The Balisong Quick-Start Guide
Step Two
Identify Your Handles

Your balisong has two handles. One is called "The safe handle" and the other is called "The opposite handle." The opposite of safe is dangerous. Anytime one thing is safe and the other is dangerous, it's a good idea to know which is which.

The safe handle is the handle that the unsharpened side, "the spine," of the blade closes into.

The opposite handle is the handle that the sharpened side, "the edge," of the blade closes into.

If you hold the knife by the opposite handle, you can be cut badly.

But, if you hold the knife by the safe handle, you will not be cut. Even if your hand does get in the way of the blade as you try to close the knife; only the unsharpened spine of the blade will hit your hand.

Notice, please, that the latch does not tell you which handle is safe and which is opposite. The latch may be on either handle.