How to Learn Butterfly Knife Techniques

The butterfly knife was first discovered by Americans during World War II. American soldiers encountered the knife in use on the Philippine Islands. The knife was brought back to America, where it quickly caught on. Opening a butterfly knife is essentially a simple operation. However, elaborate movements of the knife have been developed for opening that are fascinating to watch. Learning to open a butterfly knife involves a few basic movements with the hand.

Things You'll Need

  • Open practice area
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the butterfly knife in your dominant hand. Position the knife so the blade pivot point extends forward from your hand and the blade point is back.

    • 2

      Hold one side of the knife handle firmly and allow the blade and opposite handle to rotate and drop down.

    • 3

      Swing the handle and blade down and forward and allow the handle to rotate in your hand. Swing the handle out to your side while the blade remains in a forward position.

    • 4

      Allow the momentum of the blade and free handle to rotate the knife handle in your hand. Swing the free handle down under your hand and then back forward. Bend your wrist to move both the free knife handle and blade to your side so that the blade leads the handle to the outside.

    • 5

      Move your wrist back toward you to bring the free handle of the knife back to your hand with the blade extended out to the front.