Knives-Swords-Blades

Origins of the Balisong knife (butterfly Knife)   by James Huff

The balisong knife other wise known as the batangas knife, fan knives click clack, and most known it the U.S. as a butterfly knife. Is a knife that would be considered a pocket knife it has two handles that are both on a hinge and the knife itself folds in to the handle and in the hands of someone that knows how to use it and be flipped open every quickly with just one hand. For the most part these knives are pocket knives size but are also make in sword size and can be over three feet when fully opened. These bigger blades are not surprisingly called baliswords.

All those now on is really sure where the name balisong comes form that are a few thoughts as to what it is referring to. In the Tagalog language balisong or Baling sungay means broken horn, and because the first knives where made of animal horns many think that is where the name comes from. Others think that they are called balisong for the reason the they are thought to first be invented in a town called balisong. These pocket knives origins are from the Philippines and though discouraged now for hundreds of years where once used to fight in duels.

These pocket knives where not known to western civilizations until the Spanish came and governed the Philippines and then made these knives popular. Though evidence suggests that Balisong knives have been apart of the Filipino fighting arts since 800AD. Balisongs where brought back to the states after WWII when troops that where fighting in the pacific came home and brought these handy pocket knives back with them.

A balisong is mainly made up of ten parts. The edge, swedge, choil, kicker, pivot pins, tang, tang pin, bite handle, safe handle, and latch. The edge is the sharp blade of the knife. The swedge is the back side of the blade that is made to look sharp but is not. The choil is a curve above the kicker to help you to sharpen the blade. The kicker is what stops the blade for hitting the inside of the knife when closing to help keep the blade sharp. The pivot pins are the pins that the knife pivots on to open and close. The tang is where the blade come in to the handle. The bite handle is the part that closes on the sharp side of the blade. The safe handle is the part that closes on the back side of the blade, the part that is not sharp. The latch, this is what keeps the knife closed.

There are now a number of knives makers in the U.S that make balisongs or butterfly knives. One of them is Benchmade. Another well known knife make is Emerson. Emersons very first knives where balisongs that he made while studding Filipino martial arts in California. Because of the nature of these pocket knives many countries have them outlawed. But are very sought after by collectors.

pocketknivesdepot.com

About the Author

Hello my name is James Huff and I started a online store called pocketknivesdepot.com I started this for two reasons I wanted to offer great quality knives at low prices. I also wanted to gain financial independence. To open your own store is challenging but well worth the work. If I can do it any one can. Thank you.
Benchmade Knives

Black Butterfly Bottle Opener Bartender $5.99 Black Butterfly Bottle Opener!…

Benchmade 530 Pardue Design Axis Folder 3.25in. Plain Edge Blade & Famed Pocket Pal Sharpener for Plain & Serrated Edge Blades $89.25 The Model 530 is based on the Mel Pardue designed Model 350. The basic looks are the same with the spear point blade and coffin style handle design but, the AXIS lock was incorporated for added performance function. The overall design was slimmed down for a low profile, low drag carry, and the weight is still incredibly light. So if you liked the Model 350, you’re going to love the Model 530. Smit…

Benchmade 985547F Comboedge Field Knife Sharpener Kit with Rod $22.95 From the Manufacturer: Use this Redi-Edge Mini-Milti-Tool to easily touch up the edge of your blade anywhere, anytime without removing unneccesary blade material. The exclusive Duromite cutter blades are pre-set to a 60-degree inclusive angle to properly shape your blade, and the diamond housing rod allows you to sharpen serrated portions of the blade. Includes sheath for convenient belt-carry….

Trademark Spring-Assisted Tactical Pocket Knife $6.95 This stainless steel super knife is a must have for anyone who appreciates a quality pocket folder at a great price. It features a blade which opens effortlessly and securely locks into place and also a convenient belt clip so it will always be at your side. Features include:3.25 inch bladeStainless steel bladeIncludes belt clip4.5 inches folded8 inches when open…

Ellington Trainer (Practice) Butterfly Pocket Knife – No Edge $8.88 Don’t worry about cutting yourself when you are honing you skills with a butterfly knife. Want to try a new trick, but afraid of cutting yourself? The training butterfly knife is weighted similar to other butterfly knives its size. It has a smooth operation sturdy build that can be put through a beating when training. These don’t fall apart like the cheap trainers, because they use screws (can b…

Benchmade Osborne Mini Barrage Knife $135.00 The Benchmark Mini Barrage Knife delivers rugged, dependable performance in a compact package. The Mini Barrage features a strong Axis-Assist opening mechanism that deploys quickly and locks down with the Axis Lock mechanism. Ambidextrous thumb studs and a reversible pocket clip mean the Barrage is suitable for carrying in either your right or left hand. Comes in plain-edge and partially-serrated …

Range Bag Deluxe Tan/Black Shoulder Strap Durable Leather Bottom Multiple Accessory Pockets $40.83 Heavy 600d Weather Resistant Contruction.Durable Leather Bottom….

Benchmade Knife 556S Mini-Griptilian Pardue Folding Knife ComboEdge Satin Blade $72.09 Features: Class: Blue Lock Mechanism: AXIS Premium AXIS Function Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC Grip Textured Molded Handle Ambidextrous Thumb-Stud Opener Clip: Black Reversible Tip-Up Sheath Material: Sold Separately Multiple Configurations Available Blade Material: 154CM Stainless Steel Blade Style: Modified Drop-Point; Ambidextrous Thumb-Studs Technial Specification: Weight: 2.56oz. Blade Length: 2…

Gear-Retractor: Rewind Gear Retractor $14.94 There has been a lack of solutions for keeping gear attached to you. Lanyards get tangled and hang out to be snagged. Diving retractors are generally too heavy, bulky and expensive for light gear. Our high-strength, spring-loaded reel is a compact 35mm housing holding 2 feet of thick 2mm plastic coated steel cable. Fitted whin twin spring-gate, swiveling biners, it clips to: flash light, folding k…

Benchmade Knife Harley Davidson Ti-Fender Import Monolock Folding Knife $81.36 Benchmade Knife Harley Davidson Ti-Fender Import Monolock Folding Knife….