Balisong (knife) - Legal Status

Legal Status

Because of its potential use as a weapon, and possibly due to its intimidating nature and rapid deployment, the Balisong knife has been outlawed in several countries.

• In the Philippines, it is now generally illegal to carry one without identification or a proper permit in the streets of the capital because of their prevalent use in crimes and altercations. One now needs to demonstrate the need in professional livelihood or utilitarian purpose (such as cutting grass, preparing fruits and meats, being a vendor of knives, being martial arts instructors, etc.) to be able walk around with bladed implements in the urban areas. Another rule of thumb is that the blade of pocket knives must not exceed the length of the palm and must not be openable by one hand in order to be considered as a utility knife as opposed to a weapon (thus, Swiss Army Knives are legal).
• In Australia, balisongs are generally classified as a prohibited weapon, which requires a special legitimate excuse to possess it. Australian Legal Definition: A flick knife (or other similar device) that has a blade which opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the knife.
• In Canada, although not specified by name as a prohibited weapon, the balisong knife is often considered by courts to fall under the "gravity knife" classification and is therefore illegal, unless grandfathered in before prohibition.
• In the UK, the balisong has been legally classified as an offensive weapon since January 1989. Whilst they are legal to possess, carrying one in public is an offence under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. Sale, lending, hiring, giving or importing is prohibited by the Criminal Justice Act 1988, as amended by the Offensive Weapons Act 1996. Any imported are liable to be seized and prosecution may follow. The exception to this are knives of this type over 100 years old which are classed as antiques.
• In Switzerland, balisongs are illegal to carry, give, lend, buy, trade.
• In Germany, the balisong was outlawed when the Waffengesetz (weapons law) was tightened in July 2003 in the aftermath of the Erfurt massacre. Thus buying, possessing, lending, using, carrying, crafting, altering and trading it is illegal and is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, confiscation of the knife and a fine of up to €10,000. Using a butterfly knife for crime of any kind - as is any illegal weapon - is punishable by from 1 to 10 years imprisonment.
• In Lithuania, balisongs among other knives are legal to possess and carry as they are not considered weapons. This excludes switchblades.
• In some U.S. states it is illegal to possess and/or carry such a knife in public. In certain jurisdictions, balisongs are categorized as a "gravity knife", "switchblade", or "dagger". Spyderco admitted that from June 2005 through January 2007, it had mailed balisongs, after importing the knife components from Taipei, Taiwan, through the Port of San Francisco and the Port of Oakland, to Golden, Colorado.
  • The knife is illegal to carry in California if blade length exceeds two inches as with other automatic knives, they are legal to own if kept in your home.
  • In Hawaii, it is illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, transfer, or transport any Balisong/Butterfly-type knife.
  • There are legal restrictions on gravitational knives in Kansas.
  • In New York, the balisong has been determined not to be a gravity knife, allowing legal ownership. They are sold in various shops across the state and may be kept in the home as an antique.
  • In Oregon, it is illegal to carry a concealed Balisong.
  • In Texas, Balisong knives are considered switchblades and are illegal under chapter 46 the penal code. It is illegal to intentionally or knowingly, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell switchblades in Texas. However, switchblades are legal to carry or posess intentionally if and only if for the purpose of hunting and/or fishing.
  • In Utah, Balisong knives are legal as long as they are not concealed.
  • In Virginia, the balisong is legal for conceal and open carrying according to state law, although localities can have additional knife laws and restrictions.
• Balisong knife trainers feature a special blunt and unsharpened "blade", and are legal in areas where balisongs are not.