How to Flip a Butterfly Knife

A butterfly knife, also known as a balisong, is a Filipino folding knife with two counter-rotating handles. When the knife is closed, the blade is hidden in the handle. Learning to flip a butterfly knife takes a lot of practice and an extreme level of concentration.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Extend your right hand as if you are preparing to shake hands. If you are left-handed, this will be reversed.

2. Lay the knife lengthwise along your second finger joints and curl your hand in, with the thumb just under the catch of the knife.

3. Flick the knife upward as you open the blade with your thumb. Be sure you flip the butterfly knife to your right if you're right-handed and to your left if you're left-handed.

4. Squeeze the back end of the butterfly knife against your fingers and thumb, as you allow the front half and the blade to drop. Flip your wrist quickly so that the front half of the butterfly knife flies up and strikes the back part of your fingers.

5. Hold your forefinger against the knife as you remove your other fingers, and allow the front piece to strike the back part of your index finger. The front piece has now taken the back position.

6. Put your fingers in a curled position again, to hold the back piece of the butterfly knife in place as you slip your index finger off the top. Use your thumb to latch the knife.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep in mind that real butterfly knives are illegal in many states and municipalities.