Why Are Balisong (Butterfly) Knives Illegal? The Truth Behind the Ban
Hey everyone, it’s Jared! I just picked up a new knife, and it got me thinking about a common question: Why are balisong (butterfly) knives illegal in some states and countries? If you’ve ever tried to research this, you’ve probably come across the most common explanation : "They were banned because too many people cut themselves, leading to too many ER visits." But does that reasoning actually hold up? Let’s dig deeper. 1. The "Public Safety" Argument: A Convenient Excuse? The official reason cited in some laws is that balisongs were banned because people frequently cut themselves while flipping them. The assumption is that the ER visits were so frequent and costly that lawmakers decided to outlaw these knives altogether. Yes, a balisong can cause deep cuts. If you mishandle one, you might even need stitches or surgery. But no one is dying from flipping a butterfly knife . Compare this to other activities that remain perfectly legal: Skatebo...