Chinese butterfly knives: history and differences with the balisong

October 8, 2026 6 min read

Fixed blades and wraparound guards distinguish Chinese butterfly knives.

The Chinese butterfly knives are two short fixed-handle blades that form a pair. They are also known as hudiedao or butterfly swords and are recognized by their wraparound guards. Its name can be confused with that of the Philippine butterfly knife, but its construction and tradition are different.

The key to identifying them is simple: two independent and fixed blades, compared to a single blade with two articulated handle halves. This difference allows us to better understand the pieces of a collection, the images of a film or the material used by a martial arts school.

What does “butterfly knives” mean in Chinese tradition

In this context, the name refers to a pair of short weapons from the dao family, with a single edge on each blade. In Spanish they appear as both knives and swords: the choice of name does not establish a universal length.

Historical examples and current reproductions vary in size, tip and proportions. That is why it is advisable to recognize the set by its shape and origin, without converting a specific measurement or a modern finish into a rule for all specimens.

How to recognize your design

In the two reproductions that accompany this section you can see the easiest features to distinguish:

A pair of pieces: each blade has its own handle.
Fixed blades: do not fold into the handle nor do they have the articulated mechanism of the balisong.
Enveloping guard: the metal arch surrounds part of the hand and usually forms a silhouette close to a D.
Guard extension: many designs incorporate a curved protrusion next to the base of the blade.

Reproduction of Chinese butterfly knives from the Medieval Store catalog.

Another modern interpretation of the same format with double leaves and wraparound endpapers.

The bow and boss are parts of the guard, not additional edges. Its geometry varies between pieces: always describing it as an "S" can be confusing. Nor does the presence of a guard certify that a reproduction can withstand impacts or is suitable for training.

History: what is documented and what should be avoided

The hudiedao are especially linked to the martial traditions of southern China. Researcher Benjamin N. Judkins gathers stories, images and specimens to study its presence during the 19th century. Such documentation is more useful than attributing to them a generic origin in "Ancient China" or a popularity greater than that of all other weapons.

A concrete material testimony is the pair Double Sword with Scabbard from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, inventory 36.25.1487a–c. The museum dates it to the 19th century and records steel, wood, brass and leather. Each piece measures 44.5 cm in total, with a 33 cm blade. These figures describe that preserved set, not a mandatory standard.

Stories that attribute its creation to a single master or a monastic legend require additional evidence. A tradition transmitted by a school can have cultural value without being equivalent to a proven date of invention.

Your relationship with Wing Chun and other martial arts

Butterfly knives appear in several southern kung-fu traditions; Its presence is not limited to a single school. The Hong Kong intangible cultural heritage inventory provides an institutional example: it describes the branch Snake Crane Wing Chun using three shapes, double knives and a long staff.

This confirms the place of double weapons in that tradition, but does not mean that all centers teach the same thing. Programs, terminology and practice materials depend on the lineage and the instructor. To place these pieces alongside other typologies you can explore the collection of kung-fu swords.

Recognizing the silhouette of a piece does not allow us to assess the difficulty of learning how to use it. It is advisable to avoid promises of rapid mastery or superiority over other weapons.

Chinese butterfly and balisong knives: the essential difference

Trait	Chinese Hudiedao	Balisong
Set	Two independent pieces.	A pocketknife.
Handle	Fixed handle on each piece.	Two articulated halves.
Sheet	Stays outside the grip.	It is lodged between the halves of the handle when closing.
Cultural context	Southern Chinese martial arts.	Filipino tradition, especially associated with Taal and Batangas.

The Taal City Council presents its municipality as a prominent center of Philippine balisong. This context helps to separate both names: sharing the name "butterfly" does not make the two pieces variants of the same design.

How to interpret a current playback

A contemporary reproduction serves to observe a historical form, but its appearance does not demonstrate age, complete fidelity or performance. To assess its relationship with an antique example, compare the silhouette of the blade, the shape of the guard, the handle and the configuration of the whole.

It is also advisable to separate exhibition, practice material and sharp blade. These are purposes that require different constructions and precautions. Just because a piece is metallic or has a traditional name does not make it a contact material. For practice, the instructor must determine what equipment the school supports.

The illustrated models are within the family of Chinese swords. The specifications of each sheet allow us to know its construction; Historical references allow us to understand the design they evoke.

Conservation and regulations in Spain

To preserve a piece, follow its manufacturer's instructions, avoid storing it wet and check the condition of the blade, handle and sheath. Do not assume that all steels or finishes accept the same cleaning products. On display, use a stable support and place it out of the reach of minors.

In Spain, article 146 of the Weapons Regulations restricts the carrying, display and use of edged weapons outside the areas it contemplates, and allows agents to assess the need to carry them according to the circumstances. The commercial name or the acquisition of a piece does not authorize it to be carried on the street. If in doubt about a specific model or displacement, consult the Arms Intervention of the Civil Guard.