An Overview of the Hobby
The balisong hobby is a hobby that not many people are aware of. Some people might have heard of a balisong, more popularly known as a “butterfly knife” but not actually know much about them. Most people in the hobby, however, call it a balisong as that is the traditional name. It, according to oral tradition, originated in The Philippines in 800 A.C. for self-defense. This use has died off and now they are used mostly for flipping/doing tricks and opening boxes.
A “Non-offensive Blade”
Some Balisongs have a sharp blade which can be quite daunting when first joining the hobby. Balisong manufacturers (Such as Squid Industries, Machinewise, and Polysong (my company coming soon)) know this and make trainer blades that are not sharp, used for practicing tricks. Trainer blades made by these manufacturers don’t detriment flipping. Using a sharp blade as your first or one of your first balisongs is highly discouraged and possibly dangerous.
Plastic vs Metal
Metal is the material that is used on most balisongs. Typically with either aluminum or titanium handles and a stainless steel blade. Some manufacturers, however, make balisongs out of plastic. Using non-metals for balisongs is a fairly new concept but very well welcomed. Plastic balisong can be helpful for a more beginner-friendly option that doesn’t quite break the bank. Plastic balisongs are also typically lighter than most metal balisongs and are less durable, still being able to take a beating.
Beginning Tips and Tricks
Getting into the hobby can be difficult at times as information is quite sparce. One reason why some people don’t get into the hobby is that the price of some higher-end balisongs scares them. A higher-end balisong can cost upwards of $200 getting up to $700 and higher. But someone that is getting into the hobby would not want to buy one of these. This is why there are lower-end balisongs such as the Nabalis Vulp coming in at an astonishingly low price for how well it flips at just $65 dollars. This Balisong also happens to be designed by a very well known and well-respected flipper, Will Hirsch.
Learning to Flip
Learning what trick to learn next or even just learning your first trick can be difficult. That is why there are so many videos online giving tutorials. However, there is one video that I personally used in order to start my adventure into the balisong hobby. Attached below is a video interview of Corbin Lovins, a winner of the West Coast Flipping Competition held by Squid Industries teaching how to do tricks from beginner to intermediate to advanced.
The Balisong Community
With every hobby comes its community and I believe that the community centered around balisongs is truly special. You can find the Balisong community the most active on social media such as Instagram, Discord, and YouTube. Instagram is where the community is most active, sharing, conversing, and even buying and selling balisongs. YouTube is where influencers such as Will Hirsch and also Ethan of “CamaroEE” and “Blade Bias” make videos about the hobby, reviewing balisongs, and talking about things related to the hobby.
Will Hirsch: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCztPMzXVW2YbD88x_CwjSzg
Ethan (CamaroEE): https://www.youtube.com/c/camaroEE
Ethan (Blade Bias): https://www.youtube.com/c/BladeBias/videos
Why Get into the Hobby
The main reason that I got into the hobby was because balisongs are very fun fidget toys and keep my fingers busy. Another reason is to improve hand-eye coordination. As well as the brotherhood gained through the interaction with others in the hobby.
The Public Opinion
Throughout my time in the balisong hobby, I have noticed an unfortunate discrepancy within the outside opinion of the balisong hobby. Sadly, most who view the balisong hobby wrongly assume that the hobby is dangerous. This is not the truth however, the only danger that there could possibly be is if an inexperienced flipper got their hands on a live blade. Those inside the hobby greatly frown upon this situation. And hopefully, this article and other insights into the hobby can help get rid of this false opinion.
