In Britain, if a knife is just too cool, or has any kind of gimmick, it’s banned. That’s literally the criteria if you look at all the banned knives. Meanwhile, all knife crime is done with kitchen knives…..
Yeah but at least you don’t live in a country that has no problem banning silly novelty knives and “dangerous” martial arts weapons like nunchucks but won’t put a law in place to make a background check a requirement to buy a gun nationwide
As I understand the reason it was banned in Norway was because teens carried them to tricks with. An fidget spinner who was amusing for other then you cut yourself. But as teens was carrying them and tend to get into fights some used them in the fights. I say they are an better design than the folding knife and pretty perfect for an fishing knife.
I had a friend who was fooling around with a married woman. As he got on his motorcycle, the husband slipped a long kitchen knife into him via the armpit. The knife cut into his heart and he died right there. Kitchen knives kill.
The logic is speed vs ease of concealment. You can conceal folding knives of larger size all over your body, but it is much more difficult to conceal fixed blades of similar length. However, this is all moot because the criminals will just modify their fashion choices to conceal whatever weapon they are wishing to carry. If someone wants to conceal a full length rifle while walking down the street, all they would have to do is wear a full length coat such as a trench coat or cold weather outer suit jacket.
Im a Filipino born and raised in the province that made the balisong. One commenter said this knife was supposed to be used in one motion with the opening trick but there was also another purpose for balisongs: Shaving. Filipinos, and more particularly Batangueños, used to use these to groom themselves. My own grandfather even shaved his face with it when he was young.
If these are banned where you live it’s due to a comedic paradox… some idiots are fascinated by a gimmick so their fellow idiots ban the gimmick because they’re all to stupid to recognize a gimmick when they see one.
A lot of Filipinos carry for protection and don't practice the flashy tricks so much. Most are concerned on how fast they can draw their balisong and make precision cuts across the eyes, almost like samurai quickdraws with swords.
The thing about them being a toy more than a knife is excactly why they where banned.. and why they should be banned. 14/15 year olds. or any age for that matter, who carry a toy is more likely to turn it into a weapon when preasured. we dont need weapons on the streets. especially not in the hands of people who see them as toys
I'm Filipino and I've had a balisong since 12 years old and have been collecting them ever since. Even in my country, these knives are usually seen more as weapons than tools, with some security guards and traffic enforcers who cannot carry guns carrying the traditional 29 cm "bentenueve" variants of these for defense. In my opinion, I love that the butterfly knife doesn't have any complex mechanism that will break over years of use, and if something does break, it can be easily fixed. I've been to barrio balisong (barrio roughly translates to town) and I bought my latest bentenueve's there for less than USD 10. All I can say is this. If I had to choose a folding knife to carry with me to the ends of the earth, the balisong would be it. EDIT: I remember a quality test knifesmiths do to their balisongs is stabbing a US quarter-sized coin and hopefully punching through it. I haven't done it with mine, but I have used it to open a can and not even a scratch.
I visited the Philippines a few times back in the 1980s and purchased my first Balisong while there. I was addicted to it from the start and started acquiring more when I could find them for sale.
It's the folding knife technology available to us here in the Philippines, and though it is often rumored as weapon, in all reality, it is normally used as an everyday utility knife...the fidgeting thing is just a fancying thing. There's not the slight difference between my Blur or RAT1 knives.
@@waltertan2300now that makes sense to me. The idea of this thing being used as a weapon is about as silly as calling a Victorinox multitool a "Swiss Army Knife". In reality this tool is much like the knife I carry. A knife style called a Dirk. It comes from my ancestors, Nordic people, who ground the blades with a long flat bevel. This made for incredibly sharp knives. Thanks to video games it's now seen as a weapon but in reality it was just a tool used for things like cutting rope lines and filleting fish or game. If a Nordic person wanted to kil, you they would go for a bow, sword, spear or axe. Tools specifically designed to kill. I always assumed the same thing applied to the Balisong. It's just an incredibly handy every day use knife. Sure it can be used as a weapon but so can an ink pen or pair of scissors.
I think the original intention of the balisong was concealment. People then practice taking it out , flipping it and striking in one continuous motion. It has lost its purpose now where people draw it out and do a circus show.
The original intent of the balisong was a shaving and utility knife. High quality steel was expensive there, so you could only use a little of it on the highest quality blade you can. So if you needed something sharp, durable, and convenient and you only have a little good steel, you end up with something like a balisong.
In UK it's Flick knives, butterfly knives and Zombie knives that are totally illegal, you're caught with one and you are going down, and we are talking years not months!
Here in the U.K butterfly knives are also banned because they're dangerous , but then our politicians also banned green coloured "ZOMBIE" knives, because being green with "zombie killer" written on the blade made them MORE dangerous and more intimidating.
Are these the same U.K. politicians whom Alledgedly abused boarding school boys but were never brought to justice cause of their titles and political clout?
Hawaii’s Butterfly knife ban just got over turned by the US 9th Circuit Court of appeals (1 step lower from the Supreme Court) on grounds of the second amendment (the right to keep and bear arms)… If that legal case gets appealed by Hawaii, it could go to the Supreme Court and similar bans could be struck down nation wide…
I bought a butterfly knife when I was 15. Practiced with it for a while and was pretty good with it. No cuts, no stitches, no ER visits. They aren't complicated. Simple and dependable.
When I was a kid we were told that these were banned because of how fast you could get the knife out but that is silly. I can flip out my favorite folding pocket knife one handed in a fraction of a second and I don’t even need to risk cutting myself doing a silly trick
Watching this video made me pull out my daily carry balisong and start flipping it. I bought my first one a few years back and it's since become my daily utility knife/fidget spinner. I keep a near razor edge on it and keep it on my belt at all times. I love these blades.
i carry a bali with me every day, because i love them. but i also carry a fixed for self defense bc as much as i love my balis, the lack of a hilt is a dealbreaker for hard stress use.
You can buy a practice Butterfly knife that’s just like a real one except it has a false or dull edge. You can also tape the blade portion to practice.
Mostly good video, though you're off on a few things. One that jumped out at me was claiming butterfly knives are fragile and break easy or something. The reality is that quality balisongs are some of *the* strongest and most durable folding knives around. And the Bali design is easily one of, if not *the* strongest folding knife locking mechanism.
I read this book about the early Chicano experience, & it said something about the Balisong being first common among Filipino & Asian gangs, eventually becoming very sought after by Chicano gangs.
The reason why balisongs aren't good as weapons is because they're not meant to be. They're meant to function as utility knives/hobbyist knives, not for weapons. hence its stupid that they're banned.
2:35 I'm not sure how well known this is, but that was a real butterfly knife in that scene. The prop team forgot to switch it, so the guy acting as the russian got stabbed for real.
I've always managed to keep one in working order, just for the fun of twirling it around. The problem is that it's easier to find a sharp blade than it is to find a trainer.
I had one of these at 10 years old and found it was easy to use, fun, and never hurt myself. Wouldn't be me choice of weapon in warfare but it's a fine option for playing around.
I carried a butterfly knife when I was 17, travelling through Europe. I had no idea if it was legal in most of the countries, and also just didn't care. It had a good 3.75" blade (about 9.5 cm) and I actually bought it to be a general-purpose tool. And the tool function it did, quite well. Also noone harassed me in the Central Europe, I can't tell any details because I was way too drunk most of the time. But I didn't kill anyone.
Love my butterflies. I edc one as a neck knife in a kydex scabbard. One thing i really like about them is their strength at the pivot. Instead of a single pivot (weaker design) it makes a strong triangle which when locked is far stronger than your basic slipjoint or frame lock. It's other advantage is one handed deployment which comes in very handy as a work knife when your other hand is occupied, like when fishing for example. I keep mine razor sharp and use it daily.
Balisong is my combat knife of choice, but it also important to have a field knife that can serve multiple purposes. I can get my balisong blade put faster that a out the front knife if I wanted to. The CS Go style has to be my favorite.
I had a few major self afflicted cuts when I first started learning to use a butterfly knife. I carried one for around 10 years. Once I became licensed to carry concealed weapons, in addition to my handgun, I started carrying an automatic knife (the so-called switchblade).
Same had one when i was a kid now its z Glock 26 an a Swiss army knife. Id prefer an extra mag for my glock then a BF knife? Just my 2 cents but pull a BF knife on me an you will be getting shot.. solve most of my disputes with a good Ol game of Glock-Paper- Scissors
@@gulf-foxtrot-yankee5600 I have carried a handgun for 35 years, along with an automatic knife, spare magazine and flashlight. I carried a butterfly knife for the ability to open it one handed, like when holding a gun in the other. Once quality auto opening knives became available, I switched to one of them. When pulling a weapon on someone, it is generally my handgun, not my knife. I have found it is better to resolve disputes without resorting to a Glock or any other weapon. Although the Glock-paper-scissors phrase is a cute cliche.
@@AbbyNormL you had me at opening the knife with one hand cause your gun is in the other Lol yeah though i walk away every time my first an main defense i use an always will use is my feet!! I am not walking away because I have to i walk away because i choose to an my glock an spare mag gives me that ability.. but I was just itching to use that Glock Paper Scissors line(: now that being said an i don't have an ego an am a quiet non confrontational person but if im with my son or my wife or see a stranger that doesn't have the ability to defend themselves in a threatening situation then that will be a different story? I don't know I feel as doing the right thing every time gives me the ability to to defend myself or others if that time ever truly shows its shelf.. but you can believe me!! I'm going to look them straight in face and say..... How about we all settle this with a good ol game of Gock-Paper-Scissors!! An Drawing!!(:
A balisong is one of the early forms of a one handed deployment pocket knife and was very useful when working in markets and fields etc when you didn't want to set down what you were holding. It also doubles as its own sheath. I own and flip a lot of baliongs but would not choose one in a knife fight. Who the heck gets in a knife fight , give me some pepper spray.
The Philippines where the original birthplace of the balisong knife. Other items had been made that resembled the balisong (I remember seeing a really old painters knife which opened the same way as a butterfly knife yet was not used for defence or as a weapon it was for painting. Then there was a object used for measuring in Europe and this design was used for other purposes in other parts of the world. But the Philippines originated the two handled defence blade and where the first to produce and distribute this item as a weapon all other sources did not use this dedsign as a weapon because it was very lightweight and cumbersome for most people who used it. But around 1750 new forms of laws where being placed and the need for swords and common carry weapons was becoming obsolete so new smaller forms of weapons that where less primitive and more refined. The Philippines did not invent the two handle swivel/pivot bladed knife but they where the first to employ it into a set of fighting. These knifes where made with semi-channeled handles in which thin steel was bent having two deep sides and a well that the blade would fit into as the sides incased half the blade each coming together to form the handle as it is unfolded. The Philippines began to utilize the balisong because in about the early nineteen hundreds they where the first to have rouge gangs which used straight razors held in very sturdy ways and in back grip so the could grab your shoulder and slice you from “groin to gullet” expelling your intestines. But these gangs either unscrewed the screw on the razor or just twisted it a bit to loosen the handle so it could be opened In a flash and brought upward in a slashing movement and your bowels would be released from your body. The karambit was common place in these areas so the straight razor was an adaptation to the art of karambit among those who could not obtain a karambit so the straight razor was used because it was a very poor country and straight razors where commonplace. Then the straight razor became notorious among gangs known for deboweling their victims and it became a weapon which was feared and marvelled at the same time. So the straight razor had restrictions on the carrying of them for no reason and the balisong was referred to and they began to make hollow handled homemade balisong knifes and where opened with a twist and a flick and pulled back while opening and thrusted forward upon its deployment so opening then stabbing where done all in one motion. The idea of the balisong was the constant motion giving the user an upper advantage as it will keep your opponent at bay because there is constant motion of the knife so this will cause hesitation in a opponent. Then it became synonymous with the straight razor and they where used for intimidation and they would (rogue gangs that is) spin and open them causing a metal clanking sound that frightened people as they walked along and this gave them much power and force so the knife became known for its gang affiliation and deadly offensive style of use and quick action.
A good assessment of the Butterfly knife. I have been a fan since I was a kid. Also sometimes called The Manila Folder. It cant be deployed nearly as fast as a switchblade. But there is also an intimidation and distraction factor. And a master can open and close it in hand to hand combat with blade up or down. Top of fist or bottom of fist. While still maintaining a grip on the knife. Its like nun-chucks with a spicy end.
My brothers and I bought our first Balisong sin the 1980's at an Oklahoma Flea Market, which was the same place we bought throwing stars, nunchucks, slap-jacks, brass knuckles, and all sorts of wonderful toys for pre-teen - teen boys. We just had a great time olaying with and attempting to master their uses. Our legal insight into how to prevent criminals from obtaining weapons in the US never ceases to amaze me in it's less than intelligent approach. excluding the risk of being cut accidentally, I'd be equally worried about an, auto or assisted opening folder opposed to someone with a short fixed blade fighting knife or large kitchen knife.
In the Philippines, if you get into a fight and your opponent carries a Balisong and flips it to open, he is just trying to intimidate you. If he opens it using both hands and locks it, he means business and will hot hesitate to use it on you.
And if you live around serious people they carry a fixed blade and dream that all their attackers are dumb enough to be fascinated by and use gimmicks… and using both hands to open said gimmick… chef’s kiss of idiocy… literal wet dream… if someone attacks me I pray to god they’re one of these extraordinary idiots that uses their gimmick with 2 hands.
Well in a number of states... (But not all) that went to "constitutional carry" law found (all or any combination) of: * the Balisongs * gravity knives * switchblades * spring stilettos *assisted opening knives * boot knives / daggers Had their legal status changed back, once again. Some states even lifted legal infringements from the popular Shurikens & Shurikans. (throwing stars & spikes) As they are by definition bearable arms that one(s) can utilize for protection. Keep in mind, just like an untrained gunman / gunwoman (police, citizen, soldier, whatever), you miss your target & hit innocent, you could & most likely will be held criminally responsible.
In a sense, fists and hands are technically illegal in some areas of the United States through duty to retreat laws that state In law, the duty to retreat, or requirement of safe retreat, is a legal requirement in some jurisdictions that a threatened person cannot harm another in self-defense (especially lethal force) instead is requied by law to retreat to a place of safety.
Thank you!!!? Perfect video about this! I tell people at work often, that unless you are a knife god, this is a toy that will hurt you. If I have a customer seeking a knife for self defense, I guide them to four or five inch fixed blades right away.
Not sure where you get your information! But, they are not banned. There are plenty of online retailers that ship them right to your door. Also, in my state there are stores that still have them in stock and sell them regularly!
Believe it or not they are frowned upon in Tennessee. Even though every other knife ever made is okay as of 2014. Switchblades OTF you name it swords any type of knife is legal in Tennessee except the dreaded butterfly. It is so weird man
Are there swiss army knife balisongs? It'd be nice to be able to flick out exactly which tool I need in a quick motion. I mainly use my swiss army knife to open beer bottles, wine bottles & tighten loose screws.
Cut my self on a thanksgiving night tryna do an arial trick I’ve done many times before. I ended up stabbing my palm, doc said I’d have nerve damage for 6-12 months… its been 5 years now lol still have nerve damage.
Definitely a weapon that is more stylish than practical. The intimidation factor is high when in the hands of a skilled user though. No doubt about it. I feel like there are much more useful alternatives that get the job done as good if not better.
Balisong flipping is for show, if the intention of the wielder is to kill, usually it is opened with both hands and it is then locked after deployment.
@@toddlenard7602There are no OTFs that are that powerful. At least not the double action ones which derail when they hit something. The single action ones may be only a little bit more powerful, but they still stop if there’s an obstruction and continue opening once the obstruction is removed. You might be thinking of the old Russian Spetnaz ballistic knife where you pull a pin, press a button and the blade is propelled through the air as a projectile.
These knives remind me of the game where you place one hand on the table and see how quickly you can stab between the fingers. Definitely shows skill and bravery but to no purpose and at great risk. Now I want to try it. I'm thinking about buying a cheap one and grinding the edge off. Maybe a bead of silicone or rtv gasket goo would create a protective shield on the edge that could be removed later to make it usable again. Glue a straw or small hose split lengthwise over the edge. Practice underwater.
For me, this knife is great for edc as it's SAFE when sheathed, has a low profile and has low risk of falling out of a sheath and cutting you while on the move. It's not for bushcraft though.
"... the logic in the USA never fails to surprise us. With that approach they could even ban breathing air and using fists since criminals do that too." You nailed it, mate.
I have one, it's not high quality, but it works. I don't twirl it though. I got it in place of an Arkansas Toothpick, they couldn't send it, due to defective product.
Butterfly knives are the King of concealed carry I own 2 of them 1 is like standard butterfly knife and the other is customized to look like a harmonica
They became popular in the 80's and deplicted in movies with being used to rob someone in an alley way by some punk thieves performing armed robbery while intimidating the victim by flipping the thing around looking scary
They’re actually not as widely banned as you may think. While they’re forbidden in all the crown countries like the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, they’re actually legal in a good few European countries like France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Spain, Poland, and Lithuania. They’re legal in 47 US states and it will probably be 48 since Hawaii’s ban was just ruled unconstitutional by the 9th Circuit. From what I can tell, they’re legal in Mexico too. As far as the reason for the bans, it was mostly due to them being seen wielded by gangsters and bad guys in ‘80s action films, including a lot of ninja and martial arts flicks. It was kind of similar to the reasoning behind the switchblade bans. The switchblades were a big moral panic in the ‘50s with all the gangster and greaser movies. You also had the moral panic in the early ‘70s with nunchucks and the Bruce Lee movies and similar moral panic in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s with ninja stars and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles craze with kids. I personally think it’s beyond silly to base weapons regulations and policies on how menacing and intimidating something looks in movies. A lot of gun laws are based on movies as well. Thankfully, I’ve always been able to carry butterfly knives in the state where I live. My state legalized switchblades at the beginning of the year so we can carry those as well.
They’re legal in my state. I like em. They’re basically the OG fidget spinner’s lol I use practice ones for tricks and stuff and the actual knives for real life tasks. Once in a while I’ll use a real one for a little excitement. I do more bruising my knuckles than cutting myself
Bans against such weapons only disarm the law-abiding. If criminals wanted get these types of things, they most assuredly will easily obtain them. Despite the strength of the laws. But things like balisongs, most criminals would not bother getting them since they like guns way better. Less up close and personal. But trust me, they could get them with the snap of a finger, even in the UK.
Sooo just like switchblades in most states legality dont give a beginner if ur using either *i'd recommend fixed or lock blades for beginners personally 😅
Its pretty ironic watching a video about how balisongs might hut you while using them, while flipping during the video, also shout out to @WillHirsch who was shown in the video and is very informative on how to get into balisongs
They have been illegal in Canada for as long as i can remember... I found one when i was 14 in Vancouver....i kept it for a few months, then sold it...definitely a regret
I guess that the best I could hope for is that when I drop my butterfly knife whilst trying to open it, my assailant will be laughing so hard that I can make my getaway. Be careful, gents. --Old Guy
I remember looking at Bali-Song knives forty years ago and thinking, "Why?" I had and still have a nice folder with a thumbstud which I can deploy much quicker than a butterfly knife. All gimmick.
well the truth is the original purpose of balisong is as a shaving blade. having the ability to have the blade covered without a separate scabbard makes it safer to keep around.
They only band this weapon because of movies it looks intimidating and menacing but that's pretty much it it can do any more damage than your traditional fixed blade or folding knife in fact most balisong blades are pretty flimsy and can be broken easily unless you're willing to spend the money to get something more sturdy and a better quality and most of your traditional thugs are not going to bother with that people like myself who are collectors who are the only ones usually willing to make the investment for something like
The reason they are banned in some locales is a comedic paradox… some idiots are fascinated by a gimmick so their fellow idiots ban the gimmick because they’re both too stupid to recognize a gimmick when they see one. If these are banned where you live it’s because you are surrounded by and led by idiots.
In Britain, if a knife is just too cool, or has any kind of gimmick, it’s banned. That’s literally the criteria if you look at all the banned knives. Meanwhile, all knife crime is done with kitchen knives…..
Yeah but at least you don’t live in a country that has no problem banning silly novelty knives and “dangerous” martial arts weapons like nunchucks but won’t put a law in place to make a background check a requirement to buy a gun nationwide
So accurate unfortunately, I had to ditch mine when they got banned. I just considered it a toy really
They always go after the most popular.
As I understand the reason it was banned in Norway was because teens carried them to tricks with. An fidget spinner who was amusing for other then you cut yourself.
But as teens was carrying them and tend to get into fights some used them in the fights.
I say they are an better design than the folding knife and pretty perfect for an fishing knife.
I had a friend who was fooling around with a married woman. As he got on his motorcycle, the husband slipped a long kitchen knife into him via the armpit. The knife cut into his heart and he died right there. Kitchen knives kill.
Don’t forget rule number one of a knife fight:
Don’t get into a knife fight.
Bring a gun just in case
@@toddlenard7602 You have an American mindset...😂😂😂
... and if you run out of bullets, you better have Switch Blade nice in sharp just in case.
@@eugenedavis6792 I got a sword >:)
@@johns3544>:)
NOTHING is faster than pulling a fixed blade out.
This makes EVERYTHING else ridiculous to ban.
I totally agree. Even the fastest switchblade cannot compared to a fixed blade knife.
The logic is speed vs ease of concealment. You can conceal folding knives of larger size all over your body, but it is much more difficult to conceal fixed blades of similar length. However, this is all moot because the criminals will just modify their fashion choices to conceal whatever weapon they are wishing to carry. If someone wants to conceal a full length rifle while walking down the street, all they would have to do is wear a full length coat such as a trench coat or cold weather outer suit jacket.
In a country where you can guns, knife restrictions are the dumbest thing ever
Im a Filipino born and raised in the province that made the balisong. One commenter said this knife was supposed to be used in one motion with the opening trick but there was also another purpose for balisongs: Shaving. Filipinos, and more particularly Batangueños, used to use these to groom themselves. My own grandfather even shaved his face with it when he was young.
Because Politicians have no idea how real life works
If these are banned where you live it’s due to a comedic paradox… some idiots are fascinated by a gimmick so their fellow idiots ban the gimmick because they’re all to stupid to recognize a gimmick when they see one.
This....
Yeah, because that logic we should band guns but you don’t see America doing that
I think it's stupid that they're banned, they're more like a toy then a weapon in practice.
Government treat us like a kindergarten
@@captainabefox people are stupid.. they were eating tide pods a few months back... People who actually use knives can still keep using real knives
The dumbass legislators are even more dangerous to society than any deadly weapon.
A lot of Filipinos carry for protection and don't practice the flashy tricks so much. Most are concerned on how fast they can draw their balisong and make precision cuts across the eyes, almost like samurai quickdraws with swords.
The thing about them being a toy more than a knife is excactly why they where banned.. and why they should be banned.
14/15 year olds. or any age for that matter, who carry a toy is more likely to turn it into a weapon when preasured.
we dont need weapons on the streets. especially not in the hands of people who see them as toys
I'm Filipino and I've had a balisong since 12 years old and have been collecting them ever since. Even in my country, these knives are usually seen more as weapons than tools, with some security guards and traffic enforcers who cannot carry guns carrying the traditional 29 cm "bentenueve" variants of these for defense. In my opinion, I love that the butterfly knife doesn't have any complex mechanism that will break over years of use, and if something does break, it can be easily fixed. I've been to barrio balisong (barrio roughly translates to town) and I bought my latest bentenueve's there for less than USD 10. All I can say is this. If I had to choose a folding knife to carry with me to the ends of the earth, the balisong would be it.
EDIT: I remember a quality test knifesmiths do to their balisongs is stabbing a US quarter-sized coin and hopefully punching through it. I haven't done it with mine, but I have used it to open a can and not even a scratch.
I visited the Philippines a few times back in the 1980s and purchased my first Balisong while there. I was addicted to it from the start and started acquiring more when I could find them for sale.
It's the folding knife technology available to us here in the Philippines, and though it is often rumored as weapon, in all reality, it is normally used as an everyday utility knife...the fidgeting thing is just a fancying thing.
There's not the slight difference between my Blur or RAT1 knives.
Barrio is closer to a village or burroughs(?)
@@AbbyNormL Interesting. Where are you from?
@@waltertan2300now that makes sense to me. The idea of this thing being used as a weapon is about as silly as calling a Victorinox multitool a "Swiss Army Knife". In reality this tool is much like the knife I carry. A knife style called a Dirk. It comes from my ancestors, Nordic people, who ground the blades with a long flat bevel. This made for incredibly sharp knives. Thanks to video games it's now seen as a weapon but in reality it was just a tool used for things like cutting rope lines and filleting fish or game. If a Nordic person wanted to kil, you they would go for a bow, sword, spear or axe. Tools specifically designed to kill. I always assumed the same thing applied to the Balisong. It's just an incredibly handy every day use knife. Sure it can be used as a weapon but so can an ink pen or pair of scissors.
I think the original intention of the balisong was concealment. People then practice taking it out , flipping it and striking in one continuous motion. It has lost its purpose now where people draw it out and do a circus show.
Wen! Oo!! On!!!
(Ilokano, Tagalog, Pangasinan)
it is a good thing that they are now primarily used for "circus" and not "flipping it and striking in one continuous motion" my friend :)
Danger fidget spinner
No. Balisongs were never meant for hand to hand combat and were mainly used by fishermen in the Philippines.
The original intent of the balisong was a shaving and utility knife. High quality steel was expensive there, so you could only use a little of it on the highest quality blade you can. So if you needed something sharp, durable, and convenient and you only have a little good steel, you end up with something like a balisong.
Just like with guns, the banners go after the ones they perceive as scary looking.
In UK it's Flick knives, butterfly knives and Zombie knives that are totally illegal, you're caught with one and you are going down, and we are talking years not months!
Banned by people that know nothing of knives and only watch action movies to form their opinion.
Here in the U.K butterfly knives are also banned because they're dangerous , but then our politicians also banned green coloured "ZOMBIE" knives, because being green with "zombie killer" written on the blade made them MORE dangerous and more intimidating.
You dont need them. Ban them all.😊
@@Gangster88232 What? That's stupid shut your stoobid ahh up don't ban knives that's ridiculous!
Maybe the politicians in U.K are zombies?
Are these the same U.K. politicians whom Alledgedly abused boarding school boys but were never brought to justice cause of their titles and political clout?
and the one's who NEVER make false expenses claims@@SoldierAndrew
Hawaii’s Butterfly knife ban just got over turned by the US 9th Circuit Court of appeals (1 step lower from the Supreme Court) on grounds of the second amendment (the right to keep and bear arms)…
If that legal case gets appealed by Hawaii, it could go to the Supreme Court and similar bans could be struck down nation wide…
I bought a butterfly knife when I was 15. Practiced with it for a while and was pretty good with it. No cuts, no stitches, no ER visits. They aren't complicated. Simple and dependable.
When I was a kid we were told that these were banned because of how fast you could get the knife out but that is silly. I can flip out my favorite folding pocket knife one handed in a fraction of a second and I don’t even need to risk cutting myself doing a silly trick
Watching this video made me pull out my daily carry balisong and start flipping it. I bought my first one a few years back and it's since become my daily utility knife/fidget spinner. I keep a near razor edge on it and keep it on my belt at all times.
I love these blades.
i carry a bali with me every day, because i love them. but i also carry a fixed for self defense bc as much as i love my balis, the lack of a hilt is a dealbreaker for hard stress use.
ikr? There's no way balisongs can actually be used as self defense. It's dumb how illegal they are!
You can buy a practice Butterfly knife that’s just like a real one except it has a false or dull edge. You can also tape the blade portion to practice.
Mostly good video, though you're off on a few things. One that jumped out at me was claiming butterfly knives are fragile and break easy or something.
The reality is that quality balisongs are some of *the* strongest and most durable folding knives around. And the Bali design is easily one of, if not *the* strongest folding knife locking mechanism.
Maybe the ones shown in this video are from China.
I read this book about the early Chicano experience, & it said something about the Balisong being first common among Filipino & Asian gangs, eventually becoming very sought after by Chicano gangs.
The reason why balisongs aren't good as weapons is because they're not meant to be. They're meant to function as utility knives/hobbyist knives, not for weapons.
hence its stupid that they're banned.
2:35
I'm not sure how well known this is, but that was a real butterfly knife in that scene.
The prop team forgot to switch it, so the guy acting as the russian got stabbed for real.
I've always managed to keep one in working order, just for the fun of twirling it around. The problem is that it's easier to find a sharp blade than it is to find a trainer.
I had one of these at 10 years old and found it was easy to use, fun, and never hurt myself. Wouldn't be me choice of weapon in warfare but it's a fine option for playing around.
The knife guild is very strong in Arizona, they sell automatic or one handed knives at gun shows, I've carried a butterfly knife for years
Same in TX. There are no illegal knives here
As more democrats flood the state that'll change thanks to 'democracy'.
I carried a butterfly knife when I was 17, travelling through Europe. I had no idea if it was legal in most of the countries, and also just didn't care. It had a good 3.75" blade (about 9.5 cm) and I actually bought it to be a general-purpose tool. And the tool function it did, quite well. Also noone harassed me in the Central Europe, I can't tell any details because I was way too drunk most of the time. But I didn't kill anyone.
how did you get trough airport?
@@petrosflips I didn't, I travelled by train / ferry.
In Germany they were legal to own and carry until 2008.
@@Gieszkanne Back in 1979 when I travelled I don't think a knife like it was illegal anywhere.
Love my butterflies.
I edc one as a neck knife in a kydex scabbard.
One thing i really like about them is their strength at the pivot. Instead of a single pivot (weaker design) it makes a strong triangle which when locked is far stronger than your basic slipjoint or frame lock.
It's other advantage is one handed deployment which comes in very handy as a work knife when your other hand is occupied, like when fishing for example.
I keep mine razor sharp and use it daily.
Ya you're right. I suppose most modern knives require 2 hands to open...
Balisong is my combat knife of choice, but it also important to have a field knife that can serve multiple purposes. I can get my balisong blade put faster that a out the front knife if I wanted to. The CS Go style has to be my favorite.
I had a few major self afflicted cuts when I first started learning to use a butterfly knife. I carried one for around 10 years. Once I became licensed to carry concealed weapons, in addition to my handgun, I started carrying an automatic knife (the so-called switchblade).
Same had one when i was a kid now its z Glock 26 an a Swiss army knife. Id prefer an extra mag for my glock then a BF knife? Just my 2 cents but pull a BF knife on me an you will be getting shot.. solve most of my disputes with a good Ol game of
Glock-Paper- Scissors
@@gulf-foxtrot-yankee5600 I have carried a handgun for 35 years, along with an automatic knife, spare magazine and flashlight. I carried a butterfly knife for the ability to open it one handed, like when holding a gun in the other. Once quality auto opening knives became available, I switched to one of them. When pulling a weapon on someone, it is generally my handgun, not my knife. I have found it is better to resolve disputes without resorting to a Glock or any other weapon.
Although the Glock-paper-scissors phrase is a cute cliche.
My 1960 Old Timer folding knife and my 1911.
@@AbbyNormL you had me at opening the knife with one hand cause your gun is in the other Lol yeah though i walk away every time my first an main defense i use an always will use is my feet!! I am not walking away because I have to i walk away because i choose to an my glock an spare mag gives me that ability.. but I was just itching to use that Glock Paper Scissors line(: now that being said an i don't have an ego an am a quiet non confrontational person but if im with my son or my wife or see a stranger that doesn't have the ability to defend themselves in a threatening situation then that will be a different story? I don't know I feel as doing the right thing every time gives me the ability to to defend myself or others if that time ever truly shows its shelf.. but you can believe me!! I'm going to look them straight in face and say..... How about we all settle this with a good ol game of Gock-Paper-Scissors!! An Drawing!!(:
I know in Wisconsin, they were made legal in feb 2016, along side stilettos and switch blades.
A balisong is one of the early forms of a one handed deployment pocket knife and was very useful when working in markets and fields etc when you didn't want to set down what you were holding. It also doubles as its own sheath. I own and flip a lot of baliongs but would not choose one in a knife fight. Who the heck gets in a knife fight , give me some pepper spray.
The Philippines where the original birthplace of the balisong knife.
Other items had been made that resembled the balisong (I remember seeing a really old painters knife which opened the same way as a butterfly knife yet was not used for defence or as a weapon it was for painting.
Then there was a object used for measuring in Europe and this design was used for other purposes in other parts of the world.
But the Philippines originated the two handled defence blade and where the first to produce and distribute this item as a weapon all other sources did not use this dedsign as a weapon because it was very lightweight and cumbersome for most people who used it.
But around 1750 new forms of laws where being placed and the need for swords and common carry weapons was becoming obsolete so new smaller forms of weapons that where less primitive and more refined.
The Philippines did not invent the two handle swivel/pivot bladed knife but they where the first to employ it into a set of fighting.
These knifes where made with semi-channeled handles in which thin steel was bent having two deep sides and a well that the blade would fit into as the sides incased half the blade each coming together to form the handle as it is unfolded.
The Philippines began to utilize the balisong because in about the early nineteen hundreds they where the first to have rouge gangs which used straight razors held in very sturdy ways and in back grip so the could grab your shoulder and slice you from “groin to gullet” expelling your intestines.
But these gangs either unscrewed the screw on the razor or just twisted it a bit to loosen the handle so it could be opened In a flash and brought upward in a slashing movement and your bowels would be released from your body.
The karambit was common place in these areas so the straight razor was an adaptation to the art of karambit among those who could not obtain a karambit so the straight razor was used because it was a very poor country and straight razors where commonplace.
Then the straight razor became notorious among gangs known for deboweling their victims and it became a weapon which was feared and marvelled at the same time.
So the straight razor had restrictions on the carrying of them for no reason and the balisong was referred to and they began to make hollow handled homemade balisong knifes and where opened with a twist and a flick and pulled back while opening and thrusted forward upon its deployment so opening then stabbing where done all in one motion.
The idea of the balisong was the constant motion giving the user an upper advantage as it will keep your opponent at bay because there is constant motion of the knife so this will cause hesitation in a opponent.
Then it became synonymous with the straight razor and they where used for intimidation and they would (rogue gangs that is) spin and open them causing a metal clanking sound that frightened people as they walked along and this gave them much power and force so the knife became known for its gang affiliation and deadly offensive style of use and quick action.
I like the fixed blade knives for heavy duty uses. For a pocket knife, i use a normal locking blade folder.
For real, they banned the knife with the most complicated pull out function but I can still actively have an easier pulled blade legally on me.
If anyone is interested, I showcase some balisongs over on my channel. I’ll be showing off some old ‘80s balisongs from Japan and Korea very soon.
A good assessment of the Butterfly knife. I have been a fan since I was a kid. Also sometimes called The Manila Folder.
It cant be deployed nearly as fast as a switchblade. But there is also an intimidation and distraction factor. And a master can open and close it in hand to hand combat with blade up or down. Top of fist or bottom of fist. While still maintaining a grip on the knife. Its like nun-chucks with a spicy end.
My brothers and I bought our first Balisong sin the 1980's at an Oklahoma Flea Market, which was the same place we bought throwing stars, nunchucks, slap-jacks, brass knuckles, and all sorts of wonderful toys for pre-teen - teen boys. We just had a great time olaying with and attempting to master their uses. Our legal insight into how to prevent criminals from obtaining weapons in the US never ceases to amaze me in it's less than intelligent approach. excluding the risk of being cut accidentally, I'd be equally worried about an, auto or assisted opening folder opposed to someone with a short fixed blade fighting knife or large kitchen knife.
In the Philippines, if you get into a fight and your opponent carries a Balisong and flips it to open, he is just trying to intimidate you. If he opens it using both hands and locks it, he means business and will hot hesitate to use it on you.
And if you live around serious people they carry a fixed blade and dream that all their attackers are dumb enough to be fascinated by and use gimmicks… and using both hands to open said gimmick… chef’s kiss of idiocy… literal wet dream… if someone attacks me I pray to god they’re one of these extraordinary idiots that uses their gimmick with 2 hands.
Well in a number of states...
(But not all)
that went to "constitutional carry" law
found (all or any combination) of:
* the Balisongs
* gravity knives
* switchblades
* spring stilettos
*assisted opening knives
* boot knives / daggers
Had their legal status changed back,
once again. Some states even lifted
legal infringements from the
popular Shurikens & Shurikans.
(throwing stars & spikes)
As they are by definition bearable
arms that one(s) can utilize for
protection. Keep in mind, just like
an untrained gunman / gunwoman
(police, citizen, soldier, whatever),
you miss your target & hit innocent,
you could & most likely will be held
criminally responsible.
I have balisongs and automatics (both OTF and side opening. My go to weapon is still a .357 on my hip.
In a sense, fists and hands are technically illegal in some areas of the United States through duty to retreat laws that state
In law, the duty to retreat, or requirement of safe retreat, is a legal requirement in some jurisdictions that a threatened person cannot harm another in self-defense (especially lethal force) instead is requied by law to retreat to a place of safety.
Not in my jurisdiction. In my jurisdiction they'll thank me for my service and ask if they can keep a finger for ID. My dog gets the rest.
Thank you!!!? Perfect video about this! I tell people at work often, that unless you are a knife god, this is a toy that will hurt you. If I have a customer seeking a knife for self defense, I guide them to four or five inch fixed blades right away.
The Bali song is just as safe as a normal knife but you just need to know what you are doing.
Make a video on origin of otf automatic knife its origin and where it come from and what was the purpose to make this knife
My favorite is the Benchmade 42 Bali-Song, but their prices have gone crazy!
Not sure where you get your information! But, they are not banned. There are plenty of online retailers that ship them right to your door. Also, in my state there are stores that still have them in stock and sell them regularly!
Believe it or not they are frowned upon in Tennessee. Even though every other knife ever made is okay as of 2014. Switchblades OTF you name it swords any type of knife is legal in Tennessee except the dreaded butterfly. It is so weird man
@@toddlenard7602As far as I can tell, balisongs are legal in Tennessee. SMKW sells them.
Weapon control is not about wapons, its about control
You're a smart person.
Are there swiss army knife balisongs? It'd be nice to be able to flick out exactly which tool I need in a quick motion. I mainly use my swiss army knife to open beer bottles, wine bottles & tighten loose screws.
Leatherman makes a magnetic multi-tool which sort of incorporates a Bali type of one handed open.
@@B-leaferyes Leatherman has up their game in the last 10 years
There legal in Idaho. All blade weapons are legal in Idaho to own and carry and that goes for firearms too.
I have 3 (2 trainers 1 sharp blade) and they are a great fidget toy and good for developing dexterity
Cut my self on a thanksgiving night tryna do an arial trick I’ve done many times before. I ended up stabbing my palm, doc said I’d have nerve damage for 6-12 months… its been 5 years now lol still have nerve damage.
Definitely a weapon that is more stylish than practical. The intimidation factor is high when in the hands of a skilled user though. No doubt about it. I feel like there are much more useful alternatives that get the job done as good if not better.
Tbh bannin these stop nothing you can stab someno with a pen if you want to all knives should be legal
Balisong flipping is for show, if the intention of the wielder is to kill, usually it is opened with both hands and it is then locked after deployment.
There are 42 states in which butterfly knives are legal in the USA.
My state just legalized OTF knives now those are cool.
Especially the Russian ones that are so strong you can just press them against something and then hit the button and it continues to push on through
They’re legal in 47 states. It will likely be 48 now that Hawaii’s ban was ruled unconstitutional.
@@toddlenard7602There are no OTFs that are that powerful. At least not the double action ones which derail when they hit something. The single action ones may be only a little bit more powerful, but they still stop if there’s an obstruction and continue opening once the obstruction is removed.
You might be thinking of the old Russian Spetnaz ballistic knife where you pull a pin, press a button and the blade is propelled through the air as a projectile.
Little did I know I will be staying in the very city that made this knife.
These knives remind me of the game where you place one hand on the table and see how quickly you can stab between the fingers.
Definitely shows skill and bravery but to no purpose and at great risk.
Now I want to try it.
I'm thinking about buying a cheap one and grinding the edge off.
Maybe a bead of silicone or rtv gasket goo would create a protective shield on the edge that could be removed later to make it usable again.
Glue a straw or small hose split lengthwise over the edge.
Practice underwater.
For me, this knife is great for edc as it's SAFE when sheathed, has a low profile and has low risk of falling out of a sheath and cutting you while on the move. It's not for bushcraft though.
Nabalis vulp is legal almost everywhere and u can buy sharpenable blades seperate
As a teenager, these were so fun. Dummies would also cut themselves which also made it fun.
They are legal here in TEXAS...
Even the laws are bigger in Texas😂😂😂😂
thank talos they're no longer banned in Alabama, i own 5 so far, carry one everyday
Ok, a buttefly comb then
"... the logic in the USA never fails to surprise us. With that approach they could even ban breathing air and using fists since criminals do that too." You nailed it, mate.
But they aren't illegal and never were. This channel just lies for clicks.
The only thing that made me watch this was the marble fade butterfly knife from csgo in the thumbnail. . . Well done!
These are covered in the second amendment. The right to own and carry weapons is not to be limited.
second ammendment of which country?
@@maxximos2960 Modern interpretation of the U.S. Amendment.
@@phillipsmith2443 thanks, always good to make it clear which country.
Funny how their now way slower than modern day button lock flipper 🎉🎉😂, manual folders have really came along way and legal 🙏🙏🙏
I have one, it's not high quality, but it works. I don't twirl it though. I got it in place of an Arkansas Toothpick, they couldn't send it, due to defective product.
Butterfly knives are the King of concealed carry I own 2 of them 1 is like standard butterfly knife and the other is customized to look like a harmonica
They became popular in the 80's and deplicted in movies with being used to rob someone in an alley way by some punk thieves performing armed robbery while intimidating the victim by flipping the thing around looking scary
banned where? I see them all the time in our stores
I've been slinging butterfly knives for 45yrs. Didn't even know they were banned
They’re actually not as widely banned as you may think. While they’re forbidden in all the crown countries like the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, they’re actually legal in a good few European countries like France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Spain, Poland, and Lithuania.
They’re legal in 47 US states and it will probably be 48 since Hawaii’s ban was just ruled unconstitutional by the 9th Circuit. From what I can tell, they’re legal in Mexico too.
As far as the reason for the bans, it was mostly due to them being seen wielded by gangsters and bad guys in ‘80s action films, including a lot of ninja and martial arts flicks. It was kind of similar to the reasoning behind the switchblade bans. The switchblades were a big moral panic in the ‘50s with all the gangster and greaser movies. You also had the moral panic in the early ‘70s with nunchucks and the Bruce Lee movies and similar moral panic in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s with ninja stars and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles craze with kids. I personally think it’s beyond silly to base weapons regulations and policies on how menacing and intimidating something looks in movies. A lot of gun laws are based on movies as well.
Thankfully, I’ve always been able to carry butterfly knives in the state where I live. My state legalized switchblades at the beginning of the year so we can carry those as well.
Brilliant points. 100% correct.
They’re legal in my state. I like em. They’re basically the OG fidget spinner’s lol I use practice ones for tricks and stuff and the actual knives for real life tasks. Once in a while I’ll use a real one for a little excitement. I do more bruising my knuckles than cutting myself
What game is shown between 0:36-0:45 ?
Bans against such weapons only disarm the law-abiding. If criminals wanted get these types of things, they most assuredly will easily obtain them. Despite the strength of the laws. But things like balisongs, most criminals would not bother getting them since they like guns way better. Less up close and personal. But trust me, they could get them with the snap of a finger, even in the UK.
42 out of 50 states make these LEGAL
Butterfly knives were created in 800 A.D but started being popularized in the 1900's
I wish I knew whatever happened to mine. Never knew they were illegal.
Cool video. Shame no Spy from TF2 was seen :(.
So why are they banned?? Title???
Sooo just like switchblades in most states legality dont give a beginner if ur using either *i'd recommend fixed or lock blades for beginners personally 😅
Its pretty ironic watching a video about how balisongs might hut you while using them, while flipping during the video, also shout out to @WillHirsch who was shown in the video and is very informative on how to get into balisongs
I've had a few Balisong.
Still got one.
Nothing but edged fidget spinners.
I would never use one
for any practical purpose.
Why not? A good Bali is just as useful as any folding knife.
Maybe you just haven't tried the right one?
Butterfly knives was originated in Batangas, Philippines...
For us, its like a toy than a weapon.
Fastest b,add and most dependable/durable is a fixed blade
Honestly, in the U.S. there is no real reason to ban any type of knife, for as long as guns are not banned. Make that make sense
WHY DID BUTTERFLY KNIVES GET ILLEGAL
Ur telling me now i gotta get practice knives and i gotta get another practice knife
They have been illegal in Canada for as long as i can remember... I found one when i was 14 in Vancouver....i kept it for a few months, then sold it...definitely a regret
I’m gonna buy one of these and use it to infiltrate the blue base, wish me luck
INTRUDER ALERT
Ah..... my first stiches. Owned the knife for about an hour before I was at the ER.
I guess that the best I could hope for is that when I drop my butterfly knife whilst trying to open it, my assailant will be laughing so hard that I can make my getaway. Be careful, gents. --Old Guy
I'm from Batangas and always gonna wield a balisong
I remember looking at Bali-Song knives forty years ago and thinking, "Why?" I had and still have a nice folder with a thumbstud which I can deploy much quicker than a butterfly knife.
All gimmick.
Take a look at knifes, professionals use in real missions and you quickly realize, that a butterfly knife is not the ideal knife for a fight.
well the truth is the original purpose of balisong is as a shaving blade. having the ability to have the blade covered without a separate scabbard makes it safer to keep around.
They only band this weapon because of movies it looks intimidating and menacing but that's pretty much it it can do any more damage than your traditional fixed blade or folding knife in fact most balisong blades are pretty flimsy and can be broken easily unless you're willing to spend the money to get something more sturdy and a better quality and most of your traditional thugs are not going to bother with that people like myself who are collectors who are the only ones usually willing to make the investment for something like
The reason they are banned in some locales is a comedic paradox… some idiots are fascinated by a gimmick so their fellow idiots ban the gimmick because they’re both too stupid to recognize a gimmick when they see one. If these are banned where you live it’s because you are surrounded by and led by idiots.
Crazy story. The prop master forgot to switch knives in the Punisher movie and Kevin Nash actually got stabbed and continued shooting the scene.
That was wild! Amazing how he just “went with it” in spite of that injury!
I had a balisong in high-school but they are not very good for a self defense knife. I wouldn't count on getting it opening a high stress situation
My kids got me a Butterfly Fork and spoon for my lunchbox. I still hurt myself.