Everything You’ll Ever Need To Know About Butterfly Knives

Butterfly knives, known for their lightning fast deployment and quick concealment, are the perfect addition to your knife collection. The Butterfly Knife is one of the most notable blade styles today. Butterfly Knives, also referred to as “Balisong” knives translated from “broken horn” from the Philippines during the 20^th century has origins that may date back to the 18^thcentury. The French claimed to have invented one of the earliest butterfly knives and even have illustrations dating back to 1705.

Everything You’ll Ever Need To Know About Butterfly Knives

Basics

The butterfly knife consists of two counter-rotating handles that open to expose a single blade. The blade is usually sharpened at one end and is made from steel. The handles are typically made from steel but do consist of different materials depending upon the style of the butterfly knife. Wood and brass are also some of the most popular materials butterfly knife handles are made from. At the end of the handle a latch can usually be found that keeps the handles locked preventing them from opening unless wanted.

Earliest Uses

Some of the earliest uses of the butterfly knife are recorded amongst Spanish sailors in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. It is said that Spanish sailors used the butterfly knife as a tool for everyday use in order to safely operate canonry. The Spanish butterfly knife consisted of a steel blade in order to cut fuses and a brass handle as brass is known to not cause a spark. This prevented unwanted explosions while surrounded by gunpowder.

In 1905 the earliest mass production of the butterfly knife began by the Hemming Cutlery company out of Connecticut. This version was commonly used by American servicemen and remained a popular knife even throughout the propaganda campaign demonizing them in several states making them inaccessible later in the 20^th century.

Reasons for Carrying

The butterfly knife makes a great tool as an addition to your E.D.C (everyday carry). Most butterfly knives fit easily and snug into a pocket. Part of their convenience is that they do not require a sheath as the blade sits securely between the handles. The fact that there is no sheath means less components are required in order to deploy the blade in a scenario requiring self defense. The blade in a butterfly knife typically is only intended for self defense. Therefore, constant sharpening is not necessary for a butterfly knife.

There is an entire culture that comes with the butterfly knife. There is an entire style of martial arts that is dedicated to learning and training with butterfly knives. Much like the Karambit style blade, the butterfly knife has launched a reliable form of self defense for everyday survival. There are several different schools in every state that teach the art of how to properly use butterfly knives for beginners and advanced individuals.

What to Look for when Purchasing

When shopping for a butterfly knife it is important to know the difference between the actual self defense blade and a fade blade. Butterfly fade blades are intended for beginners who are learning the art of the butterfly knife. Generally, this ensures that they do not seriously injure themselves while doing so. The butterfly knives intended for self defense will have a noticeably sharp blade. Keep in mind the latch at the base of the handles as well. Ensure that the latch on the butterfly knife safely secures the handles in place while not in use.

The handles come in many different decorative designs that will ultimately increase the price value.  However, a decent self defense butterfly knife should range anywhere between $60 and $200.  If you purchase a decorative butterfly knife, chances of fading throughout the handle may occur if used for knife flipping.  There are several different companies that provide some of the best butterfly knives on the market.  These companies include Benchmade, Bradley Cutlery and Microtech Custom.

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Looking for your own butterfly knife? Check out these options!

• Bringing it to the basics: this VEPOWER 5″ Inch Damascus Practice Tool may be just what you need to start training.
• Are you looking to train professionally while staying safe? Check out this Benchmade – Bali-Song 62 Trainer, Stainless Steel Handle, Red Finish to perfect your skills.

from SurvivalLife http://survivallife.com/butterfly-knives/