The design of a butterfly knife is relatively simple but requires precision engineering for smooth movement.
The exact origin of the butterfly knife is a subject of historical debate, primarily between two theories: Balisong: What Is a Butterfly Knife? - The Armory Life butterfly knife
: The base of the blade where the handles are attached via pivot pins. The design of a butterfly knife is relatively
: The handle that closes on the non-sharp edge of the blade; it is the safest to hold during tricks. : The handle that closes on the non-sharp
: Assembled in layers held together by pins or screws.
: A locking mechanism at the base of the handles that holds the knife in either the open or closed position. Construction Types :
A butterfly knife, traditionally known as a , is a folding pocketknife characterized by two handles that counter-rotate around the tang, allowing the blade to be concealed within the handle grooves when closed . While famously used for complex manipulation tricks—a subculture known as "flipping"—it was originally designed as a practical, rapid-deployment tool for tasks like cutting netting or self-defense. Anatomy and Construction