Benchmade question

[Isaac's Grandpa]

Can anyone tell me what this is classified as? Open assist or automatic?

I picked it up at a pawn shop and can't figure out if it is legal to carry or if it is a safe queen.

http://www.benchmade.com/products/3100

Thanks for any help.

 

[floorit76]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FywkOxPD18g

 

[rcmodel]

Benchmade FAQ says this.

LEVITATOR® A patented Benchmade exclusive, the knife handle scale/liner is cut to create a spring system which is used to leverage a lock-pin in and out of a notch in the tang of the blade. This spring/pin system effectively locks the blade both in the open and closed positions.

So, it sounds more like a lock mechanism then a spring assisted opening system.

Legally, if the blade doesn't fly open by itself when you push a release it isn't a swithblade.

rc

 

[floorit76]

This is the auto version of the knife, with the levitator lock. It is an automatic as far as the law is concerned.

 

[hso]

Isaac's Grandpa,

As pointed out, there was an Auto Benchmite that is dearly loved by the switchblade folks. If the blade springs open just by pressing that side panel. I think they quit producing them.
If your's is an auto you've found a little treasure, but they're illegal for carry in MN.

 

[Isaac's Grandpa]

Thanks for the help. It is an automatic. Pressing the side panel causes the blade to swing to full lock.

I guess I have a $40 safe queen.

Is it legal for me to sell it and/or ship it?

 

[hso]

Not across state lines, but you'll have to check MN law on sales within the state.