Q: I purchased this antique balisong butterfly knife and haven’t been able to find much information to date or value it. It says “Taal” on the belt clip. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

A: Balisong knives are a type of pocket knife sometimes called a butterfly, batangas, or fan knife. The knife has two handles that rotate in opposite directions around the tang, the part where the blade meets the handles, to completely cover the blade. A latch on the end of one of the blades fastens it closed. Knives like this were made in France over 300 years ago and have been made in other countries since then. They were first made in the Philippines about 1905. Taal is a town in Batangas province in the Philippines where many balisong knives are made. The knives are popular souvenirs for tourists. Concealed knives like this are banned in some countries. The knives sell for $10 to over $100 depending on size, design, and material.