The Butterfly gained a certain level of fame, especially through action movies in which it was portrayed as an impressive and fascinating instrument. There are now even special events where participants showcase their best Butterfly knife tricks.
You can get training butterfly knives for practice at the online shop of Meister Messer. We offer models designed as bottle openers as well as versions designed as combs. The following guide summarizes all the important information about butterfly knives and the legal situation in Switzerland.
Characteristics: What distinguishes a Butterfly?
A butterfly knife - known as a "Balisong" by experts - is a folding knife equipped with two adjacent handle arms. The handles, which can be pivoted on one plane, allow the blade to be quickly and efficiently unfolded or folded. Unlike a folding knife, the handle arms completely enclose the blade when closed. This allows butterfly knives to be sharpened on both sides.
The exact origin of the butterfly knife is not clearly documented. However, it is believed that the butterfly knife originally comes from the Philippines. There, it was initially used in agriculture and by fishermen. Later, the folding knives were also used as a self-defense weapon and in Filipino martial arts. Nowadays, the knives are considered a symbol of skill and dexterity.
Butterfly knives are prohibited in Switzerland
As stated in the weapons law, the legislator classifies the butterfly knife as a weapon. In paragraph 4 (section 1 letter c), it says: "Knives whose blade can be extended with a one-handed operable automatic mechanism, butterfly knives, throwing knives, and daggers with a symmetrical blade are considered weapons." Therefore, buying a butterfly knife in this country is not permitted.
Article 7 of the Weapons Act (WV) defines more precisely under which conditions a butterfly knife is classified as a weapon. Of importance in this context are both the total length (including handle) and the blade length. All butterfly knives that, when opened, are longer than 12 centimeters and whose blade exceeds a length of 5 centimeters are considered weapons.
Did you know? The ban not only applies to the acquisition, but also to the transfer, the provision to persons in the country, and the bringing into Swiss territory. In addition to a criminal record entry, violations may result in a fine or even imprisonment.
Butterfly Trainer do not fall under the Arms Act
So-called training butterfly knives, on the other hand, are not considered weapons. You can purchase corresponding models without any concerns. This category includes both hair combs and bottle openers in butterfly design as well as miniature versions (such as keychains) that fall below the legal length requirements. Also considered butterfly trainers are versions with a perforated and non-sharpened blade, rounded at the tip.
With a training butterfly, you can practice flipping. This refers to the characteristic opening and closing techniques that can be combined with various butterfly knife tricks. In the USA, there are even championships for the discipline known as butterfly flipping or butterfly knife flipping. The following video illustrates what professionals can do with a butterfly.
Meister Messer: Your online shop for knives of all kinds
At Meister Messer, you will not only find Balisong trainers, but also the perfect knife for every purpose. Our range includes, for example, hunting, survival, and tactical knives, as well as a variety of high-quality pocket knives. Furthermore, in our online shop, you will also find all common kitchen knives, such as chef's knives, bread knives, and Santoku knives – So discover our wide range of products now.
