Balisong

From MartialTalk Online Martial Arts Encyclopedia Project

The balisong is a knife and sheath/handle combination weapon that originated in the Philippines. The sheath-handle is connected to the blade at a pivot point that has allowed the opening and closing of a balisong to be not only colorful and dramatic, but also distracting to an opponent.

The Balisong is a butterfly knife, and is sometimes known as a Batangas knife, is a form of folding pocket knife with two handles that counter-rotate around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is concealed within grooves in the handles. In the hands of a trained user, the knife blade can be brought forth quickly using one hand. Manipulations (flipping) are perfomed for art or amusement and require great skill. Translated from Tagalog, the word "Balisong" means "Broken Horn" (literally, "baling sungay") as the original Balisongs were made from carved animal horns and recycled knife blades.

The history of the butterfly knife is uncertain, with the following three main opinions:

• The knife dates back to around 800 A.D. and is a traditional weapon of the Filipino fighting art of Eskrima; however, it is not actually a prominent weapon in the art.

• The knife was invented around 1900 A.D. in the Philippines and spread by American Soldiers returning from World War II. Balisongs gained western popularity after WWII when GI's stationed in the Philippines brought them home as souvenirs.

• The knife was invented in France and published in the book "Le Perret" in 1710. It then spread throughout Europe and was carried by Spanish sailors to the Philippines.

In many U.S. states (and all of Canada), it is illegal to possess and/or carry such a knife in public; indeed, doing so is a felony in some states, such as Nevada.

Some users of the leatherman have noted a similarity of that tool to this weapon (in regards to how the pliers/blade become exposed).

Parts of a Balisong

Bite Handle 

The handle that closes on the sharp edge of the blade.

Kicker 

Area on the blade that prevents the sharp edge from contacting the inside of the handle and suffering damage.

Latch 

The standard locking system, which holds the balisong closed.

Latch, Batangas 

A latch that is attached to the bite handle.

Latch, Manila 

A latch that is attached to the safe handle.

Safe Handle 

The handle that closes on the non-sharpened edge of the blade.

Compare with

• Gravity knife
• Switchblade, also called a flick-knife
• Pantographic knife

External links

• Barrio Balisong website
• History of the Balisong Knife - from balisongcollector.com
• Video footage of the techniques for using a butterfly knife
• Tips and techniques
• Legality checklist for various states in USA
• Online database of past and current balisongs
• Some information
• Benchmade Knives: Manufactured Balisongs

 This article is a Stub and needs to be expanded.