The history of the Benchmade Balisong (butterfly knife) is the foundational origin story of Benchmade Knife Company itself. Driven by founder Les de Asis’s passion for butterfly knives, it transformed from a custom garage project in California into a premium American manufacturing institution.
Since the company's founding in 1988, Benchmade has been making quality balisong knives.
The Benchmade logo is a butterfly because the company's founder, Les de Asis, originally started the brand to specialize in butterfly knives (also known as balisongs).
Benchmade Adamas Fixed Blade
And it's a perfect Navy SEAL Knife. It's thin and low-profile when not in use, but a force to be reckoned with in the hand.
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are restricted or illegal in many US jurisdictions due to their rapid deployment, easy concealability, and historical association with street crime and pop-culture intimidation.
Our pricing reflects the true cost of premium American manufacturing and long-term performance: Headquartered in Oregon City, OR: Every Benchmade knife proudly ships from our factory in Oregon City, Oregon. High-End Materials: We use top-tier blade steels, aerospace-grade handles, and precision hardware.
OUR FACTORY OREGON CITY, USA
Our Factory, Our People, Our Home — Oregon City, USA. In the line of duty, the field or forest, or for everyday carry—you buy a Benchmade knife because you know it'll perform without compromise, however you need it to, for as long as you need it to.
California Knife Law Reminder In California, butterfly knives (balisongs) and switchblades are illegal under Penal Code §§ 21510 & 17235. Illegal to: • Carry in public • Carry on your person • Sell or offer for sale • Give or transfer to someone else What counts as a switchblade?
For a direct, high-quality substitute to Benchmade, Hogue, Spyderco, and Zero Tolerance are your best options, matching their premium American-made quality, crossbar locks, and smooth action.
In the high-end folding knife community, the original "Holy Trinity" refers to three legendary American makers who pioneered the modern premium tactical folder. Together, their designs set the gold standard for durability and precision.
Karambit knives are not universally illegal, but they are highly restricted in many jurisdictions due to their menacing hook shape, their reputation as martial arts weapons, and strict concealed carry laws.
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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.
His invention is called the “BALISONG”, said to have been named after the name of the barrio (Balisong) in Taal, Batangas where he was born and lived till his death. It is claimed that “Perfecto de Leon” is the father of 'balisong' in the Philippines.
No, authentic Benchmade knives are not made in China. Every genuine Benchmade knife is 100% manufactured in the United States, specifically at their facility in Oregon City, Oregon.
At the state level, butterfly knives (balisongs) are completely illegal to own or carry in California, Hawaii, Washington, and New Mexico. In California, the law extends to banning any folding knife over 2 inches that opens automatically or via gravity.
A Word Of Caution. As I said above, you need to remember that a butterfly knife is still a sharp bladed pocket knife, and you will cut yourself if you're not careful. The guaranteed way to avoid this is to start out with a butterfly trainer first.
Butterfly combs are generally legal to own and carry in most places, as they lack a sharp, functional blade. However, because they use the same folding mechanism as butterfly knives (balisongs), some regions may restrict them under laws targeting prohibited or gravity weapons.
The CIA doesn't issue a single, official knife to its personnel; instead, operatives typically carry versatile, non-metallic, or concealable blades suited for specific missions. Historic and publicly recognized blades range from the famous Cold Steel Kobun used during Operation Jawbreaker to highly covert non-detectable tools.
The Navy SEAL “3-foot rule” (often called the "3-foot world") is a mental performance tactic used to prevent overwhelm in high-stress situations. It instructs operators to stop focusing on the big picture or uncontrollable external factors, and instead focus entirely on the immediate three feet directly in front of them.
John Wick famously wields a signature series of high-end, out-the-front (OTF) automatic knives in his movies. The specific knives vary depending on the film, transitioning from production models by Microtech Knives in the first three movies to a highly exclusive custom blade in the fourth.
However, plastic trainers typically get through security on carry-on luggage due to their low X-ray signature (they are difficult to notice) and the TSA agent's discretion, in which they make the determination that a trainer balisong is a harmless toy and not a weapon.
The only knife federally banned across the U.S. is the ballistic knife (a spring-loaded knife that shoots its blade). All other restrictions—such as bans on switchblades, butterfly knives, and gravity knives—are determined entirely by individual state and local laws, which vary drastically.
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are perfectly legal to own and carry in the vast majority of U.S. states. However, about 8 states impose strict restrictions, and total bans exist in Hawaii (currently being challenged) and California (possession is a misdemeanor in public, though legally grey in the privacy of your home).