switchblade legality/possession

[razmataz]

In my hunt to find this information, I came across here earlier today. I couldn't find it here...maybe I just overlooked it. Since I found the information I was looking for from a more than reputable source (a government run website) and couldn't seem to find it here, I'm posting it just in case it isn't here yet.

I have found some information that I'm sure many of you switchblade carriers and owners do and don't want to hear. I've found the federal law that pertains to switchblade carry and ownership. To top it all off, it came from a source that is more than just reliable; it is acually a US ran ".gov" website. Here it is:

Whoever, within any Territory or possession of the United States,


within Indian country (as defined in section 1151 of title 18), or


within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the


United States (as defined in section 7 of title 18), manufactures,


sells, or possesses any switchblade knife, shall be fined not more


than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.

The link: http://uscode.house.gov/uscode-cgi/fastweb.exe?getdoc+uscview+t13t16+1633+4++(switchblade)

Such a severe penalty for something that only has to do with how a knife opens. However, if it were to make the weapon itself more deadly by a fair amount, I can understand a penalty for that. Well, since it doesn't describe what "territory" means, I can't guarrantee it means that it includes the 50 states and DC (carpediem reminded me of this below).

Here is the root of my search. Just type the word switchblade in the box where it says Search Word(s).
http://uscode.house.gov/search/criteria.shtml

 

[carpediem]

From what I understand, "territory of the US" applies ONLY to federal gov holdings, like DC

Edit: Did I actually say "dude"? That's it, no more energy drinks on an empty stomach.

 

[Prince Yamato]

Actually, knife posession is by state and or city subdivision laws. Lots of places actually ban them (or more specifically, knives with two sharp sides and retractable blades). Nunchaku, ninja stars, and sais are also banned in many cities. Most of this crap is due to politicians watching too many late-80s era gang movies. Yeah, because the crips throw ninja stars all the time...

 

[razmataz]

man, i'm a bit embarrassed to say that I misunderstood what the statute meant. well, either way, it's worth looking into some more. most of all, it's important to know the federal, state, and local laws about weapons in general in case you're ever questioned by an LEO. that doesn't mean you should act like a know-it-all, of course....don't want them taking it the wrong way and you getting arrested for disorderly conduct. always better to avoid trouble with LEOs whenever it's possible...just remember that in the courtroom, it's their word over yours (basically, you don't stand much of a chance in convincing the judge)

 

[carpediem]

No problem. If laws were easy to get, we wouldn't need multiplying villainies of nature *er* lawyers.

Welcome to THR, by the way.

 

[Zoogster]

I seem to remember it is also illegal to cross state lines with them. So technicaly they would have to be manufactured within the state they are in.
If you state allows them, and your local ordinances allow them that is.

Technicaly it would only be illegal for the importer if they come from outside the state but are legal within your state and local area. Yet if it says made in Mexico and you tell them you bought it at the local swap meet like you did and nobody comes forward and says you did, that could be twisted to imply your the actual importer. Being guilty until proven innocent these days might mean you have yourself a situation. So if it comes from outside your state, someone somewhere along the chain before you bought it broke the law.