How to use a butterfly knife – this is the question that comes to the mind of many new users when they get their hands on this wonderful but tricky knife. It is not only a sharp tool, but also a means of increasing style, control, and focus. In this article, we will learn how to use a butterfly knife (or balisong) correctly and safely – from the very beginning.
Balisong or butterfly knife is a two-handled folding knife. These handles are at both the sides of the blade and can be turned over to cover the blade. It can be opened in a few seconds. Its special feature is its flipping or rotating style – which is like a kind of sleight of hand or performance for many.
Safety comes before one uses any sharp object. Using a butterfly knife has some rules of importance to observe:
Begin with a training knife: In this case, a blunt (non-sharp) training knife is the best to start with. The fear of cutting your hands is nonexistent.
Wear gloves: Cut-resistant and thin gloves reduce the chance of accidents when practising.
Training on empty space It is preferable to have no people or delicate objects within the vicinity.
Practice on a mirror: You find it simpler to practice when you can watch your own hand movements.
First, you need to know what the parts of a butterfly knife are:
Blade: The main sharp part
Safe handle: The part that is on the blunt side of the blade, this is what is considered in practice
Bite handle: On the sharp side of the blade, there is a fear of cutting your fingers if you hold it wrong
Latch: Helps keep the two handles of the knife closed
Pivot pin: The place where the handle rotates
1. Hold the correct handle: Always hold the safe handle so that the sharp side does not come close to your hand by mistake.
2. First flip: Hold the bite handle down with your hand. This will partially open the blade.
3. Second flip: Now turn the bite handle again and bring it up. The entire blade will then come out.
With practice, you will understand which direction to turn when. Go slow at first, speed will come with time.
You may be wondering, what is the point of doing this?
Increases hand-eye coordination: Your hand and eye coordination improves.
Increases patience and concentration: Learning tricks is not easy. Focus increases through repeated attempts.
Stress relief: Many say it works like a kind of fidget tool.
Self-defense (safety): Of course only in legal and limited situations.
Choosing a good training knife is very important for beginners. Keep the following aspects in mind:
Blunt Blade: A blunt blade so that your fingers do not get cut.
Strong Build Quality: Good material (stainless steel or lightweight aluminum)
Smooth Pivot: Handle rotates smoothly
Non-slip Handle: Handle does not slip even when you sweat
Practice for 15-20 minutes every day to get good results. You can follow the routine below:
Day 1–3: Practice holding the safe handle and rotating the handle
Day 4–7: Learn basic flip tricks
Week 2: Learn opening + closing styles
Week 3: Advanced tricks
Butterfly knife – a word about legality: Make sure you consult the law of the land or city you are in. In most of the countries, it is illegal to carry a butterfly knife or use it in a public place.
Training knives are legal in most places: Nor is there any law that you must invariably keep a sharp knife.
Q1: I am new, what model to start with?
Answer: FlipSafe or G10 Grip model training knife is a good option to start with.
Q2: The time to learn?
Answer: The simple flips are acquired within 7-10 days. However, learning tricks depends on practice.
Q3: Which should I learn first – opening or tricks?
Answer: Always learn opening and closing properly and then start tricks.
Final words: How to use a butterfly knife – this is not just a technique, but it is a practical training of patience, control and focus. If you follow the right rules, it can be your new productive knife. But always remember safety and laws.