Edged weapons mesmerize, hypnotize, paralyze the will of the enemy. But, perhaps, not a single knife can be compared with the balisong, which is also called the butterfly knife. These knives were used by both Filipino mafiosi, and American flippers, Polynesian sorcerers, and Russian gopniks. And all because he is brought to a combat position in a split second. The design has no gaps, no springs, no constipation, which increases the practicality of the knife.
Sharpening methods
The shape of the blade can be absolutely any. The most important thing is that it fits completely into the handle. Blade sharpening can be of two types - one-sided and two-sided. If sharpening is applied on both sides, then such a blade is called a dagger. If a butterfly knife is sharpened on one side only, then it is called dangerous.
Why is it called "butterfly" and balisong?
What does a butterfly knife owe this name? After all, neither the blade, nor the hilt, nor the knife itself are completely similar to a butterfly. The answer to the question becomes obvious if you look at the trace that remains on the hand when opening the knife. Here it just resembles a fluttering butterfly. The second name is easier. Balisong is one of the Philippine districts where these unique, unmatched elegant knives came from. You can also find the name "batangas" instead of "butterfly knife", which comes from the name of the Philippine province.
disadvantages
You have to pay for everything, including the beauty of the knife. Butterfly knife has a pair
significant disadvantages. Firstly, a relatively short and narrow blade, which is always shorter than the handle. Secondly, the joints on the hinges fly apart quite quickly if they are made of low-quality materials. Finally, the damaging power of this knife is small due to the same
articulated joints. But the last drawback is successfully offset by the psychological impact that the blade has on the enemy.
Where do the origins of popularity lie?
Butterfly knives became especially popular after the First World War, when in order to improve the marketability of the new brand, numerous myths were invented. But the first wave of popularity went quite quickly. The second wave was provoked by Hollywood fighters, where the butterfly knife appears as a very dangerous mafia weapon. In such films, the balisongs were almost the main characters in the frame. Therefore, today, from the point of view of the inhabitants, the butterfly knife is an extremely dangerous weapon.
The most interesting
All the butterfly knife is unique in its lightning-fast opening and the ability to perform complex tricks. In the master’s hands, the knife really looks like a fluttering butterfly.
Balisong is a great souvenir. The size of the blade can vary from 10 to 29 centimeters. Knives with a blade length of more than 29 centimeters in the Philippines are prohibited by law.
As a weapon, it’s quite difficult to use, and few are able to use it. The handle slides in the palm of your hand, therefore only sliding strokes are effective, and not stabbing.
Caring for such a knife is extremely simple. It is enough to rinse with water and blow dry. Hinges can be lubricated with any water-repellent oily liquid.