The Debated origins of the Balisong AKA The “Butterfly Knife”
Reimagined comb version from Valorant Courtesy of Riot Games
Balisong, or better known today as the butterfly knife, is a knife popularized by modern media in forms of movies, tv shows, and video games.
It has two handles that counter-rotate around the tang, allowing the blade to be hidden between grooves in the handles when closed. A latch, usually positioned on the handle facing the cutting edge, holds the handles together.
The knife is illegal in some countries as it is considered as a concealed weapon.
There are 2 prevailing theories on the origin of the Balisong; Philippine Origin, or French/European Origin.
Philippine Origin
The Philippines is frequently credited as being the birthplace of butterfly knives. The word "balisong" is thought to have originated there.
Filipinos from the Tagalog region, employed the balisong as a self-defense and pocket utility knife. Before conventional razors were introduced in the Philippines, hollow-grind balisongs were also used as straight razors.
The knife was mass produced in early 1900s but According to legend, the balisong knife dates back to roughly 800 AD. Today, butterfly knives are now sold at a plethora of stands and stores around the Philippines, with the province of Batangas and the Balisong region of Taal being particularly well-known for the blade smiting.
French Origin
Another theory suggest that the knife was invented in France between 1500 and 1700. The explanation for this is the "Pied Du Roi," a French measurement instrument that dates back to the 1700s and means "foot of the king." The "Pied Du Roi" resembles a butterfly knife in appearance. This instrument has measurement handles on one end and a blade that folds out on the other.
According to supporters of the French origin theory, Spain, who was at the time allied with France, adopted the butterfly knife in its tasks and later brought it to the Philippines when sailors went to different countries. Although it appears logical, it has yet to be proven.
Pied Du Roi early patent. US Pat. # 124,566
French blade: Pied Du Roi. Courtesy of balisong.net
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