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Butterfly knives

Butterfly knives (or officially, balisongs) were invented in the Philippines, but became famous in the US during WWII when American soldiers returned with the blades. The design of the blade has it concealed between the two counter-rotating handles, which it makes it safe for pocket-transport. In the hands of a trained user, the blade can be exposed very quickly through flipping maneuvers.

Importation of butterfly knives was officially outlawed in the 1980s, which resulted in the market being flooded with cheap knock-offs and low-quality blades. These cheap balisongs have handles that are made from a carbon alloy called Zamak, which cracks and breaks after repeated flipping.

Many states in the US have outlawed butterfly knives, while others have put certain restrictions on owning them. For example, in California it is illegal to own a balisong with a blade over two inches long. However, they aren’t considered “gravity knives” by the state of New York, making them legal. 

 

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