The butterfly knife, also known as a balisong, is a folding pocket knife that has become famous for its unique design and the skill required to use it. The history of the butterfly knife is one that is shrouded in mystery, with many conflicting stories about its origins. However, there are a few key events in the history of the butterfly knife that are widely accepted as fact.
The earliest known reference to the butterfly knife can be traced back to the Philippines in the late 1800s. At that time, the balisong was primarily used as a utility knife by farmers and fishermen. The knife was designed to be easily opened and closed with one hand, which made it useful for a variety of tasks.
It wasn’t until the 1900s that the butterfly knife began to gain popularity as a weapon. During World War II, American soldiers stationed in the Philippines were introduced to the balisong and were impressed by its quick deployment and ease of use. They brought the knives back to the United States as souvenirs, and the knife began to gain a following among soldiers and knife enthusiasts.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the butterfly knife became associated with gang activity and was banned in many states in the United States. However, the knife continued to be popular among knife enthusiasts, and many custom knife makers began to create their own versions of the balisong.
In the 1980s and 1990s, the butterfly knife experienced a resurgence in popularity as a result of its appearance in movies and television shows. The knife became a popular prop in action movies and martial arts films, and many young people became interested in learning how to use the knife.
Today, the butterfly knife is still a popular knife among collectors and knife enthusiasts. It is also used by some martial artists as a training tool, as the knife requires a high degree of skill and coordination to use effectively.
In conclusion, the history of the butterfly knife is one that spans several centuries and continents. While the origins of the knife are unclear, its popularity as a weapon and a tool have made it an enduring part of knife culture. Whether used for utility or sport, the butterfly knife remains a unique and fascinating piece of cutlery.
https://backwoodsports.com/collections/knives/butterfly-knives/: Balisong: The original fidget spinner
