Legality of automatic knives in NC?

[Conqueror]

Our concealed carry laws say that one cannot carry a knife which opens by "throwing, explosive, or spring action." However, autos are readily available at every gun store, gun show, knife shop, etc.

Does anyone know how strictly enforced this law is? I don't buy knives to leave them at home; I was looking at some gorgeous Microtech Ultratechs and Troodons yesterday and wondering how much trouble I'd be in if a cop confiscated it.

Anyone know?

 

[achildofthesky]

If you have a CCW permit, it isn't worth the potential trouble...

If you ever got in a scrape that had police involvement, you could possibly lose your permit forever at the least and perhaps actually get a fine or a misdemeanor charge. That's too much down side in my book just to have a auto knife (I like them though).

Be safe

Patty

 

[rcmodel]

I have several auto's in my collection.
Fun to play with, but I really can't see any advantage to them at all.

Any good one-hand folder is just as fast into action, and are not nearly as prone to dirt & sand jamming things up.

Another problem is:
I had one BenchMade break a torsion spring within the first few weeks I owned it.

I'm in Kansas, and BenchMade is in Oregon.

It's against Federal Law for them to send me my knife back if I send it to them to fix the broken spring.
So they won't!

And it's also against Federal Law for them to send me a new spring in the mail!
So they won't!

I finally reached a work-around with a guy who later got fired, but it was just a big PITA getting it fixed.

Then on the otherhand, they are against the law here, and most everywhere else, so actually using one to defend yourself could result in an unpleasant situation with the police & the lawyers.

rcmodel

 

[Conqueror]

I already carry a folder, but I really liked the Microtechs and all my favorite models are double-action autos. I have a CCW and carry where appropriate, but I'm also a student and am disarmed by law when I go to campus.

 

[Gary G23]

According to this chart you can carry as long as it's not concealed:

http://www.amatecon.com/switchblade.html

According to some people if the clip is visible on the outside of your pocket it is not concealed.

 

[hso]

NC is what auto collectors call a "belt sheath state". You can own them and even carry, but only if it is not concealed. Since autos are mostly just for fun in these days of assisted openers auto fans happily carry their favorite auto in a sheath.