fingers, then the thumb replaces it. It is necessary to remove your thumb in time while folding the knife, otherwise injury cannot be avoided.
Structure and rotation patterns of the knife.
How long does it take to master balisong techniques?
The techniques of simple tricks can be mastered in half an hour. But for the feint to be perfect, it will take repeated practice. You should start from simple tricks to more complex ones. You should move to the next level when simple ones are performed automatically.
It is clear that the more complex the trick, the longer it will take you to learn it. The ability to handle a butterfly knife also plays a role. You need to train your fingers. The better they are developed, the easier it will be for you to perform tricks.
