There are two main theories when it comes to the history of Balisongs, the most popular is that the Balisong originated in the Phillipines around 800 AD. This butterfly blade was said to be one of the most ancient weapons used in the Filipino Martial Art of Kali, which even today is considered one of the deadliest fighting systems in the world. It was said to have taken its name form the town of Bali-Sung in the Batangas region of the Phillipines. This region is known, even to this day for solely producing the knife. The knife was then said to have been brought to the US in the 1900s, by immigrant Filipino farm labourers and returning GIs who brought them back as war souvenirs. In the 50s it became illegal to manufacture them in the US, due to negative use by motorcycle gangs and criminal delinquents. However, they were resurrected in the 70s by some of the well known Filipino Martial Arts superstars. Today, Balisongs are alive and well, being collected by millions all over the US and the rest of the world.
There is still, another theory that states the origin of the Balisong originated in some part of Europ Between the early 1500s and the late 1700s. This is primarily due to the discovery of the learliest known Balisong, which was said to be referred to as the Pied Du-Roy. It is currently on display at the Musee de la Coutellarie in Thiers.
Yet with all the speculation, the truth is that the history of the origin of the Balisong is still a mystery, but this does not take away from the fact that this weapon is one of the most deadly and effective that you can find. Yet, it is important to stay away from cheap quality Balisongs. There are many balisongs, or butterfly knives on the market that are sub-par. Be sure to by from a good dealer, who can give you the high quality that you are looking for. In the mean-time, Keep on flippin.
All those now no one is really sure where the name balisong comes form that are a few thoughts as to what it is referring to. In the Tagalog language balisong or Baling sungay means broken horn, and because the first knives where made of animal horns many think that is where the name comes from. Others think that they are called balisong for the reason the they are thought to first be invented in a town called balisong. These pocket knives origins are from the Philippines and though discouraged now for hundreds of years where once used to fight in duels.
when the Spanish came to the Philippines, they brought these knives back to the western cicilization, and they became very popular. the balisong knives has been a long time tool inthe filipino fighting arts. Balisongs where brought back to the states after WWII when troops that where fighting in the pacific came home and brought these handy pocket knives back with them.
A balisong is mainly made up of ten parts. the edge, choil, kicker, swedge, pivot pins, tang pin, tang, bite handle, safe handle, and latch. the ddge is the huting blade of the knife. The swedge is the back side of the blade that is made to look sharp but is not. The choil is a curve above the kicker to help you to sharpen the blade. The kicker is what stops the blade for hitting the inside of the knife when closing to help keep the blade sharp. The pivot pins are the pins that the knife pivots on to open and close. the tang is where the knife goes into the handle. The bite handle is the part that closes on the sharp side of the blade. The safe handle is the part that closes on the back side of the blade, the part that is not sharp. the latch, this is a saftey feature that keeps the knife closed.
There are now a number of knives makers in the U.S that make the butterfly knives or the balisongs. One of them is Benchmade. Another well known knife make is Emerson. Emersons very first knives where balisongs that he made while studding Filipino martial arts in California. Because of the nature of these pocket knives many countries have them outlawed. most collectores are looking for these knives.
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Nerode Abraham has sinced written about articles on various topics from Soccer, Martial Arts and Recreation Vehicle RV. Nerode Abraham is a martial arts enthusiast, and has done extensive research on the area of self defense weaponry. You can find out more and purchase swords and knives including. Nerode Abraham's top article generates over 2900 views. to your Favourites.
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