Best Balisongs of 2024: A Complete Buying Guide for Trainers and Live Blades

If you are new to balisongs, also known as butterfly knives, let me give you all the essentials so you can get started! 

Balisongs are widely recognized for their two-handle design which utilizes momentum to open and close. Balisongs are split into two types: Live Blade and Trainers.

• Live Blades are traditional balisongs with sharpened, functional edges that some people use for everyday tasks. However, carrying or using live blades in public is illegal in certain states or countries, so it’s essential to check local laws before carrying one.
• Trainers are close resemblances to live blades, but are in no way sharp or what can be considered dangerous. They are designed to replicate the weight and balance without the cutting edge, making them perfect for beginners or those who want to practice safely. Since trainers are not knives, they are legal everywhere. 

When mastering the art of balisong flipping, the Krake Raken Trainer from Squid Industries stands out as the ultimate choice for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. We chose the Krake Raken Trainer as our best trainer due to the flipping experience and customization. Flippers of all levels can execute tricks with confidence and precision. Whether you’re just starting your flipping journey or looking to refine your skills, this trainer is built to elevate your game.

Designed with 7075 aluminum handles and 410 stainless steel blade, it maintains durability while mimicking our live blade model’s performance as close as possible. This trainer runs on a precision-tuned bushing system to guarantee buttery smooth flipping. It features machine-milled texture for added grip and jimping, making it easy to handle while practicing complex maneuvers.

The Krake Raken Trainer starts at $220 USD with various color options. Whenever you feel like it’s time to up your game, the Krake Raken Trainer allows you to switch it up into a Krake Raken Live Blade or swap your handles for Titanium. 

While the Krake Raken Trainer takes the spotlight as “Best Trainer”, the Nautilus deserves an honorable mention for those seeking a lightweight, high-grip option. 

Being one of the first channel-liner balisong trainers, the Nautilus utilizes G10 scales, for additional grip, on 7075 aluminum handles and a 410 stainless steel blade. Due to its lightness, it makes it easier to manipulate and maneuver, especially for those who are just starting to get into the hobby. However, even veteran flippers love to flip 

Starting at $230 USD, the Nautilus closely matches the Krake Raken Trainer. It has options of white or black scales and different handle colors, the Nautilus has unique colorways so that you can flip with style. 

There are a lot of competitors for the best value balisong, but, ultimately, there can only be one. The Mako Bottle Opener knocks out all our other products due to the amount of features and performance that you get for $120 USD. 

Manufactured with 6061 aluminum handles and 410 stainless steel blades, the Mako Bottle Opener features machine-milled grooves and jimping for additional grip. Running on a washer system, the precision tuning that Squid Industries delivers buttery smooth action. It delivers an amazing flipping experience for both beginner and expert flippers. Even those who aren’t too invested in the hobby will still be able to find value in using the balisong’s bottle opener feature. 

While the Mako Bottle Opener holds the title for the best value, the Squiddy Collection—especially the Squiddy-WH and Squiddy-AL—deserves an honorable mention for its incredible affordability and accessibility. Each model in the collection caters to different budgets, making it easy for beginners and casual flippers to get started without breaking the bank. The standouts are primarily the Squiddy-WH and Squiddy-AL.

Priced at $80 USD, the Squiddy-WH delivers a comfortable and quiet flipping experience, making it an excellent option for those on a budget. Handles feature machine-milled grooves and jimping for added grip. Equipped with O-rings on the nose pin, the Squiddy-WH offers smooth, silent flipping action that meets Squid Industries’ standards. Though crafted from plastic, this trainer feels remarkably close to an actual balisong, providing beginners and seasoned flippers alike an affordable way to dive into the hobby and practice their skills with the confidence of a professional.

While the Squiddy-B offers excellent value at $55, the Squiddy-AL steps it up for those willing to invest more. At $85 USD, the Squiddy-AL features full 6061 aluminum construction, giving it added weight. Its handles are machine-milled for extra grip, and modular eye weights allow customization of the balance profile.

Whether on a tight budget or can spare a little more, both trainers deliver reliable performance and quality that you won’t regret.

It’s no surprise to fans that the Tsunami Live Blade takes the title for ‘Best performance, as it is widely regarded as Squid Industries’ holy grail to flippers. Inspired by the best features of every balisong owned by Lucas Cao, the designer, and CEO, and tested for several months with a team of expert flippers, the Tsunami delivers one of the best flipping experiences anyone could have. It achieves the goal of the ultimate balance and comfort.

Made with 6AL-4V titanium, the tsunami uses a channel sandwich design with a modular weight pin system. This system allows the user to change the balance to suit their preference. Its blade is made with CPM S35-VN for high wear resistance and durability. Running on a bushing system for buttery smooth action, the Tsunami knocks all our other models out of the water.

The base model Tsunami Live Blade starts at $760 USD, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a durable, long-lasting balisong that flips like a dream. With its reputation, this balisong is not only designed for performance but to become a treasured part of any collection. Due to production, the Tsunami may be hard to come by, but we're working our hardest to get them out as soon as possible.

Coming in close to the title, the Krake Raken Live Blade is hailed as the ‘white bread' of the balisong world, which isn’t a bad thing. Setting the gold standard for the community, the Krake Raken Live Blade meets all expectations and is generally what all flippers look for in a balisong. It’s just that good without any downsides.

Manufactured with 7075 aluminum handles and an AEB-L stainless steel blade, this live blade is built to be the ideal everyday carry (EDC) for experienced flippers. Balancing durability with performance, it is the perfect choice for those ready to elevate their skill set.

For those seeking the thrill of flipping a live-bladed balisong, the Krake Raken Live Blade is a great choice, especially for those who are familiar with the Trainer version. Boasting the same customization features, the Krake Raken trainer can be upgraded with titanium handles to change the feel and quality of the live blade.

For $265 USD, our live blade model comes in three different blade shapes (Tanto, Bowie, and Weehawk) and different color handles. If you want to feel alive, flip ‘live’ and get yourself a Krake Raken today.

If you're looking for a titanium product, the Titanium Krake Raken is a great alternative to the Krake Raken Live Blade and Tsunami. Featuring sandwich titanium handles with a modular weight pin system at the bottom, the Titanium Krake Raken allows users to change the balance profile to fit their style. 

The Zirblast handle model starts at $410 and the satin handle model starts at $420. Whether you are looking at the Krake Raken Live Blade or the titanium alternative, both offer amazing flipping experiences. You can't go wrong with either.