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A butterfly knife is a folding pocket knife that originated in the Philippines and is sometimes referred to as the Batangas knife.  It is quite different from most pocket knives, as it has two handles that fold and the blade rests between them.  Also, it can make a “clicking” type noise when this is done quickly, and you are able to, not only do it quickly, but also with one hand.

The Filipino name actually has two separate meanings, the first one means a folding knife with two handles which wrap around the tang, while the second one is to be made of broken horn.  There are old butterfly knives for sale worth thousands of dollars due to the ivory inlays of them.

Some of the other names butterfly knives are known by are switchblade, gravity, fan, and it can be brought to bear quickly.  Along with its use as a tool, it was also used as a weapon, and today that has created problems with being able to own one in the country of your choosing.  It has been outlawed in several Western Countries because of its potential use as a weapon, intimidating nature and rapid deployment.  The following is a sampling of the restrictions placed on them: Australia is generally classified as being prohibited; Canada is not specified by name, however it is considered in the courts to fall under the gravity knife rules, therefore it is illegal unless it has been grandfathered in; the UK has considered it an offensive weapon since 1989, however if it is over 100 years old, it may be considered an antique; and the USA determines by category per state.

It is a true form of art to watch someone use it in exhibition.  The clicking sound reminds me of watching the “River Dance.”

Whether hunting knives are used for killing game, an outdoor cooking utensil, or slicing through materials on the job, careful selection will ensure a well made blade for the occasion.

With so many blades to choose from, it can be difficult to pick the right one.  The first consideration is how much and how hard you will use the knife.  If this is purely decorative, or only needed for light duty around the house, a light weight folding knife may do the job.

If the hunting knife will actually be used for hunting, what type of game do you hunt? Large, small?  Game with a tough hide, or animals with a soft skin?  Answering these questions ahead of time will pay off with the final purchase.

Hunting blades are made fixed or folding, and each has an elite standard as well as their share of poor quality models.  The fixed model needs to be stored and carried safely in a sheath, which is longer than the carrying case for a folding blade.

These are solid knives with no moving parts, except on models with a hollow handle, or those which allow for blades to be changed out when necessary.  The folding knife encompasses both the common pocket knife and a class of larger hunting blades.  It folds up for easy storage, and is often accompanied by additional tools inside the handle.

When this knife is fully extended, the unit is locked in place.  To close it again, there is a mechanism to release the blade for folding.  This may not be the best choice for larger game or heavier work in general.  Although there are some strong folding models, their very nature prevents them from being as sturdy as a fixed one.

The final choice rests on what type of work will be done with the knife the most; buy a large fixed hunting blade for serious hunting; and choose a folding utility knife for multiple uses.