I saw a butterfly knife for the first time when one of my friends in the camp brought it for self-defense. I was intrigued by its name and the unique design. I borrowed from him and tried to flip and use it and the first question that came to my mind was: is it even legal in the U.S? Because it doesn’t look like a safe knife to use.
As my friend is also from Alaska, he said “it is perfectly legal to use but I’m not sure about the other states”.
As I travel to other states quite often, I had to get clarity on its legality If I plan to use it there. I started deep research about it. After spending a lot of time on various platforms, official websites, forums etc. I finally got my answer. If you are also confused about the legality of this knife, I’ll clear your doubt in a minute.
Are butterfly knives illegal in the United States?
You can possess and carry it in the 42 states with limited restrictions, whereas in the remaining 8 states and the District of Columbia, it is prohibited.
The forbidden states are:
- Washington.
- Virginia.
- Pennsylvania.
- New Mexico.
- New Jersey.
- Minnesota.
- Hawaii.
- Delaware.
What is a butterfly knife?
It is a type of pocket knife that features two handles, with the blade positioned between them. You have to flip one handle to access the blade. Due to their design and functionality, they are highly sought after among knife enthusiasts.
Butterfly knives have a lot of names; Batangas knife, fan knives, and balisong.
According to credible reports, it is believed that the butterfly knife was invented in the Philippines, and it was introduced in the United States in the late 20th century.
Batangas knife is loved in the martial arts world, and you may have seen it in a lot of Hollywood movies and even in some popular games like the Counter-Strike series and VALORANT.
Watch this video for more info about this knife.
What states in the U.S have restrictions on Balisong knives?
- Open carry isn’t allowed in: Massachusetts,
- Concealed carry isn’t allowed in: West Virginia, Oregon, Oklahoma, Ohio, North Dakota, North Carolina, Montana, Missouri, Mississippi, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Kentucky.
Here are the states with specific restrictions:
- Texas: You can carry a butterfly knife openly or concealed if the blade is less than 5.5 inches.
- Rhode Island: Carry it concealed if the blade is less than 3 inches.
- New York: Carry it openly or concealed with a valid hunting and fishing license.
- Nebraska: Can carry it concealed if the blade is less than 3.5 inches.
- Iowa: Carry it concealed if the blade is less than 5 inches.
- Illinois: Legal only if you are at least 21 and have a valid FOID card.
- Idaho: Carry it concealed if the blade is less than 4 inches.
- Georgia: Carry it openly or concealed if the blade is less than 5 inches. If you have a gun license, you are allowed to have a larger knife.
- Florida: Carrying it concealed is totally legal with a gun permit.
- Connecticut: Carry it openly or concealed if the blade is less than 1.5 inches.
- California: Possess, carry it openly or concealed if the blade is less than 2 inches.
- Arizona: Carry it concealed if you are over 21 years old.
Components of a Butterfly Knife
- Blade: This part of the knife comes with various shapes, such as drop point, tanto, spear point, and clip point. The average length of the blade is between 3-5 inches, and is equipped with high-quality steel like D2, 105, and Damascus.
- Handle: There are two handles around the knife, and they come with various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic.
- Tang: This is the part of the blade that is inserted into the handle. A high-quality tang in a balisong knife provides great stability while using.
- Pivot Pins: This is the part that lets you smoothly rotate the handle. The pin attaches the blade in the tang to hold it securely.
- Latch: This is a locking mechanism in the bottom of the handle that secures the blade when the knife is open or closed.
Why is using a butterfly knife unauthorized in some parts of the U.S?
1. Public Safety
Butterfly knives require special practice to use properly. The rapid development capability of the knife is only safe if you have done enough practice. Even the slightest mistake can cause serious injury to yourself or nearby people.
This knife has been used a lot by criminals in the past for robbery, theft, and many other violent crimes. Hence, the lawmakers of this country have decided to ban it fully in some parts.
2. Comparison to Switchblades
Lawmakers in the United States have categorized the butterfly knives with the switchblade, which is already banned in some states.
3. Law Enforcement Perspective
In some parts of the country, police officers view the balisongs as an attacking tool and have banned it in those locations.
How to Own a Butterfly Knife Legally
Two important things you need to know before owning this knife in the U.S.
1. Be aware of the local laws
The state government decides the legality of owning a butterfly knife, and you have to double-check it. The rules get changed once in a while. Be sure to get the updated information from online or offline.
2. Know The Difference between ownership and carrying
Some parts of the U.S allow you to possess this knife, but don’t let you can’t carry it anywhere else other than home.
Before you get one, understand the rules properly. I have already mentioned which states allow possession and which states don’t.
FAQs
1. Are butterfly knives good for beginners?
No, it isn’t because even the slightest flip could harm you or any nearby person. You need to get trained with other folders to move forward with this to safely use them.
2. How much does a balisong usually cost?
For a good flipping experience, I suggest you spend between $100-$200 ranges. These balisongs are equipped with important features like jimping, bite indicators and a grip pattern.
Common mistakes include; ignoring regular cleaning or maintenance, using the wrong lubricant, flipping on a hard surface and mishandling while assembling or reassembling it.
3. What are some common butterfly knife mistakes?
Common mistakes include; ignoring regular cleaning or maintenance, using the wrong lubricant, flipping on a hard surface and mishandling while assembling or reassembling it.
4. Can you legally buy a butterfly knife?
Yes, you can legally carry the knife but it depends on your region and its law.
5. Can I carry a butterfly knife in Texas?
Yes, you can legally own a butterfly knife in Texas as it changed in 2017.
Texas removed the butterfly knife from the “illegal knife” category in 2017 and you can now legally own it.
6. Why is a butterfly knife banned?
Due to increased crime with this knife, it has been banned in some parts of the United States for the safety of the citizens.
Conclusion
Even though I own a couple of Butterfly knives, I’m not a big fan of it despite it being legal in my region, Alaska, but I’ve seen my buddies having a lot of fun with it. If you want to use it without any worries, it is important to know the legal status of this knife and also know how to operate it safely. Let me know If you have any other questions about this knife. Cheers!
