What Is a Butterfly Knife?
A butterfly knife — also called a balisong — is a folding knife with two handles that rotate around the blade's tang. When closed, the blade sits concealed between the handles. A flick of the wrist swings both handles apart, exposing and locking the blade in the open position.
The butterfly knife originated in the Philippines and has been a staple of knife culture for over a century. Today balisongs serve double duty: functional cutting tools and a platform for an entire subculture of flipping tricks and manipulation skills.
Trainer vs. Live Blade: Where to Start
If you have never handled a balisong before, start with a butterfly knife trainer. Trainers have a blunt, unsharpened blade that lets you practice opening, closing, and flipping without cutting yourself.
Once you can open and close a trainer smoothly without looking, you are ready for a live blade. The weight and balance of a good trainer should closely match its live counterpart so the transition feels natural.
Our trainer collection includes options from entry-level to competition-weight builds.
Anatomy of a Butterfly Knife
Understanding the parts helps you shop smarter:
- Bite handle — The handle that closes against the sharp edge of the blade. This is the one that cuts you if you grab it wrong.
- Safe handle — The handle that closes against the spine (dull side) of the blade. Learning which is which is the first rule of balisong handling.
- Tang pins — Pins at the base of the blade that stop the handles from over-rotating. They control how far the handles swing.
- Latch — The clasp that locks the handles together when closed. Some flippers remove the latch for smoother manipulation.
- Pivot pins — The pins the handles rotate on. Smooth pivots with minimal play are the mark of a quality balisong.
What to Look for in a Butterfly Knife
The difference between a satisfying balisong and a frustrating one comes down to a few factors:
- Weight and balance — A well-balanced balisong flips smoothly. Handle-heavy knives feel sluggish. Blade-heavy knives are harder to control. Look for neutral or slightly handle-biased balance.
- Pivot smoothness — Handles should swing freely without grinding, wobbling, or sticking. Bushings or bearings in the pivots indicate better build quality.
- Handle material — Stainless steel and aluminum are the most common. Steel is heavier and more durable. Aluminum is lighter and better for flipping. G10 scales add grip without much weight.
- Blade steel — 440C and D2 are solid mid-range choices. For a first live blade, do not overthink steel — focus on balance and pivot quality instead.
Shop our full butterfly knife selection for options ranging from budget daily carriers to premium flippers.
Are Butterfly Knives Legal?
Butterfly knife laws vary significantly by state. Some states treat them like any other folding knife. Others classify them alongside switchblades and restrict or ban them entirely. A few states allow ownership but prohibit concealed carry.
Before purchasing, check your state and local laws. Many states that restrict live balisongs still allow trainers, which makes them a great entry point regardless of where you live.
Getting Started with Flipping
Balisong flipping is a skill that rewards patience. Start with these three foundational moves:
- Basic open — A single flip that swings the safe handle away, exposing the blade
- Basic close — Reversing the motion to fold the blade back between the handles
- Fan — A continuous spinning motion that looks impressive and builds handle control
Practice with a trainer until these feel automatic.
For trainer picks and a stage-by-stage progression, see Butterfly Knives For Sale.
From there, the trick library is endless.