Several english language accounts from the 1840s describe local militia in guangdong being trained in the double swords. They consist of a blade with two handles that rotate around a pivot and wrap around the blade in the closed position.
In 1710 butterfly knives were mentioned in a french book named le perret it described these tools as utility knives in the 1500s.
Butterfly knife history. Butterfly knife history butterfly knives also known as balisongs are one of the most popular knife styles today. That book le perret was published in 1710. Balisong history many believe the butterfly knife first came to american shores in the early part of the 20th century with filipino immigrants but its popularity and infamy in the united states only really began after us soldiers returned with balisongs from the philippines after world war ii.
A balisong also known as a fan knife butterfly knife or batangas knife is a folding pocketknife. Not only is the history of the balisong controversialthe meaning behind the word balisong is just as mysterious. The oldest dated evidence i know of that supports this is a french book clearly showing a sketch of the balisong design.
A copy can be seen at the museum of thiers in thiers france. While they can be used for normal knife use theyre mainly used in flipping. Commonly called balisong in the philippines the term is known to have originated from tagalog words called baling sungay meaning broken horn.
The french also claim to have invented the butterfly knife design. It is thought that butterfly swords date from the early 19th century. Balisongs or butterfly knives are the ultimate fusion of steel and fun.
In english we call the two foot plus 19th century chinese blades butterfly swords and the quick easily concealable knives from the philippines butterfly knives but in written chinese i suspect that they are both. It has been said that balisong is just a word with no meaning. Whether youre a seasoned flipper or youre looking for your first butterfly knife we have a huge selection of trainers beginner blades and competition worthy flippers.
A balisong typically has the latch on the handle facing the cutting edge. The balisong is also known as a balisung fan knife butterfly knife folding knife and click click knife. The butterfly sword is a short dao or single edged sword originally from southern china though it has also seen use in the north.
Its distinct features are two handles counter rotating around the tang such that when closed the blade is concealed within grooves in the handles.
