Don’t forget rule number one of a knife fight: Don’t get into a knife fight.

In Britain, if a knife is just too cool, or has any kind of gimmick, it’s banned. That’s literally the criteria if you look at all the banned knives. Meanwhile, all knife crime is done with kitchen knives…..

NOTHING is faster than pulling a fixed blade out. This makes EVERYTHING else ridiculous to ban.

Im a Filipino born and raised in the province that made the balisong. One commenter said this knife was supposed to be used in one motion with the opening trick but there was also another purpose for balisongs: Shaving. Filipinos, and more particularly Batangueños, used to use these to groom themselves. My own grandfather even shaved his face with it when he was young.

In a country where you can guns, knife restrictions are the dumbest thing ever

Because Politicians have no idea how real life works

I think it's stupid that they're banned, they're more like a toy then a weapon in practice.

Just like with guns, the banners go after the ones they perceive as scary looking.

I'm Filipino and I've had a balisong since 12 years old and have been collecting them ever since. Even in my country, these knives are usually seen more as weapons than tools, with some security guards and traffic enforcers who cannot carry guns carrying the traditional 29 cm "bentenueve" variants of these for defense. In my opinion, I love that the butterfly knife doesn't have any complex mechanism that will break over years of use, and if something does break, it can be easily fixed. I've been to barrio balisong (barrio roughly translates to town) and I bought my latest bentenueve's there for less than USD 10. All I can say is this. If I had to choose a folding knife to carry with me to the ends of the earth, the balisong would be it. EDIT: I remember a quality test knifesmiths do to their balisongs is stabbing a US quarter-sized coin and hopefully punching through it. I haven't done it with mine, but I have used it to open a can and not even a scratch.

I think the original intention of the balisong was concealment. People then practice taking it out , flipping it and striking in one continuous motion. It has lost its purpose now where people draw it out and do a circus show.

Hawaii’s Butterfly knife ban just got over turned by the US 9th Circuit Court of appeals (1 step lower from the Supreme Court) on grounds of the second amendment (the right to keep and bear arms)… If that legal case gets appealed by Hawaii, it could go to the Supreme Court and similar bans could be struck down nation wide…

i carry a bali with me every day, because i love them. but i also carry a fixed for self defense bc as much as i love my balis, the lack of a hilt is a dealbreaker for hard stress use.

The knife guild is very strong in Arizona, they sell automatic or one handed knives at gun shows, I've carried a butterfly knife for years

When I was a kid we were told that these were banned because of how fast you could get the knife out but that is silly. I can flip out my favorite folding pocket knife one handed in a fraction of a second and I don’t even need to risk cutting myself doing a silly trick

Here in the U.K butterfly knives are also banned because they're dangerous , but then our politicians also banned green coloured "ZOMBIE" knives, because being green with "zombie killer" written on the blade made them MORE dangerous and more intimidating.

Mostly good video, though you're off on a few things. One that jumped out at me was claiming butterfly knives are fragile and break easy or something. The reality is that quality balisongs are some of *the* strongest and most durable folding knives around. And the Bali design is easily one of, if not *the* strongest folding knife locking mechanism.

If anyone is interested, I showcase some balisongs over on my channel. I’ll be showing off some old ‘80s balisongs from Japan and Korea very soon.

Not sure where you get your information! But, they are not banned. There are plenty of online retailers that ship them right to your door. Also, in my state there are stores that still have them in stock and sell them regularly!

I've always managed to keep one in working order, just for the fun of twirling it around. The problem is that it's easier to find a sharp blade than it is to find a trainer.

You can buy a practice Butterfly knife that’s just like a real one except it has a false or dull edge. You can also tape the blade portion to practice.

The reason why balisongs aren't good as weapons is because they're not meant to be. They're meant to function as utility knives/hobbyist knives, not for weapons. hence its stupid that they're banned.

2:35 I'm not sure how well known this is, but that was a real butterfly knife in that scene. The prop team forgot to switch it, so the guy acting as the russian got stabbed for real.

A balisong is one of the early forms of a one handed deployment pocket knife and was very useful when working in markets and fields etc when you didn't want to set down what you were holding. It also doubles as its own sheath. I own and flip a lot of baliongs but would not choose one in a knife fight. Who the heck gets in a knife fight , give me some pepper spray.

I carried a butterfly knife when I was 17, travelling through Europe. I had no idea if it was legal in most of the countries, and also just didn't care. It had a good 3.75" blade (about 9.5 cm) and I actually bought it to be a general-purpose tool. And the tool function it did, quite well. Also noone harassed me in the Central Europe, I can't tell any details because I was way too drunk most of the time. But I didn't kill anyone.

I read this book about the early Chicano experience, & it said something about the Balisong being first common among Filipino & Asian gangs, eventually becoming very sought after by Chicano gangs.

banned where? I see them all the time in our stores

I had a few major self afflicted cuts when I first started learning to use a butterfly knife. I carried one for around 10 years. Once I became licensed to carry concealed weapons, in addition to my handgun, I started carrying an automatic knife (the so-called switchblade).

There legal in Idaho. All blade weapons are legal in Idaho to own and carry and that goes for firearms too.

Watching this video made me pull out my daily carry balisong and start flipping it. I bought my first one a few years back and it's since become my daily utility knife/fidget spinner. I keep a near razor edge on it and keep it on my belt at all times. I love these blades.

In a sense, fists and hands are technically illegal in some areas of the United States through duty to retreat laws that state In law, the duty to retreat, or requirement of safe retreat, is a legal requirement in some jurisdictions that a threatened person cannot harm another in self-defense (especially lethal force) instead is requied by law to retreat to a place of safety.

Are there swiss army knife balisongs? It'd be nice to be able to flick out exactly which tool I need in a quick motion. I mainly use my swiss army knife to open beer bottles, wine bottles & tighten loose screws.

thank talos they're no longer banned in Alabama, i own 5 so far, carry one everyday

I had one of these at 10 years old and found it was easy to use, fun, and never hurt myself. Wouldn't be me choice of weapon in warfare but it's a fine option for playing around.

As a teenager, these were so fun. Dummies would also cut themselves which also made it fun.

They’re actually not as widely banned as you may think. While they’re forbidden in all the crown countries like the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, they’re actually legal in a good few European countries like France, Italy, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Spain, Poland, and Lithuania. They’re legal in 47 US states and it will probably be 48 since Hawaii’s ban was just ruled unconstitutional by the 9th Circuit. From what I can tell, they’re legal in Mexico too. As far as the reason for the bans, it was mostly due to them being seen wielded by gangsters and bad guys in ‘80s action films, including a lot of ninja and martial arts flicks. It was kind of similar to the reasoning behind the switchblade bans. The switchblades were a big moral panic in the ‘50s with all the gangster and greaser movies. You also had the moral panic in the early ‘70s with nunchucks and the Bruce Lee movies and similar moral panic in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s with ninja stars and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles craze with kids. I personally think it’s beyond silly to base weapons regulations and policies on how menacing and intimidating something looks in movies. A lot of gun laws are based on movies as well. Thankfully, I’ve always been able to carry butterfly knives in the state where I live. My state legalized switchblades at the beginning of the year so we can carry those as well.

I bought a butterfly knife when I was 15. Practiced with it for a while and was pretty good with it. No cuts, no stitches, no ER visits. They aren't complicated. Simple and dependable.

Balisong is my combat knife of choice, but it also important to have a field knife that can serve multiple purposes. I can get my balisong blade put faster that a out the front knife if I wanted to. The CS Go style has to be my favorite.

Love my butterflies. I edc one as a neck knife in a kydex scabbard. One thing i really like about them is their strength at the pivot. Instead of a single pivot (weaker design) it makes a strong triangle which when locked is far stronger than your basic slipjoint or frame lock. It's other advantage is one handed deployment which comes in very handy as a work knife when your other hand is occupied, like when fishing for example. I keep mine razor sharp and use it daily.

If your butterfly knife breaks easily then you bought the wrong one.

Well in a number of states... (But not all) that went to "constitutional carry" law found (all or any combination) of: * the Balisongs * gravity knives * switchblades * spring stilettos *assisted opening knives * boot knives / daggers Had their legal status changed back, once again. Some states even lifted legal infringements from the popular Shurikens & Shurikans. (throwing stars & spikes) As they are by definition bearable arms that one(s) can utilize for protection. Keep in mind, just like an untrained gunman / gunwoman (police, citizen, soldier, whatever), you miss your target & hit innocent, you could & most likely will be held criminally responsible.

Balisong flipping is for show, if the intention of the wielder is to kill, usually it is opened with both hands and it is then locked after deployment.

The Philippines where the original birthplace of the balisong knife. Other items had been made that resembled the balisong (I remember seeing a really old painters knife which opened the same way as a butterfly knife yet was not used for defence or as a weapon it was for painting. Then there was a object used for measuring in Europe and this design was used for other purposes in other parts of the world. But the Philippines originated the two handled defence blade and where the first to produce and distribute this item as a weapon all other sources did not use this dedsign as a weapon because it was very lightweight and cumbersome for most people who used it. But around 1750 new forms of laws where being placed and the need for swords and common carry weapons was becoming obsolete so new smaller forms of weapons that where less primitive and more refined. The Philippines did not invent the two handle swivel/pivot bladed knife but they where the first to employ it into a set of fighting. These knifes where made with semi-channeled handles in which thin steel was bent having two deep sides and a well that the blade would fit into as the sides incased half the blade each coming together to form the handle as it is unfolded. The Philippines began to utilize the balisong because in about the early nineteen hundreds they where the first to have rouge gangs which used straight razors held in very sturdy ways and in back grip so the could grab your shoulder and slice you from “groin to gullet” expelling your intestines. But these gangs either unscrewed the screw on the razor or just twisted it a bit to loosen the handle so it could be opened In a flash and brought upward in a slashing movement and your bowels would be released from your body. The karambit was common place in these areas so the straight razor was an adaptation to the art of karambit among those who could not obtain a karambit so the straight razor was used because it was a very poor country and straight razors where commonplace. Then the straight razor became notorious among gangs known for deboweling their victims and it became a weapon which was feared and marvelled at the same time. So the straight razor had restrictions on the carrying of them for no reason and the balisong was referred to and they began to make hollow handled homemade balisong knifes and where opened with a twist and a flick and pulled back while opening and thrusted forward upon its deployment so opening then stabbing where done all in one motion. The idea of the balisong was the constant motion giving the user an upper advantage as it will keep your opponent at bay because there is constant motion of the knife so this will cause hesitation in a opponent. Then it became synonymous with the straight razor and they where used for intimidation and they would (rogue gangs that is) spin and open them causing a metal clanking sound that frightened people as they walked along and this gave them much power and force so the knife became known for its gang affiliation and deadly offensive style of use and quick action.

I know in Wisconsin, they were made legal in feb 2016, along side stilettos and switch blades.

The Bali song is just as safe as a normal knife but you just need to know what you are doing.

So why are they banned?? Title???

I guess that the best I could hope for is that when I drop my butterfly knife whilst trying to open it, my assailant will be laughing so hard that I can make my getaway. Be careful, gents. --Old Guy

I like the fixed blade knives for heavy duty uses. For a pocket knife, i use a normal locking blade folder.

It's so crazy how a bunch of old farts in robes can make a sharp piece of metal illegal.

There are 42 states in which butterfly knives are legal in the USA. My state just legalized OTF knives now those are cool.

I have balisongs and automatics (both OTF and side opening. My go to weapon is still a .357 on my hip.

I remember looking at Bali-Song knives forty years ago and thinking, "Why?" I had and still have a nice folder with a thumbstud which I can deploy much quicker than a butterfly knife. All gimmick.

My kids got me a Butterfly Fork and spoon for my lunchbox. I still hurt myself.

Narrator says wondering during if these knives are combat effective is the reason we're here. Meanwhile the title says "Why are they illegal".

They are legal here in TEXAS...

Butterfly knives were created in 800 A.D but started being popularized in the 1900's

These are covered in the second amendment. The right to own and carry weapons is not to be limited.

My favorite is the Benchmade 42 Bali-Song, but their prices have gone crazy!

Fastest b,add and most dependable/durable is a fixed blade

wing chun butterfly knives are the most effective of melee weapons

Make a video on origin of otf automatic knife its origin and where it come from and what was the purpose to make this knife

Original fidget spinner. For those of us with idle hands.

Can you imagine if Criminal Politicians were banned there wouldn't one fkin Politician left on the planet

Definitely a weapon that is more stylish than practical. The intimidation factor is high when in the hands of a skilled user though. No doubt about it. I feel like there are much more useful alternatives that get the job done as good if not better.

WHY DID BUTTERFLY KNIVES GET ILLEGAL

well the truth is the original purpose of balisong is as a shaving blade. having the ability to have the blade covered without a separate scabbard makes it safer to keep around.

I've been slinging butterfly knives for 45yrs. Didn't even know they were banned

These knives remind me of the game where you place one hand on the table and see how quickly you can stab between the fingers. Definitely shows skill and bravery but to no purpose and at great risk. Now I want to try it. I'm thinking about buying a cheap one and grinding the edge off. Maybe a bead of silicone or rtv gasket goo would create a protective shield on the edge that could be removed later to make it usable again. Glue a straw or small hose split lengthwise over the edge. Practice underwater.

I have one, it's not high quality, but it works. I don't twirl it though. I got it in place of an Arkansas Toothpick, they couldn't send it, due to defective product.

A good assessment of the Butterfly knife. I have been a fan since I was a kid. Also sometimes called The Manila Folder. It cant be deployed nearly as fast as a switchblade. But there is also an intimidation and distraction factor. And a master can open and close it in hand to hand combat with blade up or down. Top of fist or bottom of fist. While still maintaining a grip on the knife. Its like nun-chucks with a spicy end.

Cut my self on a thanksgiving night tryna do an arial trick I’ve done many times before. I ended up stabbing my palm, doc said I’d have nerve damage for 6-12 months… its been 5 years now lol still have nerve damage.

Crazy story. The prop master forgot to switch knives in the Punisher movie and Kevin Nash actually got stabbed and continued shooting the scene.

I've had a few Balisong. Still got one. Nothing but edged fidget spinners. I would never use one for any practical purpose.

In the Philippines, if you get into a fight and your opponent carries a Balisong and flips it to open, he is just trying to intimidate you. If he opens it using both hands and locks it, he means business and will hot hesitate to use it on you.

They became popular in the 80's and deplicted in movies with being used to rob someone in an alley way by some punk thieves performing armed robbery while intimidating the victim by flipping the thing around looking scary

For me, this knife is great for edc as it's SAFE when sheathed, has a low profile and has low risk of falling out of a sheath and cutting you while on the move. It's not for bushcraft though.

"WHY DID BUTTERFLY KNIFES GET ILLEGAL"

Thank you!!!? Perfect video about this! I tell people at work often, that unless you are a knife god, this is a toy that will hurt you. If I have a customer seeking a knife for self defense, I guide them to four or five inch fixed blades right away.

for some reason governments around the world have a hard on about one hand opening knives

What game is shown between 0:36-0:45 ?

Take a look at knifes, professionals use in real missions and you quickly realize, that a butterfly knife is not the ideal knife for a fight.

Butterfly knives, like switchblades and gravity knives, were banned because the general public perceives knives that are easy to deploy as being somehow more dangerous than more traditional knives--as if you couldn't just as easily stab someone to death with a tent stake or a screwdriver as you could with a knife that's switch-activated.

How you become an expert is dull the blade to learn first.

Ah..... my first stiches. Owned the knife for about an hour before I was at the ER.

Ok, a buttefly comb then

I wish I knew whatever happened to mine. Never knew they were illegal.

I had a balisong in high-school but they are not very good for a self defense knife. I wouldn't count on getting it opening a high stress situation

They have been illegal in Canada for as long as i can remember... I found one when i was 14 in Vancouver....i kept it for a few months, then sold it...definitely a regret

"...Get Illegal" awesome.

Extraordinary blade..indeed

I have 8 those in my drawer, my dad have more alot, in my neighborhood here its like toys, maybe around 300 -400 here in our entire neighborhood, yet we live peacefully. a lot of children playing outside, To us Balisong is an Symbol of our county. I don't know why it can even be banned, I brought one sealed in a frame for display, pass by an airport no issues, and give it to my boss as a gift. no issues at all.

Cause sum politicians gotnscared of them

42 out of 50 states make these LEGAL

how you find all them videos with butterfly knives 🦋🔪

Nabalis vulp is legal almost everywhere and u can buy sharpenable blades seperate

Never cut myself with mine. Illegal for me to carry but not to own.

They’re legal in my state. I like em. They’re basically the OG fidget spinner’s lol I use practice ones for tricks and stuff and the actual knives for real life tasks. Once in a while I’ll use a real one for a little excitement. I do more bruising my knuckles than cutting myself

We call them ' beinte nueve' or batangueño in the Philippines

It's just a secure lock for a utility knife, and is fun; that's all.

6:30 If someone was to fling it around in front of you, you could just bitch slap it out of his hand with ease. Even if you don't get it to fly away, you'll buy time to rearrange his nose or take another slap at it, while he's scrambling around with it and maybe gets himself cut in the process. (Which could also easily happen to you)

The butterfly knife dose exist but it is a fixed blade with large over hand guard