Choosing a Quality Butterfly Knife:
Butterfly knives are one of the most collectible knives in America, due to their form factor and composition. They are more than just a switchblade and since they contain no springs or other moving parts aside from the force of gravity to open them, they are considered elegant and graceful. Butterfly knives are also known as a balisong, which originated in the Philippines where they are still used today as part of a Filipino martial arts practice known as eskrima.
There are several different types and styles of the butterfly knife, but all of these styles fall into two categories of knife. They are either sandwich construction, or channel construction. The type of construction that is used will determine the quality, with channel construction blades being prized for their sturdy pins and ability to withstand great pressure. Most cheaper blades will be of sandwich construction, which is not as durable, though it does allow for a cheaper price.
Determining the Quality of a Blade
If you are considering purchasing a butterfly knife based on quality, there are a few important points you should consider. True balisongs are not spring assisted knives, so if the knife you are considering has listed this as a feature, then it is not a true balisong in the sense of the original design.
Most blades that are of any quality are produced under the product name Benchmade, so look for this if you are at a knife and gun show. Most Benchmade balisongs feature a stainless steel blade with steel handles, designed for ease of opening and closing, but also for comfort grip while held in the hand either opened or closed. Benchmade does produce a few spring assisted knives under their title, but these are not true balisongs for those looking to collect this type of knife.
Typically, any model of Benchmade knife will run you around $200 or more, due to the high quality materials that are used in creating it. The pins that hold the two handles into the tang of the knife are exceptionally well made, which is one reason many people prefer this type of butterfly knife to any others on the market.
Cheaper Knives & Their Prices
If you are not after a knife for the quality, but for the looks, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives. These are usually not made from stainless steel but a lower grade of steel that is prone to rust, so they must be given extra care compared to the higher dollar counterparts. These knives are also usually of sandwich construction, meaning the blade and two handles are crafted completely separately instead of the handles being carved from the same piece of steel.
These cheaper knives are often imports from places like China, Japan, and the Philippines. The price depends on the materials that are used, but often since lower carbon steel is used for both the blade and the handle, you should not expect to pay more than $50 for a cheaper import of the blade.
Are They Legal?
Because of its status as a concealed weapon, many states in the United States have a ban on what they consider spring loaded or gravity assisted knives. Any type of knife with a blade that is concealable is banned in California, while other states allow the blade to be owned so long as it is kept in the home. Laws are a little bit different outside of the United States and much more harsh.
In places like Australia and Germany, the weapon has been considered a threat and requires a special permit to own one even in the privacy of your own home. Germany is much stricter than other places such as the UK and Canada where the knife is also prohibited. Buying or selling a knife in Germany can result in a fine of up to 10,000 Euros as well as up to five years in prison, which is a hefty fine for such a small infraction. If you are considering purchasing a knife of this caliber, you should determine your local laws before purchasing so you can be sure you are within them and prevent yourself from knowingly committing a crime.
Collecting balisongs for show is a hobby many people engage in and they are perhaps the most common knife you will see outside of Bowie knives at a gun and knife show. Since they are considered collectibles, knowing a bit about the make and manufacture of these knives can net you a decent collection.
