Balisong (knife)

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The Balisong, called a Butterfly knife in the West, and sometimes known as a Batangas knife, is a form of folding pocket knife with two handles that counter-rotate around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is concealed within grooves in the handles. In the hands of a trained user, the knife blade can be brought forth quickly using one hand. Manipulations (flipping) are performed for art or amusement and require great skill. Translated from Tagalog, the word "Balisong" means "Broken Horn" (literally, "baling sungay") as the original Balisongs were made from carved animal horns and recycled knife blades. The name butterfly knife is a term coined in the United States much like "drumbox" for the kahon.

The history of the butterfly knife is uncertain, though three main ideas persist:

The knife may actually have been invented by the French. The book "Le Perret" shows an obvious sketch of a balisong knife, and is dated 1710 A.D. The book itself suggests the balisong was developed in the late 1600's or early 1700's A.D.

The knife dates back to around 800 A.D. and is a traditional weapon of the Filipino fighting art of Eskrima; however, it is not actually a prominent weapon in the art.

The knife was invented around 1900 A.D. in the Philippines and spread by American soldiers returning from World War II.

1 Legal status
2 Construction
3 Parts
4 Prominent Manufacturers Currently Producing Balisongs
5 Media
6 References
7 See also
8 External links

[edit] Legal status

Because of its potential usage as a weapon in Western culture, and possibly due to its intimidating nature and rapid deployment, it has been outlawed in several Western countries.

In Canada the possession of a butterfly knife is illegal.

In England & Wales, The Butterfly Knife has been legally classified as an offensive weapon since January 1989<ref>UK Offensive Weapons Act 1988. Retrieved on 2006-11-05.</ref>. Possession of one is a criminal offense, and any imported are liable to be seized and prosecution may follow. The exception to this are knives of this type over 100 years old which are classed as antiques.
In the Federal Republic of Germany the butterfly knife was outlawed by the new Waffengesetz which was introduced during the aftermath of the Erfurt massacre in April 2003. Thus buying, possessing, lending, using, carrying, crafting, altering and trading it is illegal and is persecuted by up to five years imprisonment, confiscation of the knife and a fine of up to 10.000€. Using a butterfly knife for crime of any kind is prosecuted by from 1 to 10 years imprisonment. Exceptional cases are if you are in service of the federal police, bank, customs, army or government, if it is registered that you are in danger or if you are an exceptional guest.

In Hong Kong, the sale of full-size butterfly knives is illegal, but miniature versions can be legally obtained.

In many U.S. states, it is illegal to possess and/or carry such a knife in public; indeed, doing so is a felony in some states, such as Nevada. In some states, balisongs fall erroneously into the category of a "gravity knife," "switchblade," or "dagger" although they are also occasionally outlawed by name. The knife is also illegal in California.

[edit] Construction

Image:Channel constructed balisong.JPG There are two main types of balisong construction: sandwich construction and channel construction.

Sandwich constructed balisongs are assembled in layers that are generally pinned or screwed together. They allow the pivot pins to be adjusted tighter without binding. When the knife is closed, the blade rests between the layers.

For a channel constructed balisong, the main part of each handle is formed from one piece of material. In this handle, a groove is created (either by folding, milling, or being integrally cast) in which the blade rests when the knife is closed. This style is regarded as being stronger than sandwich construction.

[edit] Parts

Bite Handle: The handle that closes on the sharp edge of the blade.
Kicker (or Kick): Area on the blade that prevents the sharp edge from contacting the inside of the handle and suffering damage.
Latch: The standard locking system, which holds the balisong closed. Magnets are occasionally used instead.
Latch, Batangas: A latch that is attached to the bite handle.
Latch, Manila: A latch that is attached to the safe handle.
Latch, Spring: A latch that utilizes a spring to propel the latch open when the handles are squeezed.
Safe Handle: The handle that closes on the non-sharpened edge of the blade.
Latch gate: A block inside the channel of the handles stopping the latch from impacting the blade
Tang: The base of the blade where the handles are attached with pivot pins.

[edit] Prominent Manufacturers Currently Producing Balisongs

Benchmade - Model 46DM, Model 42, Model 43-401<ref>Benchmade Bali-Song Products. Retrieved on 2006-11-04.</ref>
Bradley Cutlery - The Mayhem.
Spyderco - The Spyderfly, the Szabofly designed by Laci Szabo, and the planned Smallfly (a smaller version of the Spyderfly)<ref>Spyderfly Balisong Products. Retrieved on 2006-11-04.</ref>.
Cold Steel - Arc Angel<ref>Cold Steel Arc Angel. Retrieved on 2006-11-04.</ref>

[edit] Media

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Casino Royale (James Bond 007) which was released in November 2006, a balisong is used to cut a hole in a chair in order to torture James Bond (Daniel Craig).

In the 2005 film Transporter 2 Jason Statham who played the role of Frank Martin is threatened by a butterfly knife, which he counters and whips the balisong around the enemies neck into a slit position.

In the 2004 film The Punisher, the protagonist Frank Castle breaks the nose of an abusive, balisong-weilding thug, takes the thug's weapon away, then admonishes him for playing with knives before smacking the man's already shattered nose with the knife's hilt. Later in the film, the same balisong is also used in a fight against a Russian hitman.

Penn of the act Penn & Teller has been known to use a silver butterfly knife in his act; no tricks involved, but to open new decks of cards and things of this nature.

In the 1999 film The Mummy, Rick O'Connell uses a butterfly knife to cut a mystical blue beetle out of another characters arm. A balisong is also used in the sequel The Mummy Returns to cut rope and carve wood.

In the film Face/Off, the protagonist's daughter uses a balisong given to her by the antagonist against him while trying to figure out which man is really her father.

In the video game Far Cry: Instincts, protagonist Jack Carver uses a butterfly knife as his melee weapon.

In the 1995 film Tales From the Crypt Presents: Demon Knight, protagonist Brayker brandishes and expertly uses a butterfly knife several times.

In the 1993 film Falling Down, protagonist Bill Foster obtains a balisong as his second weapon.

In the film The Karate Kid, Part II, antagonist Chozen uses a balisong to threaten Kamiko and goad Daniel into fighting him; he throws the knife away before he and Daniel fight.

In The Outsiders, Two-Bit brandishes his black-handled balisong when he and Ponyboy are confronted by the Socs and produces it again later at a hospital.

In the 1993 film Blood in Blood out, Paco Benjamin Bratt carves his gang's initials "V.L." into the chest of rival gang leader Spider using a balisong.