Best Butterfly Knives
Written by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 04/28/2020
The Balisong (or Butterfly Knife) has a rich history with its origins beginning in the Philippines nearly 1200 years ago. Over time the knife’s popularity and use has evolved from self-defense to hobby and performance. Whether you’re an experienced flipper or someone looking to try a new knife hobby there’s bound to be a Balisong for you. Check out this article to see our Top 9 Butterfly Knives, a breakdown of Best Balisongs by price, and How to Choose A Butterfly Knife.
Top 9 Butterfly Knives
Below you'll find a compilation of our Top 9 Butterfly Knives. We break down what they're made of, how they perform and why we think they're great. You'll also find a review from one of our beloved customers at the end of each knife synopsis to give you an idea of what the people think of each knife.
1. Benchmade Morpho 51
This blade is class from tip to tail. The D2 tool steel blade has a stonewash finish and a modified spear-point shape. The handles are skeletonized, made of a vibrant G-10 with blasted liners, and features a patented spring-latch locking mechanism. The handle also has finger contours for better grip, and a 6AL4V titanium tip-up pocket clip for easy carry. Despite an overall length of 9.25 inches, this beautifully crafted knife weighs just over 3 ounces, so it's easy to carry and effortless to use. Check out our Benchmade 51 Review for more info on this great Benchmade balisong!
- Blade: 9.25” D2 Spear Point
- Handle Material: G-10 Scales with Titanium Frame
- Weight: 3.48 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Damian S. says...
"This is my very first Benchmade model balisong, everything before this have been cheapo knives from my local army surplus, however i have handled high value balisongs before. This is by far my number 1 favorite and the highest quality I've ever handled, it's very light, well balanced, perfect texture on the handle for my liking, durable, blade is very sharp, flips perfectly for me."
2. Boker Balisong Trainer
The Boker Plus Balisong Trainer offers a dull training blade for practicing the more difficult bali tricks. Stainless steel liners provide nice weight and the red G-10 improves grip while adding a dramatic style. Further your flipping skills while saving money on band-aids with the Boker Plus Balisong Trainer.
- Blade: 4.00" Stainless-steel Dull Trainer
- Handle Material: G-10
- Weight: 4.92 oz.
- Country of Origin: China
Jeffrey E. says...
"I'm usually far too lazy to write reviews, but it would be an injustice not to do so in this case. Boker has done an outstanding job on producing a very high quality trainer, and for a very fair price. If you haven't bought a trainer yet, don't waste your money on the $15 junk, because you'll just keep replacing them. I can't imagine anyone not being extremely satisfied with this great trainer. I'm gonna order a second one, just because."
3. Kershaw Lucha
Kershaw is known for its fast and smooth operating folders, but for the first time ever, they have taken all they know about knives and applied that knowledge to a balisong. Introducing the Lucha! It features stainless steel handles with internal stop pins and a latch lock, and a Sandvik 14C28N blade. The pivots run on KVT ball bearings for lightning fast flipping and buttery smooth movement.
- Blade: 4.60" 14C28N Clip Point
- Handle Material: Stainless-steel
- Weight: 5.90 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Tom C. says...
"This is a quality Balisong, for the money. I've had it a week and can't put it down. I own the Benchmade 67 and the BRS Alpha Beast, these are quality products buy very expensive, Kershaw has made it possible to own a quality balisong at an affordable price. The Lucha is a Home Run!"
4. HOM Chimera Balisong
Jerry Hom has established himself as the premier balisong maker with his high-performance HOM Design butterfly knives. The Chimera takes this reputation to the next level with a host of new innovative features, including the brand new retractable latch! We love the looks and smooth action of the HOM Chimera. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or a newbie, the Chimera is worth every penny. Get yours today!
- Blade: 4.375" CPM-S35VN Clip Point
- Handle Material: Titanium and G-10
- Weight: 4.96 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Gregory S. says...
"This was my first, but not my last, HOM design bali. It looks even better in person and is incredibly smooth to flip. Be aware, it's wicked sharp."
5. HOM Basilisk
The Basilisk has a long, storied history within the balisong community, and it is finally getting a much-deserved reboot in the Basilisk-R. The Basilisk-R features gray/black G10 handle scales with skeletonized titanium liners. It has a bowie style blade with a recurved edge and a bead blasted finish. Titanium liners and handle jimping add to the appeal of the design. Includes a titanium latch pin and stainless-steel spacers.
- Blade: 4.625" 154CM Clip Point
- Handle Material: Titanium
- Weight: 5.27 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Frank D. says…
"Zero handle play. Flawless fit and finish. Tolerances are perfect. Blade is ground beautifully and sharp as hell. Screws are all flush and loctited. Machining is flawless and perfectly symmetrical. The satin finishing on both the blade and handles are nearly mirrored and look and feel fantastic."
6. Bradley Kimura Butterfly Knife
Bradley Kimura butterfly knives made a comeback at Blade Show 2018! This model has black G-10 scales and a 154CM stainless steel spear point blade. The latch is reversible so you can adjust the knife to your flipping preference. It can be taken apart with a few torx bits for easy maintenance.
- Blade: 3.88" 154CM Spear Point
- Handle Material: G-10
- Weight: 5.98 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Caden K. says...
"This was my first live blade balisong so I went cheap(er). I would definitely say it is a good bali. A little heavy compared to others but if you don’t mind removing the G10s it fixes that small issue. The blade itself is pretty durable (and stays sharp!) I use it to cut simple things. It does loosen so you should definitely loctite it. Other than that, you definitely get what you pay for."
7. Squid Industries Krake Raken
The highly anticipated Krake Raken balisong butterfly knife offers the first live blade bali from Squid Industries. It features all the precision engineered smoothness of a Squid trainer, updated with a beautifully finished tanto blade. The channel constructed aluminum handles are built with rounded edges, a crowned spine, and bushings. The Krake Raken has been upgraded from 6061 to a 7075 aluminum alloy, which boast a higher strength and is more durable to drops and use.
- Blade: 4.50" AEB-L Tanto
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Weight: 4.50 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
James A. says...
"The fit and build quality on this thing is quite good, very good in fact. The action is smooth and the overall design feels neutral and balanced. And, it is remarkably quiet--surprisingly so. I was a bit skeptical at the price-tag for such a new "trainer" company in a world already overcrowded with new knife makers, but these guys have it figured out. No gimmick, just a very "playable" knife that wants to be handled and can be pushed while also being forgiving. I also love the simple and straight blade geometry."
8. BRS Channel Alpha Beast
The Alpha Beast is not only the flagship model for BRS, but possibly the front runner for the balisong flipper community. This Channel Alpha Beast (or CHAB) features single-piece channel titanium handles with robust pivots tuned for easy manipulation. It comes equipped with a stonewashed 154CM clip point blade with dual tang pins and a crowned spine. Check out our Best BRS Knives article for more info on this great brand.
- Blade: 4.50" 154CM Clip Point
- Handle Material: Titanium
- Weight: 5.12 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Michael L. says...
"As you would expect from BRS, this is one of the best production butterfly knives made. Ti channel just feels amazing. Bushings were tuned perfectly, no play or tap whatsoever."
9. BRS Replicant
The BRS Replicant is designed by and for flippers, and it is as devout to the sport as you are. Featuring titanium liners with lightly textured carbon fiber scales for better grip. The recognizable Scorpion Tip Tanto blade rounds out the knife, making the Replicant a truly refined tool. Don't confuse the Replicant with other run-of the-mill balisongs on the market. Much like its predecessor the Alpha Beast, the Replicant has been bioengineered for superior agility, dynamics and performance.
- Blade: 4.50" 154CM Clip Point
- Handle Material: Carbon Fiber
- Weight: 4.72 oz.
- Country of Origin: USA
Matthew B. says...
"This knife really sings to me. It swings and pivots in the hand with ease, almost as though its begging to be flipped. The balance on this knife lends itself to tricks seamlessly and leaves you craving that "just five more minutes of practice" any time you have to put it down."
Conclusion
Butterfly knives are a fun addition to any collection. The Balisongs of today feature better construction, higher-end materials and smoother actions than the butterfly knives of old. Depending on your budget limitations, there are tons of great options so you can learn to flip and grow your skills. Check out the rest of this article to see more balisongs at different price points and to learn how to choose a butterfly knife.
While these are our top Butterfly Knife recommendations, Blade HQ has got way more knives than the ones featured here. Leave a review of your favorite and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for all your future knife updates.
Learn More
In this video we had the chance to talk Butterfly Knives with Lucas Cao from Squid Industries. Check it out to learn more about which Butterfly Knife to buy.
If you're on the fence about a Butterfly knife read on to see more knife comparisons and a breakdown of some of our favorite Butterfly knives by price point!
Best Butterfly Knives By Price
So you want to buy a butterfly knife, but you are either on a budget or don't know where to start looking given how many butterfly knives are out there. No need to stress! This list breaks down some of our favorite butterfly knives and categorizes them by price. Check it out!
Best Butterfly Knives Under $100
Spyderco Baliyo
A different spin on the butterfly trainer. Not only can you practice flipping with them, but you can write with them as well. Wicked. Buy it here
Boker Magnum Balisong Trainer
This affordable balisong trainer has solid build quality and the right weight for learning how to flip. The Boker Magnum Trainer is built to take a beating and withstand frequent drops. Buy it here
Bear & Son 114
The Bear & Son 114 series are great budget knives for anybody looking to get into flipping or just want to own a great practice balisong. Due to their pin construction, these knives are known for their sturdy build and great price. Buy it here
Boker Plus Balisong Trainer
This is one awesome balisong trainer for the money. It has great weight and feel making it perfect for learning new tricks. This trainer can be tuned to your liking thanks to its torx bolt pivots. Buy it here
Squid Industries Squiddy
If you’re after a new trainer or something to flip anywhere you go, the Squid Industries Squiddy is just for you! Its CPVC construction and buttery smooth bronze washers give it the durability and performance you need to become a flipping master. Buy it here
Bradley Kimura Butterfly Knife
This sweet butterfly knife has unique looks and great flipping action. It has a reversible latch and is easy to maintain. Buy it here
Best Butterfly Knives $100 - $200
Squid Industries Triton Trainer
Squid Industries has created a butterfly trainer that is quickly taking the balisong community by storm. Its well-balanced design, solid build, and smooth flipping action make this a must-have for any bali fan. Buy it here
Glidr Original 2 Trainer
As the name suggests, these trainers feel so good it's like the handles are gliding on nothing but air. Each Original 2 Carbon series trainer features channel construction aluminum handles, bronze washers, and a trainer blade with signature cut outs. Buy it here
Bear OPS VIII
With the use of ball bearings, the Bear Song VIII has managed to obtain flawless, smooth motion while eliminating blade-play completely. This amazing budget balisong is great for learning to flip and competing at events alike. Buy it here
Kershaw Lucha
Kershaw’s first ever balisong follows their tradition of producing fast and smooth operating knives. The Lucha’s stainless steel construction and KVT pivot bearings give it that sweet smooth flipping feel. Buy it here
Best Butterfly Knives $200 - $300
EOS Serpent
This high-end balisong is incredibly smooth and ready for flipping. Its titanium construction and premium materials make it lightweight yet durable. If you’re looking for a reliable flipper, try the EOS Serpent. Buy it here
Benchmade 51
The Benchmade 51 can be argued to be the best butterfly knife for EDC. Many flippers love it for the smooth pivot and amazing build quality. The Benchmade 51 has many variations and upgrades, which is part of why it’s so popular. Want all the 51 in a smaller package? No problem: Benchmade 32. Also, Flytanium offers many upgrades for the Benchmade 51 and other popular knives. Buy it here
BRS Barebones
The BladeRunners Systems Barebones is a highly praised balisong knife by those that love flipping. The flipping action is silky smooth and the fit and finish is simply outstanding. Screw construction allows easy adjustments. Truth is, you can’t go wrong with any BRS product. Buy it here
BRS Replicant
In comes another quality balisong from BRS. The replicant rocks either carbon fiber (pictured) or G-10 handles. Combine those with super smooth flipping and you’ve got an incredible butterfly knife. Buy it here
Squid Industries Krake Raken
The highly anticipated Krake Raken balisong butterfly knife offers the first live blade bali from Squid Industries. It features the precision engineered smoothness of a Squid trainer with a beautifully finished tanto blade and channel constructed aluminum handles. Buy it here
Best Butterfly Knives $300 - $400
HOM Chimera
What sets this beautiful balisong apart from the rest of the pack is its unique retractable latch and super-premium construction. It features titanium handles and a wicked CPM-S35VN blade. Buy it here
Hinderer Nieves
Built on a skeletonized titanium chassis, the Hinderer Nieves is an ultra-premium balisong built for precision and style. Bushings and bronze washers give this flipper a silky smooth feel while a CPM-S35VN blade gives this knife great durability and corrosion resistance. Buy it here
BRS Alpha Beast 3.0
With a name like that, how can you resist? The BRS Alpha Beast was made by flippers, for flippers, and quickly rose to the premium category of butterfly knives. The titanium handles ensure that it is both strong and lightweight. Buy it here
Best Butterfly Knives $400+
BRS Premium Channel Alpha Beast
The BRS Channel Alpha Beast is one of the best butterfly knives money can buy. It’s made of all the right stuff, has the right looks and performs well beyond the capabilities of other balisongs. This knife is sure to command attention and bring a smile to your face. Buy it here
HOM Basilisk
The HOM Basilisk is one attractive balisong. They are produced by HOM Design with incredible attention to detail. Seriously, flip one of these you’ll be hooked. Both the carbon fiber and G-10 models come in different colors and feature the unique curved blade. Buy it here
Benchmade 87
The Benchmade 87 is truly a work of art. It sports a unique CPM-S30V wharncliffe blade and titanium handles. It also has thrust bearing washers that ensure smooth flip after smooth flip. If you’re in the market, this is one of the best butterfly knives you can buy. Buy it here
Benchmade 62
Benchmade is back at it again with the Benchmade 62. Choose from a variety of blade shapes. The round, skeletonized handles offer a look and feel that is hard to match and the flipping is incredibly smooth. Screw construction for easy adjusting. Buy it here
Other Best Knife Guides
Still in that information gathering phase? We've got a whole bunch more lists of all the Best Knives! Check out our Best Butterfly Trainers article or browse a variety of other knife topics below.
*Customer reviews may be condensed for clarity and edited for grammatical errors. You know we have to make our high school English teacher proud. Check product listings for current pricing.