A Complete Guide to the Best Butterfly Knives

Butterfly knives, or balisongs, come in a range of styles and designs, from high-end collectibles and competition-ready flippers to budget-friendly trainers and everyday carry workhorses. Whether you’re a collector seeking a rare design, an aspiring flipper in need of a trainer, or an EDC enthusiast looking for a reliable tool, there’s a butterfly knife to match every need and skill level. Finding the right one for you can be a challenge, though, so this article is here to help: we’ve put together a guide to help you cut through straight to the good stuff.

The best balisongs are built for specific purposes, so we’ve split things up across different features and categories so you can easily select what you need. Whether you’re looking for a precision-crafted design from Benchmade, a durable everyday carry balisong from Spyderco, or a competition-ready flipper from BRS Blade Runners Systems in stock, each butterfly knife on this list stands out as a leader in its class.

Features of the Best Butterfly Knife

When searching for the best butterfly knife, several key features define performance, durability, and usability:

• Smooth Pivot Action – If there’s one thing that really sets balisongs apart from other types of knives, it’s the way they move. One of the primary factors that control the feel of a butteryfly knife in motion is the way the pivots are constructed. Typically, butterfly knives feature washers, ball bearings, or bushings. For more details on the differences between them, check out our article on What is a Butterfly Knife?
• Blade Materials – If you plan to use the knife for more than just flipping, look for a premium particle metallurgy steel like S30V, S35VN, 20CV, or MagnaCut to get the best edge performance. Particle metallurgy is a manufacturing technology that improves a steel’s material properties. For a deep dive on steel, check out our guide to the Best Knife Steels.
• Handle Construction – If you look at the biggest differences between affordable balisongs and expensive balisongs, handle construction will be at the top of the list. More premium materials and more precise manufacturing techniques make a butterfly knife better and more durable, but they also make it cost more.
• Latch Type – Spring and magnetic latches provide a secure close while avoiding accidental blade deployment, while latchless designs offer perfect balance and aesthetics for advanced flipping techniques.
• Balance and Weight – This category is the most subjective, but we can’t deny that well-balanced knives are just better. Optimal weight distribution improves both tricks and practical use.

Butterfly Knives for Different Purposes

1. Best Butterfly Knife Trainer

For beginners, a trainer knife with a dull blade is a great way to begin building confidence by learning tricks safely. These are the very best, because they provide the same balance and handling as live-bladed versions without the risk of injury. So, whether you want to eventually translate those skills to a live-blade balisong or not, the top three butterfly knife trainers in stock offer an undiminished experience.

Top Picks:

• Benchmade Necron Trainer – The uniquely user-adjustable design allows you to change the handle length and balance to tune its flipping performance as you practice. A great way to see what works best for you before you invest in a live-blade balisong.
• Squid Industries Nautilus – Exceptionally well-made, tuned by master balisong makers, and designed specifically for training and skill progression. We particularly like the “shark tooth” pattern on the heel of the unsharpened blade which provides tactile feedback when using bad technique.
• Bear & Son Balisong Trainer – Affordable enough for anyone on the fence but still curious to see what balisongs are all about, these classic designs will get you going without blowing through your budget.

2. Best Butterfly Knife for Collecting

Collectors seek unique, rare, and finely crafted balisongs with premium materials and intricate designs.

Top Picks:

• Benchmade 82 Laro – Benchmade’s latest and greatest balisong traces its heritage back to the roots of the company itself, and offers an exceptional flipping experience that also delivers on cutting ability. Made from premium steel and titanium in small batches and highly sought after by collectors.
• BRS Alpha Beast – The brand’s flagship balisong design, prized for its impeccable balance and performance. Still a top choice for professional balisong flippers who demand nothing less than the absolute best.
• JK Design Custom Balisongs – His live-blade balisongs are one-of-a-kind works of art, and we also love his unique approach to balisong trainers, which utilize a skeletonized titanium blade and solid G10 handles give them a uniquely fast, lightweight, and sturdy feel.

3. Best EDC Balisong

When choosing a butterfly knife for everyday carry, durability, practicality, and ease of use are key factors. These three balisongs stand out for their balanced designs, reliable construction, and ability to handle daily tasks while still offering smooth flipping action.

Top Picks:

• Spyderco Smallfly – Compact yet highly functional, the Spyderco Smallfly is designed for discreet carry and practical use. Featuring quality blade steel and a broad, full flat ground blade for excpetional cutting performance, this balisong is designed to be a high-end cutting tool first and foremost. Its lightweight construction and ergonomic handle design make it comfortable to carry, while the spring latch helps keep it securely closed when not in use. Above all, the inclusion of a repositionable pocket clip makes this our top choice for everyday carry balisong. The Smallfly is an excellent options for those who want a balisong that blends everyday utility with classic flipping action.
• Kershaw Lucha – A powerhouse in the budget-friendly balisong market, the Kershaw Lucha is a full-sized butterfly knife designed for both EDC and flipping. Its 14C28N stainless steel blade provides ample toughness, while the ball-bearing pivots deliver exceptionally smooth and stable action. The stainless steel handles give it a sturdy feel in hand, making it robust enough for daily cutting tasks while remaining well-balanced for tricks. The Lucha’s affordability and performance make it one of the best options for those seeking a versatile EDC balisong.
• Bradley Kimura – Known for its iconic leaf-shaped spearpoint blade, the Bradley Kimura is a well-rounded EDC balisong that combines classic styling with modern performance. Built with tough stainless steel liners with contoured G10 scales, it provides a secure grip whether you’re flipping or using it as a cutting tool. With a secure latch and smooth pivot system, the Kimura is perfect for those who want a dependable butterfly knife that excels in both utility and flipping.

Best Butterfly Knife Brands

• Benchmade – Ever wondered why Benchmade’s logo is a butterfly? Well, even though today they are known for manufacturing conventional pocket knives, fixed blades, and even kitchen knives, the brand started back in 1988 making butterfly knives. Their balisongs are known for being forward-thinking, with innovative features and exceptional craftsmanship.
• BRS (Blade Runner Systems) – A focus on high-level flipping performance above all makes BRS one of the most sought-after balisong brands. Professional flippers swear by their hand-tuned action, exceptional balance, and iconic good looks. Simply put: BRS produces some of the most sought-after performance balisongs in the industry.
• Kershaw – Even though Kershaw is somewhat of a newcomer to the butterfly knife industry, their flagship Lucha balisong model was an immediate success. It practically spawned a whole new category of mid-priced balisongs that deliver high-level performance at an attainable price.
• Bear & Son Cutlery – Made in the USA the old-fashioned way, Bear & Son makes the best budget balisongs around. What they lack in refinement they more than make up for with character, with cast metal handles in tons of colors and a classic flipping feel that modern brands simply can’t replicate. A great choice for affordable yet functional butterfly knives.
• Squid Industries – Squid specializes in balisong trainers, designing and building them with the exact same quality and attention to detail that other brands bring to their live-blade models. Nobody takes butterfly knife trainers as seriously as Squid Industries—they truly deliver a no-compromise flipping experience without the risk.

Best Budget Balisong

Finding an affordable yet quality butterfly knife can be challenging, but these budget-friendly options provide great value:

• Bear & Son Balisongs – A longstanding name in the butterfly knife market, Bear & Son offers a variety of budget-friendly balisongs that provide solid performance at an accessible price point. Their knives feature stainless steel or zinc handles, ensuring durability while keeping costs low. The action is smooth for a knife in this price range, making Bear & Son an excellent entry-level choice for those new to balisongs or looking for a dependable, no-frills option.
• Kershaw Moonsault – Coming in even less than its stablemate the Lucha, the Moonsault is a sturdy and well-balanced budget balisong, built with stainless steel handles and a sharp 14C28N blade for impressive cutting performance. Kershaw has designed this model with KVT ball-bearing pivots to ensure smooth flipping, making it one of the best options for those who want an affordable butterfly knife that still delivers on quality. Its latch lock mechanism keeps it secure when not in use, and its ergonomic design ensures a comfortable grip during extended flipping sessions.
• REVO Nexus – From the same people behind the industry-leading BRS brand, REVO brings the same great feel to a lower price point. The Nexus features a sleek, modern design with aluminum handles and a stainless steel blade. This balisong is lightweight yet durable, making it a great option for those looking to practice tricks without investing in a high-end model. The Nexus boasts a smooth pivot system and a balanced feel, allowing for easy handling whether you’re flipping for fun or using it for everyday tasks. With its competitive pricing and solid build, it may be stretching the definition of budget but it definitely delivers incredible value.

Safety Tips for Handling Butterfly Knives

• Use a Trainer First – Before attempting tricks, practice with a trainer knife to avoid injuries.
• Secure the Latch – Ensure the knife is properly latched when not in use to prevent accidental openings.
• Be Mindful of Your Surroundings – Avoid flipping in crowded areas or near fragile objects.
• Learn Safe Openings – Practice opening techniques that reduce the risk of cutting yourself.
• Regular Maintenance – Keep the pivots clean and lubricated for smooth operation and longevity.

Best Butterfly Knives – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best case for storing butterfly knives?

A padded knife pouch or hard-shell case with foam inserts provides optimal protection.

How do I maintain the pivot action smoothness in my butterfly knife?

Regularly clean the pivots and apply a drop of high-quality lubricant to ensure smooth movement.

Are butterfly knives legal to carry everywhere?

Laws vary by location; always check local knife laws before carrying a balisong.

What are the signs of a poor-quality butterfly knife?

Cheap materials, poor balance, rough pivot action, and weak handle construction indicate low quality.

How to pick the best butterfly knife trainer?

Choose a well-balanced trainer from a reputable brand with a durable design and smooth pivots.

What are the benefits of EDC balisongs?

The primary benefit is strength, since the unique double-pivot design of a balisong keeps the blade secured open without a integrated locking mechanism. Aside from that, balisongs offer a unique blend of practical utility and flipping enjoyment that no other type of knife can match.