Balisong listings and videos use a vocabulary that does not exist for other knives. This is the glossary, in the order you meet the parts, with what each one means for a purchase. Live blades are on the butterfly knives collection; trainers on the trainer collection.
Handles
Bite handle: the handle on the edge side of the blade; closing on it bites you. Safe handle: the one on the spine side, usually the one with the latch. Channel handles are milled from one piece; sandwich handles are two slabs with spacers. Vented handles have cut-outs to reduce weight.
Latch
The catch that holds the handles closed. A latch gate stops it swinging into the blade. Many flippers prefer latchless or a free-swinging latch; collectors keep it.
Pins and pivots
Tang pins stop the handles from hitting the edge; zen pins are the same idea set into the handles. Pinned pivots are riveted and have some play: what $9 to $24 balisongs use. Bushing pivots use a sleeve for smooth, adjustable action. Bearing pivots use ball bearings for the smoothest swing; one trainer in stock has them.
Blade words
Spear point, drop point, tanto, dagger: the same as any knife. Blunt or trainer means no edge. Kris or wavy means a serpentine blade.
Trick words you will see
Basic open, basic close, fan, twirl, zen rollover, aerial, chaplin. Learn them on a trainer: balisong trainers for beginners.
Frequently asked questions
What is the bite handle on a balisong?
The handle on the edge side of the blade; catching it wrong bites you.
What is a tang pin?
A pin that stops the handles from closing onto the edge.
Pinned or bushing pivot?
Pinned at this price range; bushing and bearing pivots are smoother and cost several times more.
Prices are butterflyknivesforsale.com prices at the time of writing and change with stock.