Butterfly Knife
Labels:
balisong,
Butterfly Knife,
knife
Bite Handle
The handle that closes on the sharp edge of the blade.
Kicker (or Kick)
Area on the blade that prevents the sharp edge from contacting the inside of the handle and suffering damage. This is sometimes supplanted by an additional tang pin above the pivots.
Latch
The standard locking system, which holds the balisong closed. Magnets are occasionally used instead.
Latch, Batangas
A latch that is attached to the bite handle.
Latch, Manila
A latch that is attached to the safe handle.
Latch, Spring
A latch that utilizes a spring to propel the latch open when the handles are squeezed.
Safe Handle
The handle that closes on the non-sharpened edge of the blade.
Latch gate
A block inside the channel of the handles stopping the latch from impacting the blade
Tang
The base of the blade where the handles are attached with pivot pins.
IKBS
Ikoma-Korth Bearing System. A high end ball bearing system that maximizes smoothness, found in high-end custom balisongs.
Choil
Small curve found on some balisongs just above the kicker, that allows you to sharpen the blade more easily.
Swedge
Unsharpened spine of the blade that is angled to appear as if it were sharpened.
History
The butterfly knife appears first documented in a 1710 French book, "Le Perret", where an intricate and precise depiction of a butterfly knife is outlaid, explaining that the device was developed in the late 1500's as a utility knife. It then most likely came into popular use in the Philippines through transference intercontinentally to Spain, which coincides with the Spanish governance of the Philippines during that period.
There is conjecture attending to the balisong being an ancient Filipino invention dating back to 800 AD, stating it to be the most ancient of weapons of the Filipino fighting system of Eskrima.
During WWII ( 1945 ), U.S.Troops island hopping in the Pacific, returned home with balisong knives. These knives came in the typical pocket size lengths, and also lengths approaching 30+ inches. Vintage balisong knives have hand-ground, non-symmetrical carbon steel blades. The sharp edges formed right to the handle, leaving a small tang area, and are not usually marked by the maker with a modern western tang stamp. Collectors viewing antique carbon steel blade knives debate the exact details defining a traditional heirloom knives of the 1930's, with post war knives made with shell brass. Longer ceremonial vintage knives periodically display hand carved designs that are filled with colored and clear Japanese lacquer, perhaps the inspiration for modern clear plastic designs.
___________________________
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Post a Comment