Balisongs, or butterfly knives, are the ultimate fusion of steel and fun. While they can be used for normal knife use, they're mainly used in flipping. Whether you're a seasoned flipper or you’re looking for your first butterfly knife, we have a huge selection of trainers, beginner blades, and competition-worthy flippers.
Butterfly knives are interesting because nobody really knows the real origin. There are two sides to the story as to where they originated: France and the Philippines.
Philippine folklore states that the butterfly knife originated there back around 800 AD. There's no question balisong knives play a role in the Philippines today, as you can find them custom made in markets and other places, but is the origin just a story passed down from generation to generation? Many French proponents say yes.
It has been claimed that the balisong originated in France between 1500 and 1700. There are vintage pictures of a “Pied Du Roi,” which means “foot of the king” and was a measuring device that resembles butterfly knives today. There are also collectible balisongs that are from Germany and the UK from over a decade ago.
With no real proof of the origin, it's up to you to pick your side!
Butterfly knives are all about smooth action, durable build quality, and amazing fit and finish. Those three things are a recipe for smooth flipping and tons of fun. Check out our video above to see some of the most popular balisongs in the industry today.
If you’re brand new to the game or want to dive deeper into the butterfly/balisong knives, check out our Butterfly Knife Buyers’ Guide
Butterfly knives are a class of knives that will be completely legal in one area of the country and outlawed in another area. Like automatic knives, butterfly knives have gotten a bad rap in the past for being more dangerous than regular pocket knives. Even though balisongs are mostly used for flipping today, be sure to check your local laws to see if you can own one.
