[JoergS]

Hey,

believe it or not, today I did NOT make a slingshot... but a knife!

In Germany, we usually can't own gravity knifes. We also can't carry one-hand folding knifes that lock the blade.

But I found a loophole! The law says that if the gravity knife does NOT lock the blade automatically or by the released button, then it is legal. And even legal to carry IF you have to use the other hand for the lock.

But such knifes are not commercially available.

So I made one! Not completely finished, but it works. Two small neodyme magnets hold the blade in place (both positions), and the screw will firmly lock it if needed. Will polish it and also find a nicer screw.

The blade is from an AK 47 bayonet. Blade length is 12,5 cm.

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/6748/cimg0806b.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9204/cimg0803y.jpg

[Leadhead]

Sehr shoen Joerg!

[hso]

Nice job! Looking into the details on the wording of knife laws has given more than one clever inventor the opportunity to find a niche design.

[zignal_zero]

that's really cool. good thinking as far as how to stay legal. plus the knife is beautiful. it just looks clean and solid.

the magnet idea is brilliant. is that common with gravity knives?

all round great job, man :)

[JoergS]

Here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVQpbFOxTbo

[The_Dude]

Just plain cool.

[Ohio Gun Guy]

What about a thumb lever on the screw to quickly push & lock the blade?

[Leadhead]

Or a slot in the handle and the blade so the stud could be pushed sideways in to a locking lug and held with the thumb...actually Ohio Gun Guy's suggestion would be easier!

I'm sure you will figure it out Joerg!
I'd be interested if you get it dialed and into production

A hinged hilt held open and closed by magnets and with a protruding lug that engage in the blade when opened would be sweet!

[Deltaboy]

Very Nice Job!

[Speedo66]

Ironic that locking gravity knives are illegal in Germany.

I have a WWII German paratrooper gravity knife, excellent design, that locks.

The design is still being used in Israel for their paratroopers.

[shotgunjoel]

We also can't carry one-hand folding knifes that lock the blade.

Uh-oh, I carried just such a knife when I was in Germany this summer! Guess I was lucky that I didn't get caught.