Legality of automatic/assisted-opening knives?

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C

.cheese.

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Hey all,

I know here in Florida assisted opening knives are ok, and so are automatic OTF knives (I think you need a CWP to carry one though? - could be wrong)

Anyways,

so far all my knives are folders, with one assisted-opening Buck Rush.

I am looking to get some more knives, probably Benchmade as I like my Griptillian.

I found a knife I like, the automatic opening Presidio by Benchmade. I also LOVE the Microtech Halo, but it's a "bit" out of my price range ;)

My only question though is, if I have any plans of not ultimately living in Florida, should I avoid getting anything "assisted-opening" or "automatic" (especially OTF)?

I'd hate to get some great knives, but then when I move (which will probably be in 1 year - where I haven't a clue yet - depends on some things) - have to do some type of emergency moving liquidation sale.

What's the status on knives state-by-state. Where are assisted-opening or automatic knives not allowed, as well as where are OTF knives not allowed?

I know from the Benchmade catalog, Oregon doesn't allow concealed carry of an assisted-opening or automatic knife... where else?

Would I be wise to just stick to manual opening?
 
It's time for a good ADA lawsuit against the ban on switchblades.
Click to expand...

There's already a partial federal exemption in certain cases:

the possession, and transportation upon his person, of any
switchblade knife with a blade three inches or less in length by
any individual who has only one arm.
Click to expand...
 
oh.... I posted at the same time carpediem posted.... wow... you really are talking about the ADA.

So..... I guess to make it 100% kosher I have to cut off my arm?

I've heard of some knives being so pricey they cost and arm and a leg.... but wow... that's just ridiculous!

So, if I buy an auto here in Florida, and then move somewhere, that falls under importation issues?
 
In texas, "switchblades' with a button or switch on the handle are illegal . So ar knives that open by "centrifugal force," but the assisted opening ones are ok unless longer than the legal limit or look like "combat" knives.
 
Laws on switchblades, AO's, or any knives are not only going to vary from state to state, but also among the various municipalities within the different states. These laws are always open to interpertation by the AGs and local LEO. Unless you know where you plan on living, worrying about the laws in a future residence is kind of moot. If you know where you plan on living, then you could call the local LE, and AG there and find out how the intend to enforce any restrictions.

That said, get what you want for where you are. Buy quality, and you can resell it if you move somewhere that it is illegal.

Also, get an Emerson or a Spyderco with the Wave. The Wave is faster than any auto or AO knife.:D
 
The sad thing is auto knives (especially OTF) are the least dependable types of knives compared to a folder or a fixed blade. I don't even know why they're legislated against other than looking intimidating. The blade lockup isn't nearly as good as a folder, they can't "stab people" by putting it up against someone and activating the switch. They jam up if the rails get dirty, etc.

I own Microtechs but I leave them in the case since I can't have them on my persons...which kind of defeats the purpose I guess *sighs*. They're fun to play with though :D Our state bans them in the same statute along with "ninja stars", but you can buy those at any martial arts type supply stores. :rolleyes:
 
I have a couple Benchmade autos that I legally carried...even in NJ. The only stipulation was that I had to be in Uniform to do so (or performing something related to military duties). I'm not sure about Wyoming law, I guess I'll have to check on the legality of carrying them here. One was presented to me as a going away gift when leaving one unit, the other was issued to me at my last unit. Both are $200+ knives.
 
CesiumSponge - yeah, I actually got to thinking about that tonight. I started thinking, "Assisted-opening/Auto is fun and convenient - sure, but isn't it just another set of components that could break or wear-out?"

so I decided rather than make my life more difficult with wear and tear, reliability, and legal issues, I'll just go by the KISS principle and stick to manual folders.

I am interested though in why there is so much fear about them..... it's not the spring that could hurt anybody.... it's the blade.... and more importantly the person who carries it.

A crazy criminal could do just as much damage with a butter knife in theory..... just because it has a button to open it, doesn't seem to me to make it more deadly?
 
hold on a tic then.... I'll look through the catalog and see if maybe I'm mistaken on the name of the one I was looking at
 
My mistake. You're right.

Here's the Presidio:

BM520SBK-lg.jpg


Here's the BM-5000 (the one I was talking about)

bm-5000sbt.jpg

They're identical I believe (at least from the specs I read), just with the Presidio being manual and the BM-5000 being auto. That's probably why I got confused.
 
anybody know of a site that lists state by state knife laws?

and also the final answer on whether I can travel or move with my knives?
 
I know that balisongs are legal to carry in PA, but I'm not sure about autos. I assume they are, except in some places, like Philadelphia.
The reason there is so much freakout about autos, and balisongs, and in some places even manual opening knives, is that they are seen exclusively as weapons. People don't like violence, and they mistakenly think if they outlaw weapons there will be no violence. It's the same reason people go for guns like handguns and scary looking rifles when they write gun control laws. Someone sees a bolt action Remington and they see sporting goods, not a weapon.
 
I see a Microtech Halo and I see a very cool, very fun letter-opener....

maybe I should go into politics
 
The sad thing is auto knives (especially OTF) are the least dependable types of knives compared to a folder or a fixed blade. I don't even know why they're legislated against other than looking intimidating. T
Click to expand...
When hasn't that been reason enough? We ban automatic weapons, short barreled weapons, and other scary looking guns while ignoring weapons that are more powerful and more accurate over a greater distance.

Switchblades/automatic knives are legal in Oregon.They cannot be carried concealed however.
Click to expand...
Okay I'm curious how that works. Do you tape them your shirt or something? :D

In Illinois automatic knives are illegal to possess. At home, in your pants, in your car, no love.
 
Switchblades/automatic knives are legal in Oregon.They cannot be carried concealed however.
Click to expand...

Irony: You can get a license to carry a handgun concealed, but not an auto knife.

It's kinda cool. Benchmade will only sell to LEO/MIL or Oregon residents, due to interstate commerce stuff.

On the Interstate commerce stuff, not to be a killjoy, but I think the only reason auto knives are legal in various states is that the fed.gov hasn't pushed the issue. Think about the Raich decision and every other BS extension of gov't power based on an extremely liberal interpretation of the commerce clause.
 
I'm almost positive we had a thread like this a few years ago

sorry I can't be of more help.
Isn't there a "bladeforums.com"...why yes there is! http://www.bladeforums.com/
it's pretty complicated because there are so many laws in different states, knife law doesn't get the attention it deserves like guns do ...so no pre-emption
like guns do.
 
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