A butterfly knife is undoubtedly the most versatile tool in every arsenal. It can be used for countless maneuvers and tasks without any hassle.

Every EDC kit needs a compact, reliable, and wickedly sharp blade. The Balisong ticks all these boxes. It is one of the most revered pocket knives and can be used in all self-defense and wilderness survival activities.

If you feel inclined towards starting your own collection, we have a handy list of top EDC butterfly knives and Balisongs made from high quality stainless steel with excellent edge retention!

Butterfly Knife vs Balisong

A butterfly knife and a Balisong are actually the same thing. "Balisong" is the proper term for this type of folding pocket knife that has two handles that rotate around the blade. It is also commonly known as a butterfly knife due to the characteristic flipping motion resembling a butterfly's wings. Hence, the terms are interchangeable!

Versatility Beyond Its Blade

Unlike a basic folding knife where the blade is the only weapon, the balisong can be used defensively even when closed. The tang of the blade and pointed handles allow it to function as an effective impact weapon.

Whether open or closed, no other EDC option doubles as both a impact tool and cutting blade like the balisong.

What are Butterfly Knives Used For?

Balisongs or butterfly knives have a rich history rooted in Filipino martial arts and are renowned for their unique flipping action. Originally, they were designed as utility tools for tasks like cutting, slicing, and even self-defense.

However, due to their intricate flipping techniques, they are also popular among enthusiasts who practice flipping tricks and techniques purely for entertainment and skill demonstration. 

It's important to note that the use of butterfly knives for flipping should be done responsibly and safely, respecting local laws and regulations regarding knife possession and usage.

Self Defense Benefits of Butterfly Knife

One of the biggest advantages of the Balisong is its compact size and concealable design. Thanks to the handle sheath, you can discreetly carry a Balisong in your pocket, sock, or around your neck without impeding your movements.

This level of covert carry isn't possible with most fixed-blade or folding knives. And when brandished during a confrontation, the flashy opening and closing of the Balisong blade is extremely intimidating on its own.

Between the concealability and "badass vibe" of Balisongs in pop culture, it has a psychological edge over other self-defense weapons.

Maintenance and Durability

With no springs or complex mechanisms, Balisongs require very little upkeep beyond occasional cleaning and lubrication. The fully manual opening means there are no small parts to break down over time either. For a tool you'll depend on in emergency situations, the Balisong's simple and sturdy design can't be beat.

EDC Benefits of Survival Knives

As a survival knife, the Balisong is the perfect addition to EDC gear. The sharp edge of the blade or quick deployment is not the reason for this. The most important fact is that is can serve as a non-lethal, defensive object with blunt impact points.

You don’t’ even have to open it for effective usage. It can serve as a non-lethal blunt impact tool even when sheathed. The exposed blade tang and handle tips disarm the opponent effectively by impacting their vital areas.

Before you even deploy the blade, the exposed back of the blade’s tang or even the tips of the handle can be used to strike at an opponent’s vital areas.

Striking the neck, throat, temple, hands, and other vulnerable body parts with a “closed” Balisong can bring excruciating pain.

Easy Butterfly Knife Tricks

Whether you want to impress someone or learn a neat trick, the butterfly knife is at your service. The ergonomic design and easy maneuverability can be combined to make countless swift moves.

The rapid launch and concealment of the blade between both handles is also a graceful technique almost everyone adores. Additionally, flipping open a butterfly knife and seamlessly twisting it around looks extremely cooler than any ordinary switchblade.

If you wish to learn twirling tricks, it is best to use a Balisong trainer knife with a blunted edge. This will ensure that you don’t cut yourself or others if your knife gets out of control.

The first skill you should definitely learn is opening and closing the knife with just one hand and then with a single finger. The experts can perform this with just a flick of the wrist as well so you should aim towards that goal. Additionally, this trick will help your pick up the other maneuvers pretty quickly.

How to Properly Handle Butterfly Knives

The warnings and dangers of the balisong are an essential part of the package along with the amusing tricks and myriad of uses.

Since both the handle and the blade are not fixed blades, being careful is the first requirement of using this blade.

The balisong is one of the sharpest and most unforgiving pocket knife. Any misstep can seriously hurt the user and the people around them. Not to mention, dropping the blade in the middle of a fight or emergency can lead to dire consequences as well. This is why beginners are usually discouraged from using this blade.

Speed and expertise are both essential when using the butterfly blade.

If you are slow, the opponent can wound you with a baton or a simple knife very easily. It takes a lot of time to establish an acceptable skill level before one can wild this vane actively.

Don’t rush yourself through the basics. The more you learn, the more successful you will be in deft use of butterfly knives.