Whether you're a beginner or an experienced flipper, a butterfly knife trainer is an essential tool for practicing your skills in a safe and controlled environment. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. That's why we've done the research and testing for you to compile a list of the top 10 butterfly knife trainers available today.
We'll cover a range of features, including construction, weight, handle and blade materials, and overall design to help you find the perfect trainer for your needs. So, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a top-of-the-line model, keep reading to find the best butterfly knife trainer for you.
10 Best Butterfly Knife Trainers in 2024
1) Benchmark Black Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Benchmark Black Butterfly Knife Trainer is a practice butterfly knife designed for enthusiasts and beginners who want to learn and practice butterfly knife techniques without the risk of injury. This trainer knife closely resembles a real butterfly knife in design and feel, but features a dull edge for safe training.
The blade of this trainer knife is made of stainless steel with a clip point style and a satin finish. The blade is unsharpened and features a flat grind, making it safe for practice without the risk of cuts. The blade is also 4.125 inches long with a cutting edge of 3.75 inches.
The handles of this trainer knife are made of cast aluminum with channel construction and pins, making it sturdy and durable. The handles are extra thick, giving them a heavier weight and solid feel, which is similar to that of a real butterfly knife. The handles also have cutouts for an attractive look and better grip during use.
The overall length of the Benchmark Black Butterfly Knife Trainer is 9.00 inches, with a handle length of 4.875 inches. The knife weighs 6.00 ounces, which is a good weight for flipping and practicing butterfly knife tricks. The black color of the handle adds to the aesthetic appeal of the trainer knife.
2) Kershaw Lucha Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Kershaw Lucha Butterfly Knife Trainer is a variation of the popular Lucha butterfly knife, designed for training and practicing flipping techniques safely. It has a rounded tip and blunt edge, eliminating the risk of accidental cuts while performing tricks. The trainer version closely replicates the size, weight, and design of the original Lucha.
The blade of the Lucha Butterfly Knife Trainer is made of 14C28N stainless steel with a drop point style, and the blade edge is plain and unsharpened. The increased nitrogen in the formula provides excellent corrosion resistance and hardenability. The blade tapers to provide more weight on the top for smooth pendulum movement during flipping.
The handle of the Lucha Butterfly Knife Trainer is made of silver aluminum with rounded bevels that allow it to roll effortlessly in the hand. The handle also features diamond-shaped cutouts for aesthetics and weight reduction. The latch is rounded to prevent catching during flipping, and it has a positive stop to prevent it from contacting the blade. The Lucha - Trainer also features dual KVT ball-bearing pivots for smooth flipping operation.
The hardware of the Lucha Butterfly Knife Trainer includes black-oxide steel pivots, a black anodized aluminum tube spacer, and black-oxide steel screws. The knife has a latch lock type, and there is no pocket clip on this model.
The Kershaw Lucha Butterfly Knife Trainer is made in the USA, and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
3) Boker Magnum Trainer 2nd Gen Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Boker Magnum Balisong Trainer 2nd Gen Butterfly Knife Trainer is a training tool designed for enthusiasts and fans of butterfly knives to learn and perfect knife skills legally. The knife features a stainless steel blade that is not hardened and completely blunt, making it safe for training.
The blade is connected to both handle segments with torx screws, which can be easily retightened after extended training sessions. The classic T-bar is also screw-mounted, providing additional stability. The perforated stainless steel handle scales provide a secure grip, making it easy to practice various flipping techniques.
This butterfly knife trainer has a total length of 8.66 inches, with a blade length of 3.94 inches, a blade thickness of 0.09 inches, and weighs 4.94 ounces. This butterfly knife trainer is perfect for beginners and seasoned butterfly knife enthusiasts looking to improve their skills without risking injury.
4) Glidr Arctic 2 Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Glidr Arctic 2 butterfly knife trainer is a budget-friendly balisong trainer designed for smooth, low friction flipping. The knife features the Glidr tuned bushing system, which allows for ultra-smooth flipping with minimal handle play and zero blade tap out of the box. The sandwich construction handles are turned into two solid units with the unique force-distributing pocketed barrel spacer system, making them able to withstand almost anything thrown at them.
The latest version of the Glidr Arctic 2 has updates focused on improving acoustics, tactile feel, and durability. Changes include a revised tang profile, improved zen pin system, deeper handle milling, and thicker pivot screws that are less prone to stripping.
The butterfly knife trainer is constructed with precision-tuned bushing pivot system, 6061 aluminum sandwich handles, stainless steel barrel spacers, hidden zen pins, a hardened 440c trainer blade, a crowned blade spine, and all-round chamfered blade edges.
5) Squid Industries Squiddy Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Squid Industries Squiddy Butterfly Knife Trainer is a unique balisong trainer made completely from CPVC (chlorinated polyvinyl chloride) using CNC machining. CPVC has higher impact and heat resistance than typical PVC, making it suitable for a balisong trainer. The Squiddy is safe and legal everywhere, making it an ideal choice for those who want to learn balisong tricks without the risk of injury or breaking any laws.
Despite being the most affordable model from Squid Industries, the Squiddy shares the same exceptional balance as their higher-end products. It features press-fit steel rods at the end of each handle to produce better feel and momentum in each trick.
In terms of design, the Squiddy has integral channel-constructed PVC-C handles that offer a strong and lightweight build. It has phosphorus bronze washers for ultra-smooth flipping action and latch-less, channel-constructed handles that offer clean lines and a pleasing minimalist aesthetic. The friendly and harmless-looking face design makes it public and age-friendly, suitable for both beginners and experienced flippers.
The Squiddy is manufactured and assembled in the USA and is TSA safe, making it easy to carry around and travel with. It is an essential trainer to have in any flipper's collection, whether you are just starting out or an experienced flipper.
6) Boker Plus Balisong Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Boker Plus Balisong Butterfly Knife Trainer is a training knife that has a mechanism that corresponds to that of a real Balisong knife. However, instead of a sharp blade, it has a dummy installed, which classifies it clearly as a training device.
The stainless steel blade is rounded at the edges and provided with circular recesses for direct distinction from sharply ground blades. This is to ensure safe playing and training. The sturdy stainless steel handle is equipped with open handle scales of red G10, providing a secure grip while flipping. The trainer also comes with a clip for convenient carry.
In terms of specifications, the overall length of the trainer is 9.13 inches, with a blade length of 4.06 inches and a thickness of 0.11 inches. The weight of the trainer is 5.43 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to handle.
7) Bear & Son 113TR Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Bear & Son 113TR is a butterfly knife trainer with a 4-inch blade made from High Carbon Stainless Steel with holes to replicate the weight and feel of a real blade. The skeletonized handles make this trainer lightweight and easy to handle, weighing only 3.8 ounces.
The durable tang pin construction ensures that the trainer will last through extended training sessions. The overall length of the Bear & Son 113TR is 7-1/2 inches, making it a compact and convenient option for practicing knife skills. The zinc handles are coated with an epoxy powder coating for added durability and a sleek silver vein finish.
The Bear & Son 113TR is a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to practice their butterfly knife skills safely and effectively.
8) Squid Industries Mako Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Squid Industries Mako Butterfly Knife Trainer is a versatile tool that serves both as a flipping trainer and a bottle opener. It features gill-like cutouts on the handles that have been updated and moved towards the zen pin area for better grip and comfort while flipping. The size of the gills has been reduced, which increases the material in the channel and improves the durability of the handles.
The Mako Bottle Opener V4.5 is made from 6061 T6511 aircraft-grade aluminum, which makes it lightweight yet durable. The handles are machined to maintain the same balance as the previous version, and they preserve the iconic Mako look. With this design, users get an excellent flipping performance, durability, and a useful EDC tool that can open bottles. It is an affordable option for those looking for a great flipper and a practical utility tool.
9) The Svix Co. Terra Butterfly Knife Trainer
The Svix Co. Terra Butterfly Knife Trainer is a minimalist balisong trainer that features bushing technology, a crowned blade, and a hardened blade to resist bending. The handle length is 5.5 inches and is made of aluminum 6061 with a channel design. The handle has a bead blast and anodized finish for durability and aesthetics.
The blade length is 4 inches and features a recurve tanto style with a 440C stainless steel construction and heat treatment for strength. The blade has a surface grind finish for smooth flipping action. The pivot system utilizes bushings for a smooth and consistent flipping experience, and the pin design features pressed Zen pins.
The trainer weighs 4.3 ounces, making it lightweight and easy to handle for beginners or those looking for a minimalist trainer. The Svix Co. Terra Butterfly Knife Trainer is designed to set a new standard in the balisong trainer industry and provides an excellent introduction to bushing technology.
10) BRS Barebones Butterfly Knife Trainer
The BRS Barebones Butterfly Knife Trainer is designed to be an affordable, high-performance trainer for those who want to safely learn and practice the art of manipulation. The trainer features a sleek design that takes similar form and dimensions as its predecessors, the Alpha Beast and Replicant, while also incorporating its unique features.
The trainer's handles are made of stainless steel that is skeletonized to maintain optimum balance and reduce weight, making it a neutral handling balisong that can adapt to various manipulation styles. The weight is well-distributed due to extended handle dimensions, allowing for nimble handling. The trainer weighs approximately 5.1 ounces.
The blade steel used in the trainer is heat-treated 154cm, which is known for its durability, reliability, and resistance to bending from impact. The blade also features a crowned spine for additional comfort and handling. The hardware is all stainless steel, including the latch.
Whether you're a beginner or a long-time veteran of balisong manipulation, the BRS Barebones Butterfly Knife Trainer is an optimum performer. It comes battle-ready out of the box and is designed with performance as the top priority.
What is a Butterfly Knife Trainer?
A butterfly knife trainer is a type of balisong knife that is designed for safe training purposes. Unlike a traditional balisong knife that has a sharp blade, a trainer has a dull or blunt blade made from materials such as stainless steel or aluminum. This allows the user to practice flipping and manipulation techniques without the risk of injury.
Butterfly knife trainers typically have similar construction to real butterfly knives, with two handles that rotate around a pivot point and a locking mechanism to keep the blade in place. They are often used by enthusiasts, martial artists, and performers to practice and perfect their skills without the danger of using a live blade.
What should I look for in a butterfly knife trainer?
Blade Material
A butterfly knife trainer blade should be made of a durable material that can withstand repeated use and not easily bend or break. Stainless steel and high-carbon stainless steel are common materials used for butterfly knife trainer blades.
Handle Material
The handle of the butterfly knife trainer should be made of a sturdy and durable material such as aluminum or titanium. Additionally, some trainers have handle scales made of G10 or other materials to improve grip and comfort.
Blade Design
The blade of the butterfly knife trainer should be designed to simulate the weight and balance of a real blade, while also being safe for training purposes. Look for a trainer with a blade that has a similar shape and weight to a live blade, but with holes or rounded edges to prevent injury.
Pivot System
The pivot system of a butterfly knife trainer can impact its overall performance and durability. Trainers with bushing pivot systems tend to have smoother flipping action and can last longer than those with washer pivot systems.
Weight and Balance
The weight and balance of a butterfly knife trainer can impact its overall performance and user experience. Look for a trainer with a weight and balance that is comfortable for your flipping style and skill level.
Price
Butterfly knife trainers can range in price from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on a trainer, while also keeping in mind that a more expensive trainer may offer better materials and performance.
Final Thoughts
There are many options available when it comes to choosing a butterfly knife trainer. The 10 trainers we have highlighted in this post offer a range of features, materials, and designs to suit different preferences and skill levels.
Whether you're a beginner looking to hone your skills or a seasoned flipper looking for a high-performance trainer, there's sure to be a butterfly knife trainer on this list that meets your needs.
By considering the factors we've outlined and choosing a reputable brand, you can ensure that you're getting a quality product that will help you improve your flipping skills safely and efficiently. With the right trainer, practice, and patience, you can become a master of the balisong art form.
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