butterfly knife

A butterfly knife, also known as a balisong, is a multipurpose tool just like a fixed blade, or a pocket knife functioning with a spring mechanism. It is a collapsing folding knife with two joined handles that turn from around the joint in a way to cover the sharpened steel in the inside area when the knife is covered.

It is made in the Batangas region of the Philippines due to which it is also famous as the Batangas blade.

However, a butterfly knife is one of the useful tools to opt for. Considered as a knife that a user can hide, this knife functions efficiently, provided it is known how to use a balisong knife like a professional.

Mechanism of A Butterfly Knife:

Before knowing how to use a butterfly knife, it is rational and useful to know its mechanism and different parts or components. Following are its different parts:

  • Bite Handle:

It refers to a grip that ends on the sharpened steel’s sharp edge.

  • Sharpened Steel:

It is the steel part running until the blade’s inner side is covered by the two handles when closed. One of the blade sides is sharp due to which it carries the main risk of cutting you, while the other has no such risk.

  • Choil:

It is a dull part of the cutting edge accessible above the kicker or kicks due to which it is easier to file the sharpened steel.

  • Kicker:

It is the range on the sharp edge that prevents the second end from coming into contact within the handle. This is now replaced by an extra relish stick.

  • Lock:

It is the standard system for protection that is responsible for holding the concealed blade. It usually contains magnets.

  • Lock Batangas:

It is a lock linked to the fragment handle.

  • Lock Manila:

It is a lock connected to the safe handle.

  • Safe Handle:

It is a handle that closes on the non-sharpened blade edge and has no lock.

  • Lock, Spring:

It is a lock with a spring mechanism that moves forward the hook while the handles are concealed.

  • Lock Entryway:

It is a square within the handles for keeping the hook from controlling the sharp edge.

  • Turn Joint:

It usually refers to a pin at which the handle, blade, or relish gathering tends to turn.

  • Swedge:

It is the sharpened steel’s dull spine. Some models are sharpened in this part or on both sides to give a more usual appearance or a wavy look.

  • Tang:

It is the sharpened steel base where turn pin/s help in gathering the handles of butterfly knife tips.

  • Tang Pin(s):

It is the pin or set of pins that are accountable for grasping the sharpened steel away from the handle while closed to avert dulling. In some models, it also holds another stick to avert the handles from blasting while controlling the knife.

How to Play Basic Butterfly Knife Tricks?

Its use can be dangerous, which is obvious if you go through its historical record. But on the other hand, balisong knives are also popular for some other uses. Flipping the knife is a fun activity and trick that can improve your hand-eye coordination. You should use a fake knife for training purposes as the blade is not very sharp.

If you want to learn how to use a balisong knife, and play basic butterfly knife tricks follow the steps given below:

Step 1: Flip It Back on Your Knuckles

Firstly, make sure that the knife is closed. Then hold the knife from the harmless side. If the knife is open, take help from someone who knows how to close it properly.


The knife has two sides, one is dull while the other is sharp. Therefore, always keep your fingers protected from the sharp one. Determine in which direction the sharp side of the knife would get closed.

The knife will slide into the groove given inside the handles. You have to hold the handle which has the dull side of the blade.

Step 2: Keep the Blade at 180 degrees Around Your Fingers

Hold the knife directly out in front of you positioning forward. The next step is to flick your wrist back. The flick of your wrist should be alike to the reverse movement of casting a fishing line.

When you flip your wrist back, the knife will open and the grip of the dangerous side will hit you between your thumb and your forefinger. Just keep your hand in the same position.

Step 3: Flip It Back on Your Knuckles

Now, you have to flick your wrist downward so that the knife gets closed again. The knife should be a similar position to where you started from.

Must Read : Essential Guide to the best Balisong Butterfly Trainer!


Step 4: Flip It Up Again

Now, flip the knife up again. The last time you flipped the knife up the handle strike you on the thumb and forefinger. Flip the knife up in the correct same way but open your thumb and move it to the side this time. 

This will allow the handle of the sharp side to spank into the handle that you are holding, engaging the knife. Once you have done flipping the knife up into place, close your thumb over both handles.


Butterfly Knife Trainer For Practice

Before you start practicing butterfly knife tricks, you should know that balisong knife is not the safest knives to use in this regard. As a beginner or learner, you are vulnerable to injuries. To ensure your safety, better use a safe version of this knife, known as a butterfly knife trainer. 

This balisong trainer has a blunt blade or an unsharpened blade which poses no threat of injuries. You can comfortably practice your tricks on this practice butterfly knife without worrying about injuries. It looks exactly like a real knife and even the mechanism is the same! 

Conclusion:

The steps to how to use a butterfly knife are easy, provided you select a less sharp blade. It is also sensible to practice these steps in someone’s supervision if you are inexperienced.

So, if you are concerned about having a balisong, start looking at our exclusive collection available at our site and make a quality purchase of your choice! Better get a balisong trainer and practice using knife on this safe version.