What size for Butterfly Knives?

[phoenix-eye]

Hi

I'm about to order Butterfly Knives but note that they come in two sizes (large 375mm x 80mm blade) and medium (275 x 80mm blade).

I'm a bit confused about the correct length to order. I know that the size should relate to the length of your arm from elbow to wrist. Personally, that measurement is 260mm (10.5 inches) from inside of elbow joint to wrist joint.

C'mon - what size should I buy? They're the same price....

Thanks for your help

PE

[David]

I suggest the smaller ones. The extra 3.9 inches on the larger set could easily injure you in a reverse grip.

-David

[phoenix-eye]

Thanks David - sounds sensible.

[R]

For what its worth...maybe ask your teacher...different styles use different size/shapes of butterfly knives. If you aren't sure then maybe you don't need them until you know what you are supposed to be buying.

Cheers, R

[phoenix-eye]

OOoooh - hark at her..... Thanks for the somewhat patronising comments R.

I know what the general sizing rule for my style is and stated this vaguely in my first post. Butterfly swords can actually be made specifically to suit your size so the standard sizing offered by most sellers can be a bit awkward if you are somewhat in between.

Hence my question - large or medium....

Thanks for replying anyway.

Cheers

PE

[MonkeyBoy]

Originally posted by David
I suggest the smaller ones. The extra 3.9 inches on the larger set could easily injure you in a reverse grip.

-David

Take careful look at the guard, if it's too small or too stylish it may get in the way of the transition to a reverse grip. Not all Mother Daughter knives are created equal.

[R]

PE..don't get your panties in a twist ;')

A common measure is forearm and fist length to allow space to be free to spin in or to hold the knife in reverse grip. Problem is you wouldn't do this with certain styles of knives for a couple of reasons. So going by what you have stated (that the knives are of an acceptable design for your system) the larger knives are far beyond the distance of your forearm and thus would seem unsuitable.

Now some people would argue that in their style there is no reverse grip and no spinning movements (some in wing chun say this) so the length issue is less of an issue but still a consideration....

Personally the best person to tell you which knife to buy is....... your sifu.

A traditionalist at heart.

R

[Sharp Phil]

My Wing Chun instructor recently bought a pair of Hanwei's butterfly swords and was very pleased with them. He reported on them (through me) here:

http://www.philelmore.com/martial/butterflyhanwei.htm

[cha kuen]

Butterfly knives for what style?

[phoenix-eye]

Thanks R - not getting my knickers in a twist..........no probs

BTW - style is Hung Gar.

Cheers

PE

[Phil Redmond]

In TWC the Baat Jam Do blade, (which is a little different from the Butterfly sword), length should be from the elbow to the closed fist of the individual using the blade.
Phil

[tnwingtsun]

I've found the WT knifes are better.

My friend makes Combat grade ones,they will cost you a pretty penny but if you want to use them for what they are made for(to kill),its worth the price.

I'll post the makers URL if you want me to.

If you want to dance with the bs out on the market,don't waste
my time,I've got Special Ops shooters that buy these for the real thing.

[Phil Redmond]

Have you seen the Cold Steel Baat Jam Do?
They will cut throught bone and flesh. My partner and I are going to be distrubutors. I will post on my website when we start selling them.
PR

[Colin]

Hi PE,
I'd suggest you ask your Sifu exactly what you should get.
I'm sure he could point you to the right supplier too.

Oh! and don't get the aluminium ones!