Is a butterfly knife a regular folding knife or a gravity knife?
|
|
January 2nd, 2010
| Tags: Balisong Knives, Butterfly Knife, folding knife
Joseph D asked:
For years I have been owning butterfly knives also known as Balisong knives.I understand that there are restrictions on these particular knives in different jurisdictions;what makes a dual handle folding knife any more lethal than a regular folding knife, this type of edged instrument doesnot constitute a gravity knife by whatever means I can see, does anyone have any input on this issue?
|
Loading...
The problem with the butterfly knives is that they can be opened with one hand – which is what makes them illegal.
There are many places that they are illegal. In some places just owning them can get you in trouble and in others carrying them. It is sad that people who have no real idea about knives and their uses make the laws based on irrational fears and bad information. The American Knife and Tool Institute is always fighting for our rights to use and carry our tools and knives. If you get a chance check them out. Different places classify knives differently and it makes it very hard to follow the law at times. It would be a good idea to check your state and local laws to make sure you are not in violation. Sometimes the definitions used to describe knives are so far off it is scary. A Butterfly or Balisong as it should be referred to is a kinetic opening knife and requires a distinct and precise series of movements to open. It is not a gravity knife in truth but many jurisdictions refer to them as such other jurisdictions have a category just for them.. Any knife can be opened one handed for the most part with just a little practice and being able to open a knife one handed is sometimes a very useful if not lifesaving ability. Spyderco Knives can be opened with one hand due to their Spyder-hole in the blade(pat.) This in no way makes the knife any more or less dangerous but it sure does make it a lot easier to use when your hands are full. If the laws in your area are poor may I suggest trying to change them with education and honesty. The funny thing is most people do not even understand the use of a balisong and if they did they would understand that they actually have many non-lethal movements in self-defense. The AKTI has a web sight and is always happy to help educate and legislate to make the knife laws sane and safe for all of us. I hope this helps and if I can be of any further help please let me know. Best Wishes and Happy Holidays to all.
they constitute a gravity knife because centrifugal force is what opens them(i know that is stupid, but so are all laws that restrict what we can carry to keep the political gods in check). the anti-knife lobby reasons that it takes skill to open one, and anyone who is willing to learn that skill is too dangerous to have access to that skill. just like switchblades. they reasoned that anyone who planned on only having one hand available to open their knife, they must plan on grappling before using it, it was propagated by the tulsa riot’s of the 50’s, and pop culture of the time, but switch blades were originally life saving devices issued to our paratroopers in case they were caught in trees or such, and only had use of one hand. they could still cut themselves down. by the way, any pocketknife, with or without a thumbstud, if it can be opened with a flick of the wrist, whether it is due to a mechanical failure of the pivot or tampering, is considered a gravity knife. heck, in Kalifornia, if you leave a pocketknife open because it’s dirty or covered in battery acid, you have just inadvertantly forged a dirk or dagger. our government hates us. they will take away our rights. the right to a speedy and fair trial was the first to die. illegal searches and seisures is next. then the right to bear arms. after that, our most sacred right, our first amendment, will fall in the wake of tyranny and what’s best for the less fortunate