The balisong, also known as butterfly knife, is internationally known through its pop culture appearances in movies and video games. As well as a community of balisong practitioners who train in artistic manipulations called “flipping” and compete in balisong flipping competitions.
What is less known is the balisong is deeply rooted in Philippine culture.
The name came from the word “bali” (to break) and “sungay” (horn) – eventually becoming known as balisong. A common handle of the knife was carved out of animal horns.
There is no documented evidence of the origin of the balisong. An oral tradition attributes the knife’s origin to the Batangas province around 800 AD. There is an ancient Filipino legend about a warrior who eliminated 29 enemies with a type of folding knife. That knife, the forerunner of today’s balisong, became known as Veintinueve (29).
Taal, Batangas province in the Philippines, is known for their pandays (blacksmiths) who make balisongs. The earliest evidence of balisong production dates to the early 1900s. The balisong was first constructed in 1905 by Perfecto de Leon.
This knife’s design is distinctive. The balisong has a unique feature of counter-rotating handles that conceal the knife. The two half-handles form the scabbard when the knife is closed and the handle when opened. The balisong can be easily opened with one hand, making it a handy utilitarian tool for everyday needs.
The early knives were made from available materials. During and after World War II, knives were made from spare parts of army jeeps. The balisong differed from the Japanese blades which were made to pierce armor. The balisong’s were made to slash through light garments.
The United States was introduced to the balisong by early Filipino immigrant farm laborers and American soldiers returning home from World War II.
The balisong disappeared in popularity in the 1950s because of a negative reputation. Popular movies like Marlon Brando’s “The Wild One”, James Dean’s “Rebel Without a Cause” with villains flashing butterfly knives helped spread that unfavorable image.
But thanks to various supporters of balisong and US Taylor v. McManus (1986) federal court ruling that declared balisongs are not switchblades under federal law and were legal for importation. (Note: The legal status of knives is subject to change. Refer to current laws.)
Many balisongs, trainers and knives, are now mass produced by manufacturers around the world, further spreading the popularity of the knife. But the balisong is part of the Philippines cultural heritage.
Today, the balisong is both an art form (the art of opening, flipping and closing which created a community of practitioners showcasing their unique artistic movements) and a weapon essential in Filipino martial arts.
