What is a Balisong Comb? Everything You Need to Know
TLDR: A balisong comb is a novelty or utility item that mimics the design of a butterfly knife, replacing the blade with a comb for safe practice and everyday grooming.
Alright, let me tell you about balisong combs. I’ve been flipping balisongs for years, and I gotta say, these combs are a pretty neat twist on the classic butterfly knife. Now, for those who don’t know, a balisong, or butterfly knife, is this cool folding knife with two handles that counter-rotate around the blade. They’re a blast to manipulate, but let’s face it, they’re not exactly legal everywhere.
That’s where balisong combs come in. Imagine taking that sleek balisong design and replacing the blade with a comb. Genius, right? I remember when I first saw one, I thought it was just a gimmick. But after getting my hands on one, I realized these things are actually pretty awesome. They give you that same satisfying feel of flipping a balisong, minus the legal headaches.
In this article, I’m gonna break down everything you need to know about balisong combs. From their history and design to how to choose the right one, I’ll cover it all. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be itching to get your hands on one of these bad boys. Let’s dive in!
Origins and Purpose of the Balisong Comb
Alright, let’s dive into the origins of balisong combs. Balisong knives have been around for centuries, with their roots tracing back to the Philippines. They’re a staple in Filipino martial arts and have a rich history as both tools and weapons. But as much as I love the traditional balisong, it’s no secret that their legality is a bit of a gray area in many places.
Enter the balisong comb. These nifty little gadgets started gaining traction a few decades ago as a way to sidestep the legal issues surrounding butterfly knives. I remember the first time I saw one, I was at a knife show, and it was like a lightbulb went off. Here was a way to enjoy the flipping action without worrying about the law. It’s like the knife community collectively decided to get creative and came up with a solution that lets us keep flipping without the hassle.
Reasons for Creating the Balisong Comb
So, why exactly were balisong combs created? Well, there are a couple of key reasons:
Legal Alternatives: As I mentioned, traditional balisongs are restricted in many areas due to their potential as weapons. Balisong combs, on the other hand, are generally seen as harmless grooming tools. This makes them a great legal alternative for those of us who love the mechanics and feel of a balisong but don’t want to run afoul of the law. It’s a win-win situation – you get to practice your flips and tricks without any legal repercussions.
Novelty Items: Let’s be honest, there’s a certain novelty factor to balisong combs. They’re fun, quirky, and a great conversation starter. I can’t count how many times I’ve pulled out my balisong comb in public and had people do a double-take. It’s a unique way to combine practicality with a bit of flair. Plus, they’re perfect for introducing newbies to the world of balisongs without the intimidation factor of a sharp blade.
In my opinion, balisong combs are a brilliant innovation. They keep the spirit of the traditional balisong alive while adapting to modern legal and social landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned flipper or just getting started, these combs offer a fantastic way to enjoy the art of butterfly knife manipulation in a safe and legal manner.
Design and Construction of the Balisong Comb
When it comes to balisong combs, the design is where things get really interesting. These little beauties take all the best parts of a traditional balisong and give them a grooming-friendly twist.
Similarities to Traditional Balisong Knives
First off, let’s talk about how balisong combs mirror their knife counterparts. The overall structure is nearly identical – you’ve got two handles that rotate around a pivot point. The flipping action? Smooth as butter, just like a well-oiled balisong knife. The weight distribution is usually pretty spot-on too, which is crucial for those of us who love to pull off complex flipping maneuvers.
One thing I really appreciate is how manufacturers have maintained the classic balisong look. From a distance, you might not even realize it’s a comb. It’s this attention to detail that really gets me excited about these tools.
Materials Commonly Used in Balisong Combs
Now, onto the materials. Most balisong combs are made from either stainless steel or aluminum. Personally, I’m a big fan of the stainless steel ones. They’ve got a nice heft to them that feels great in hand. Plus, they’re durable as heck – I’ve dropped mine more times than I care to admit, and it’s still going strong.
That said, aluminum models have their perks too. They’re lighter, which some folks prefer for faster flipping. And let’s not forget about the anodized aluminum ones – those colors can be pretty sweet.
You’ll also find some plastic models out there. They’re usually cheaper, but in my experience, they just don’t have the same satisfying feel. If you’re serious about flipping, I’d recommend sticking with metal.
Key Components
Let’s break down the key parts:
- Handles: These are typically channel construction, just like high-end balisongs. Some have texturing or patterns for better grip. I’ve found that the handle design can make or break the flipping experience.
- Pivot System: This is the heart of any balisong, comb or knife. A good pivot system should be smooth and allow for easy maintenance. Most use a pin and screw system, which I think is ideal for adjusting tension.
- Comb Teeth: Here’s where balisong combs diverge from knives. Instead of a blade, you’ve got comb teeth. The best ones have teeth that are neither too sharp nor too dull. It’s a fine balance – you want it to actually work as a comb without being uncomfortable.
- Latch: Many balisong combs include a latch to keep them closed. Some flippers remove these for smoother manipulation, but I like having the option.
Balisong Comb Functionality
Alright, let’s talk about what these balisong combs can actually do. They’re not just for show – these babies pack a dual-purpose punch that I find pretty darn impressive.
Primary Use as a Comb
First things first, let’s not forget that at its core, a balisong comb is still a comb. And you know what? They actually work pretty well for their intended purpose. I’ve used mine plenty of times to tame my hair when I’m out and about. The teeth are usually spaced well enough to glide through most hair types without snagging.
Now, I’ll be honest – it’s not going to replace your favorite hairbrush or your go-to styling comb. But in a pinch? It does the job just fine. I’ve found it particularly handy for quick touch-ups or when I’m traveling light and don’t want to pack a separate comb.
One thing I really appreciate is how the balisong design actually makes it a more versatile grooming tool. You can adjust the angle of the comb by partially opening it, which gives you more control for styling. It’s a neat little feature that I didn’t expect to find so useful.
Secondary Use for Manipulation and Tricks
Now, this is where the real fun begins. For many of us, the comb functionality is just a bonus – the real draw is the flipping. And let me tell you, these combs flip just as smoothly as their sharp-edged cousins.
You can pull off all the classic balisong moves with a comb version. Rollovers, chaplins, fanning – you name it, you can do it. I’ve spent countless hours practicing tricks with my balisong comb, and it’s just as satisfying as working with a knife.
One advantage I’ve noticed is that the lack of a sharp edge makes it easier to try out new, more complex moves. You can experiment without worrying about slicing your fingers. This makes balisong combs excellent training tools, even for experienced flippers.
Plus, there’s something really cool about being able to casually flip open your comb, run it through your hair, and then launch into a series of impressive tricks. It’s a great conversation starter, and I’ve introduced quite a few people to the world of balisong manipulation this way.
Where Can I Get My Own Balisong Comb?
Finding your own balisong comb is easier than you might think. These nifty tools can be sourced from various online retailers specializing in knives and novelty items. Whether you’re looking for a stainless steel model for durability or an anodized aluminum version for a pop of color, there are plenty of options to suit your style and budget.
Shaving Parlor
Liger Lab
Etsy – OOAKSS
Etsy – EXTRUDelicious
Final Thoughts
Balisong combs are a brilliant innovation that brings together the thrill of flipping and the practicality of grooming, offering a unique way to enjoy the mechanics of a butterfly knife without the legal headaches. The craftsmanship in maintaining the classic balisong design while substituting the blade with a comb is impressive, providing both functionality and a great conversation starter.
Personally, I love the heft of stainless steel models for their durability and satisfying feel, though the lighter aluminum versions have their own appeal for faster tricks. The ability to safely practice new moves without fear of cuts makes these combs an excellent training tool. While they might not replace your go-to hairbrush, they definitely earn a spot in any enthusiast’s collection, blending tradition with modern practicality.