Polymer Balisong knife and latch for a Balisong knife

A Balisong knife includes a latch that resists compression of the back end of the handles towards each other under grip pressure by the user, thus increasing the columns strength of the handles when the knife is in a latched open configuration. A crossmember is provided adjacent to the latch pivot, resisting movement of the latch into any position wherein interference between the latch and tip of the blade could occur. Integral, friction reducing surfaces are provided on components of the knife. The knife can be assembled using snap fit pivot pins. The blade includes portions of varying thickness, providing additional thickness in the region of the points for greater strength, while allowing center edges for more effective cutting.