Okay, here's one for ya:

Most people know that the Filipinos made balisong knives popular, but a lot of people don't know that there is documented proof that this type of knife existed in Portugal long before the Philippines.

Now, that being said, the word "bali song" is Tagalog for "broken horn." So, why on earth do people call them "butterfly knives?" Conversely, why would the Filipinos call them "broken horn?" (unless the "horn" is a metaphor you'll read about in a moment)

Once, on a TDY (Temporary Duty Assignment) to the Philippines, I asked a young Filipino girl (yes, a lot of them are quite adept with them!) that very same question. She said (in so many words) that men who have trouble with monogamy are called "butterflies" because they "go from flower-to-flower." The "butterfly knife" was used as motivation to pollinate only one flower. (if you know what I mean.)

I've searched the Internet for another explanation and haven't even found this one. Some say it's because they look like butterflies, especially when being flipped, but I don't think so at all.

So, the above story may be a folk tale, or it may not - but it's the best explanation I've heard. Anybody else know differently?

i've told you children a thousand times these dangerous weapons should be illegal.....

from my cold dead hands

Balisong History 1

Balisong History 2

Balisong History 3

quote:

Originally posted by PresidentObama:
i've told you children a thousand times these dangerous weapons should be illegal.....

Come and get it. Please.

quote:

Originally posted by gfhoward:
Balisong History 1

Balisong History 2

Balisong History 3

Well, those sites have some interesting information, but if you read it, a LOT of it is completely contradictory.

And there's still no reference to why they are called "butterfly knives," which is my original question. But thank you for the effort

quote:

Originally posted by TheDoctor:

quote:

Originally posted by gfhoward:
Balisong History 1

Balisong History 2

Balisong History 3

Well, those sites have some interesting information, but if you read it, a LOT of it is completely contradictory.

And there's still no reference to why they are called "butterfly knives," which is my original question. But thank you for the effort

They call them butterfly knives because they cant spell catapillar

Obama isnt making too many friends on here. This is the wrong place to preach about weapon control.

quote:

Originally posted by dj:

quote:

Originally posted by TheDoctor:

quote:

Originally posted by gfhoward:
Balisong History 1

Balisong History 2

Balisong History 3

Well, those sites have some interesting information, but if you read it, a LOT of it is completely contradictory.

And there's still no reference to why they are called "butterfly knives," which is my original question. But thank you for the effort

They call them butterfly knives because they cant spell catapillar

Oh? What do they call them when they can't spell "caterpillar?"