Butterfly knives are a type of folding knife that has a blade that folds into the handle. They’re often used by military personnel because they’re compact and lightweight. The blades are designed to open easily and close smoothly.
Butterfly knives are great tools for self defense. They’re easy to carry around and concealable. They also come in various sizes and designs.
But how do we use these knives? If you’ve never handled a butterfly knife before they can seem tricky, and leave many of us confused about the correct way to handle them.
Well, no more! Today we are here to show you more about these knives and how to use them effectively. Remember, to take care when handling a knife and that you should ensure the safety of yourself and others at all times!
What Is A Butterfly Knife?
First off, let’s talk about what a butterfly knife is. Butterfly knives are a popular style of folding knives.
This particular type of knife is shaped like an origami butterfly – hence its name “butterfly” or “butterfly folder.” These types of knives fold up into their handles. They also have a very sharp blade that can be deployed quickly.
A butterfly knife usually has a single-edge blade with one point at each end. One edge of the blade is always sharper than the other. If you push against the backside of the blade, you won’t cause any damage.
However, the front cutting edge isn’t as sharp as the back one. That’s why you’ll want to keep your thumb on the spine of the blade when using it.
What Are Butterfly Knives Used For?
The main advantage of butterfly knives lies in their size and weight. These knives are perfect for everyday use.
Because they’re small, you can easily fit one right inside your pocket or purse. And since they weigh so little, you can take them almost anywhere.
They’re also very useful for camping and survival purposes. They’re quick to deploy. Plus, they can cut through most materials found outdoors. You can even use them to chop wood, skin animals, or gut fish.
Types Of Butterfly Knives
There are many different styles of butterfly knives available today. Some are extremely sleek and elegant looking while others look rugged. Depending on what kind of knife you prefer, there will probably be several options for you to choose from.
Standard Butterfly (Type 1)
These are the traditional versions of butterfly knives. They’re thinner and sturdier than other models. They’re typically heavier too since they require more metal. Standard butterfly knives can be very expensive though.
Miniature Butterfly (Model 2)
These smaller versions are ideal for carrying around. They’re not much thicker than regular hand knives, but they’re still quite good due to their lightness and ease of handling. Miniature butterfly knives may have a shorter blade length compared to standard ones.
Folding Butterfly (Type 3)
These knives feature strong, durable plastic handles with built-in hinges. The knives themselves are thin enough to easily slip into pockets.
Folding butterfly knives fold flat after being opened. You won’t need to unfold them again unless you plan to store them somewhere else.
How Are Butterfly Knives Made?
Most butterfly knives are made of stainless steel. Many manufacturers add some kind of carbon content to make the blade less brittle when exposed to extreme temperatures. Carbon helps to keep the blade resistant to rust.
Unfortunately, carbon can create some problems during production which is why many companies now use aluminum instead. The problem here is that aluminum doesn’t bond well with the other elements contained within the stainless steel alloy.
Thus, aluminum adds weight to the product but reduces corrosion resistance. Most manufacturers will tell you that they’re combining both materials to achieve superior strength and durability.
They might not admit it, but they know that adding carbon to stainless steel increases costs. Therefore, they use only a fraction of their standard allotment for that purpose.
Where Can You Buy Butterfly Knives?
Since butterfly knives are popular among outdoorsmen, most major retailers carry them. For starters, you could check out Amazon.com or any number of online suppliers. If possible, try visiting nearby department stores. These establishments often sell specialty items.
The retail prices may vary, but you can save money if you shop around. In addition, all the knives are shipped quickly from reputable vendors.
If you want to test drive a butterfly knife on your own, you could order one directly from the manufacturer. Although these models tend to have higher prices compared to others, they offer unmatched quality.
How To Flip A Butterfly Knife
To flip a butterfly knife, place your thumb over the tip. Then wrap your middle and ring finger around it just below the hilt.
Next, apply pressure down onto the knife until you hear the blade snap free. With your fingers still wrapped around it, rotate the knife in your hand to release the blade. The result will be a perfectly smooth finish.
You should never attempt to open a butterfly knife by flipping it upside down. Doing so will expose the blade and allow you to stab yourself with its sharp edge. Always flip a butterfly knife right side up.
Butterfly Knife Tricks
You can develop great dexterity by practicing with a butterfly knife. There are plenty of cool tricks you can perform.
For instance, you might make a game out of tossing it from one hand to another. Also, practice spinning the blade to make it easier to grip.
Another great trick involves throwing it in the air. Before releasing the blade, spin it clockwise several times. Then watch in amazement as it spins back counterclockwise.
Flick Opening
This maneuver works best when the blades are locked together. Begin by grasping both handles tightly. Now twist the knife between your hands until you feel the blade loosen. Flick-open the blade like you would an umbrella or tennis racket.
Flick Closing
Another awesome trick involves closing a butterfly knife after opening it. Start by grabbing the knife with both hands.
Next, twist the blade closed with one hand while keeping it open with the other. Then let go of the blade. As you do, the blade snaps back open.
One-Handed Opening
Grasping the knife near the hilt, bring it close to your chest. Push the small part at the end of the handle against the bottom portion of your palm. Use this area to actuate the blade.
Open the knife by gently twisting it with your left hand. Then, slide your left index finger along the inside of the knife and pull it towards your body.
When the blade snaps open, your middle finger will now be placed on top of it. Repeat with the right hand.
Aerial Tricks
Hold the knife vertically and flick it upwards to throw it into the sky. Spin the blade clockwise before doing this. Watch in awe as the blade flies through the air. After the blade lands, immediately turn it over to catch the other side.
What Are The Best Butterfly Knives?
If you’re looking for an affordable butterfly knife, consider a folder model. They typically cost less than $20. However, since you need to invest more money for blades, you may wish to opt for a fixed-blade instead.
They usually cost between $30 and $50.
While there isn’t a “best” butterfly knife, we do recommend checking some of our favorites. For example, the Leatherman Free T2 knife is ideal for camping and hiking.
It has a sleek design that makes it comfortable to carry. Its unique locking mechanism allows you to close it securely even when wet.
A butterfly knife offers incredible versatility. Because each model has different features and designs, you won’t find one that fits all needs.
When planning which one to purchase, keep a few things in mind. For starters, you should decide what type of hobbyist you are. Are you into outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting? Or do you prefer gardening? Each category requires specific tools.
In addition, your budget also matters. As mentioned previously, price tends to increase based on blade material.
Furthermore, handle materials such as leather and stainless steel are much pricier than plastic. But, regardless of the budget or other factors, we urge you to buy your first butterfly knife from trusted brands.
Only then will you know whether this product is worth investing in.
Conclusion
Butterfly knives are versatile. As long as they have a sharp point, they can carve wood, fish hooks, and cut the rope. Their compact size makes them easy to store away when not in use.
If you have a keen interest in purchasing this product, we suggest choosing a reputable brand like Leatherman.
Hi, my name is Tom Bower and I have had a passion for knives since I was in my early 20s. I moved out on my own and started collecting my own furniture, utensils, and hobbies. Not only do I have a passion for cooking, but I also love being outdoors in adventure mode.
I have dedicated part of my life to finding my favorite knives for different occasions. Have you ever tried to cut through a steak with a blunt knife? Or a rope with a low-quality pocket knife? Once you get a taste of quality, you’ll never go back to what you knew before.
