Why Don't You EDC a Butterfly Knife?

[AntDog]

I understand perfectly. What I probably should've just said in the first place is that I would feel weird having to operate the knife differently to open it slowly. I don't try to one hand a two handed folder nor would I want to open a two handed folder with one hand.

Well, there ya go. That's "the rub".

Just because you feel weird doing something doesn't mean that everybody else does.

It's definitely possible to open a balisong slowly, with two hands.

That would be the best way to do it in certain situations. Such as getting pulled over, or opening it in public.

Just because something is DESIGNED for something, that doesn't mean it has to be used that way. Most Ferraris are built to go 150mph+. Get in one and drive that speed everywhere, all day long and tell me what happens.

After all, that's what it was designed for.

 

[Moxy]

Huh, you guys either love them or hate them.

I think the little Benchmade 32 is perfect for everyday utility tasks. I do agree that there is a lack of good mid range $75-150 options.

 

[Hickory n steel]

Well, there ya go. That's "the rub".

Just because you feel weird doing something doesn't mean that everybody else does.

It's definitely possible to open a balisong slowly, with two hands.

That would be the best way to do it in certain situations. Such as getting pulled over, or opening it in public.

Just because something is DESIGNED for something, that doesn't mean it has to be used that way. Most Ferraris are built to go 150mph+. Get in one and drive that speed everywhere, all day long and tell me what happens.

After all, that's what it was designed for.

I was just stating why I wouldn't carry one, not saying what people should do. I probably should've chose my words better, but It sometimes takes me a bit to figure out exactly how to clearly voice my thoughts because I'm just not much of a wordsmith.
I apologize for filling this thread with argument

 

[timberweasel]

If they weren't illegal in my country, I would probably own a balisong. I'd want an automatic, too--but, again, illegal. It would be nice to own at least one nice piece from each category, I think. Hard to say if I'd prefer either for EDC over other knives until I tried 'em; maybe they'd just end up as interesting additions to my collection. Alas, I may never know...

The Dude abides...

-Brett

 

[Petunia D. Feeble]

I get the fact that they're a sturdy fast and convenient utilitarian blade, but they have to be slow when your trying not to scare people.

I disagree. I've had nothing but positive, or at least neutral experiences opening it one handed in public. I think it's a bit like the swordsman in that Indiana Jones movie. Too flamboyant to be threatening.

The reactions I've gotten tend to be the same each time:

1: Aren't those illegal? No. Oh, neat.
2: Is that a butterfly knife? Awesome!
3: Douche bag. (They generally don't say that, but you can see it on their face. Didn't like them anyway)
4: They generally don't even notice.
5: Once I had someone ask why I was carrying a balisong. In my case it's essentially a yo-yo that I can use to open packages. A fidget toy.

I've never seen any obvious signs of fear in anyone when opening it. I have however startled people when flicking open a Delica.

 

[Lycosa]

Thanks for the post, T.L.E.^
rolf

 

[Hickory n steel]

I disagree. I've had nothing but positive, or at least neutral experiences opening it one handed in public. I think it's a bit like the swordsman in that Indiana Jones movie. Too flamboyant to be threatening.

The reactions I've gotten tend to be the same each time:

1: Aren't those illegal? No. Oh, neat.
2: Is that a butterfly knife? Awesome!
3: Douche bag. (They generally don't say that, but you can see it on their face. Didn't like them anyway)
4: They generally don't even notice.
5: Once I had someone ask why I was carrying a balisong. In my case it's essentially a yo-yo that I can use to open packages. A fidget toy.

I've never seen any obvious signs of fear in anyone when opening it. I have however startled people when flicking open a Delica.

Not that you have to necessarily open them slowly around people, just if you did it would be a different operation than normal to those that flip.

It's great that you're balisong use has had no negative reception, and I'm sure I'd be fine in my dinky little town, but I'd imagine it could be a problem depending on where you are.

I currently don't see any practical needs for me to ever get a balisong to carry, but because they're fun to flip, there's a chance that I might try to edc one if they became legal . I do have one of those little key chain ones that I've carried as a fidget toy, but that's all as it has no edge.

 

[brownshoe]

You can open a Bali one handed w/o flipping up. You drop the handle, turn your wrist, close your hand. One fluid motion, one hand, no ninja overtones

 

[singularity35]

You can open a Bali one handed w/o flipping up. You drop the handle, turn your wrist, close your hand. One fluid motion, one hand, no ninja overtones

This, very much this. And I did it along my thigh out of sight when I wanted to fly under the radar.

 

[brownshoe]

...I do have one of those little key chain ones that I've carried as a fidget toy, but that's all as it has no edge.

If you don't carry because it's illegal, the lack of an edge won't help you out. Might as well just get a full size one

My state just made them legal a few years ago, but I've carried one off and on for about 25 years before that. For about a year it was every day when it was illegal. It was my "main knife." You just need to make sure the bali doesn't stick out of your pocket and be aware of your surroundings before you open it...Oh, and not be a cop magnet The only thing I don't carry are double edge knives. That type of knife has no utilitarian purpose.

 

[Superdave1]

I understand perfectly. What I probably should've just said in the first place is that I would feel weird having to operate the knife differently to open it slowly. I don't try to one hand a two handed folder nor would I want to open a two handed folder with one hand.

So you are saying you wouldn't 1 hand a 2 hand folder nor 1 hand a 2 hand folder...mmmmm

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk

 

[Hickory n steel]

If you don't carry because it's illegal, the lack of an edge won't help you out. Might as well just get a full size one

My state just made them legal a few years ago, but I've carried one off and on for about 25 years before that. For about a year it was every day when it was illegal. It was my "main knife." You just need to make sure the bali doesn't stick out of your pocket and be aware of your surroundings before you open it...Oh, and not be a cop magnet The only thing I don't carry are double edge knives. That type of knife has no utilitarian purpose.

Any balisong or switchblade under 2.5" is perfectly legal here in California, but a real balisong on the other hand is completely illegal ( not even legal to collect like switchblades are )

 

[Nixelplix]

Any balisong or switchblade under 2.5" is perfectly legal here in California, but a real balisong on the other hand is completely illegal ( not even legal to collect like switchblades are )

The California law says anything over 2 inches is illegal to carry. There is no law against collecting balisongs of any size.

"653k: Every person who possesses in the passenger's or driver's area of any motor vehicle in any public place or place open to the public, carries upon his or her person, and every person who sells, offers for sale, exposes for sale, loans, transfers, or gives to any other person a switchblade knife having a blade two or more inches in length is guilty of a misdemeanor. "

I doubt it is enforced much because i've been to a number of shops throughout the state that have balisongs for sale.

 

[Hickory n steel]

The California law says anything over 2 inches is illegal to carry. There is no law against collecting balisongs of any size.

"653k: Every person who possesses in the passenger's or driver's area of any motor vehicle in any public place or place open to the public, carries upon his or her person, and every person who sells, offers for sale, exposes for sale, loans, transfers, or gives to any other person a switchblade knife having a blade two or more inches in length is guilty of a misdemeanor. "

I doubt it is enforced much because i've been to a number of shops throughout the state that have balisongs for sale.

Didn't think I could actually collect them if I wanted 👍

 

[22-rimfire]

It all kind of comes down to if you "want one". The Ferrari example above applies as I have no desire to own one even if I won a 100 million dollar lottery tomorrow. Most knives that are illegal to carry are frequently not illegal to own. Fortunately, that distinction doesn't apply any more in my state. But what if I carried one, even inadvertently, in GA, AL, NC or VA? That is kind of the rub for me beyond curiosity.

 

[MRI]

My EDC's are full size Balisongs. I'm not good at flipping under 4". It sucks that there is such a stigma about them with the law but as long as you are not a criminal it should not be an issue. The knife laws have not kept up with the time, and butterflys should not be a restricted knife especially latchless ones, nor should any knife for that reason. They are the most fun knife knife I own, flipping is a blast, except when you slip, ouch.

 

[DylanD1440]

I carry one with me all the time. In my state it is illegal to conceal carry. It's not illegal if no one finds out. I find that if I'm bored, I can pull it out and flip it around to pass the time.

 

[robgmn]

I carry one with me all the time. In my state it is illegal to conceal carry. It's not illegal if no one finds out. I find that if I'm bored, I can pull it out and flip it around to pass the time.

Yes. it's illegal even if no one finds out.
Regardless, is it legal to open-carry there?

My state has silly laws too.
I can carry a gun opened or concealed (into the state capitol bldg. if I want), yet I can't legally even own an OTF knife.
All other knives are fair game.

 

[GermanyChris]

I never really dug them but I imagine they'd be pretty convenient.

 

[DylanD1440]

Yes. it's illegal even if no one finds out.
Regardless, is it legal to open-carry there?

My state has silly laws too.
I can carry a gun opened or concealed (into the state capitol bldg. if I want), yet I can't legally even own an OTF knife.
All other knives are fair game.

Yes it is completely legal to open carry a balisong, just not conceal.