gravity knife legality

[dirtyrice]

ok well. after looking through the texas laws pertaining to knife carry. i see the only restrictions as being it cant be a switchblade, and it cant be more than 5 and a half inches long i believe. now i have a nice case that is a fixed blade that falls under that length. after seeing these gravity knives i figured these might be a decent carry knife despite the fact they're kind of short.

it could fit in your pocket and you can operate it with one hand. but i got to reading and found that some states classify gravity knifes in the same category as switchblades. does anyone know if texas law does? or anyone knows more about laws and gravity knives in the states period. thanks alot.

[Windustsearch]

Not sure about Texas, but most states that have outlawed the evil switchblade define an evil switchblade in terms that include gravity knives.

[dirtyrice]

lame. i figured since there was no spring it might be ok. i could always ask dabtl i guess.

[W.E.G.]

VIRGINIA

http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+18.2-308

§ 18.2-308. Personal protection; carrying concealed weapons; when lawful to carry.

A. If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second violation of this section or a conviction under this section subsequent to any conviction under any substantially similar ordinance of any county, city, or town shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent such violation shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony. For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature.



"Like kind" has been interpreted by the courts to include any knife except a "schoolboy's knife"
Abstract of opinion:
http://www.courts.state.va.us/opinions/opncavtx/2708041.txt

[vmtz]

New Mexico

30-7-8. Unlawful possession of switchblades. (1963)
Unlawful possession of switchblades consists of any person, either manufacturing, causing to be manufactured, possessing, displaying, offering, selling, lending, giving away or purchasing any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade which opens or falls or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by any outward or centrifugal thrust or movement.
Whoever commits unlawful possession of switchblades is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.

[Pluribus]

http://www.atf.gov/firearms/statelaws/26thedition/texas.pdf

Does say switchblades are no-no however, in definitions(pg. 2) does not define.

I suppose one could say a gravity knife does have a "switch"

[Windustsearch]

IIRC they are federally illegal as well, except for LE, military, .gov jobs with legit use, and one-armed people. The fed law does not usurp state law, but it does apply to inter and intranational transport (mail, carriers, etc.).

They don't want citizens to get ahold of these evil and vile weapons. You don't need a switchblade to whittle.

[dirtyrice]

well in texas i can carry a decent sized fixed blade. so no worries.

[Windustsearch]

hidden from common observation

Key words. Gary, unless there are other laws on the books that pertain directly to switchblades, you can own but not conceal them.

Getting them w/o breaking federal law is a whole nuther can of worms.

[AliYahu]

I can't cite statute, but when I went through the police academy a few years ago the laws was any knife which opens without being manually opened is a switchblade. This included any type of gravity or centrifugal knife, including standard pocket knives that could be opened by swinging them open. It is defined in the statute somewhere.

Eli

[ThunderGod]

Any kind of auto-knife, whether spring, torsion or gravity powered, is illegal to carry in Texas. Unless you are a one-armed man. No kidding. They are legal to own if it is part of a knife collection, as well as double-edged knives. But carrying on or about one's person, in or about one's saddle-bags of a dirk, dagger, bowie or a knife with a blade longer than 6 inches is prohibited in Texas. Same law applies to pistols, handguns and revolvers; exceptions now for CCW. Thank you, Reconstruction-era, carpet-bagger judges and legislators.

[dirtyrice]

yea i have a case hunting knife that is only like 5 to 5 and a half inches. so i guess ill have to stick with that. does anyone here carry a knife. i myself am not 21 yet so i cant get a ccw. so i saw a knife as the next best thing. i train in martial arts so itd be a super last resort weapon. but i wear shorts sometimes. so putting a knife in my boot or something wont work. does anyone know of some good concealed knife carry sheaths.

[ThunderGod]

Pocket knives are okay for, well, pockets. A fixed blade has to be visible, IIRC, or else is considered a "concealed weapon".

[flint_knapper]

You know there was a big up roar in the knapping world
about the possession of double sided blades. (The very
nature of flint blades). I don't know what happened about
it, but I bet they are illegel to carry in mass, ca, and a few
other less free states.

[Windustsearch]

LOL, I guess you could get busted for taking your arrowhead collection anywhere in those states.

[fastfreddy]

Laws so vague, confusing and convoluted that anybody COULD be guilty. This establishes a system of selective enforcement so the authori-tahs have absolute discretion about prosecuting anybody at their whim. Of course, it is exactly such a grab for power that renders the entire system of laws disrespected by the people.

Is a Kershaw knife legal or not? Nobody will tell you until you're being prosecuted.

I'm getting a new Boy Scout knife. Let's see the KGB-style bastards try to nail me for that "infraction". Of course, it does have a sharp point and single sharp edge making it ideal for stabbing, as stated in the law.

Prosecuting a guy who is minding his own business for having a pocket-knife, then using that as a precedent is absolutely, positively un-American.

I have become ashamed of Virginia. It's official motto, "Sic Semper Tyranus" has become a joke displayed on the flag flown by tyrants. That's the way I see it.

[StarPD]

Arizona is too cool.

Here, automatic knives (aka "switchblades") are perfectly legal. The only restriction is that to carry concealed, even just in a pocket, the bearer must have a CCW. I refuse to ask permission from the government to be armed or to carry a knife for utility or other purposes, so I carry mine visible. Well, kinda. In Arizona, one may carry an auto knife freely and without a "permit" if it's in a "holster" or "pouch" visible to others. I keep mine in a horizonatally mounted black cordura belt pouch, and nobody ever notices it until I take it out to use it. I have worn out three pouches.

I have among others, a Microtech which is considered to be the "Rolls-Royce" of auto knives. It's an "Ultratech 6" double acting, out the front beauty with a black boron carbide coated, 154CM stainless, combo serrated and plain, drop point blade. Double acting means the same button opens and closes it. It is my EDC, and goes everywhere with me. Of course I get a lot of wide eyes when I open and close it, but that's okay, people used to stare at my holstered pistol too. The blade makes an authoritive snap as it opens and the blade locks in place, and when it's retracts itself back into the handle.

I love Arizona! :biggrin:

[Voided37]

I imagine it'll be up to the cop that stops ya!
And if i were concerned about legality i wouldn't tempt any officer to interpret the law. Most would understandably err on the safe side and you would go to JAIL!
If it's uncommon in the US then it's probably illegal. And if it's purpose is to allow it's owner some semblance of defense then unless you've got the nanny states permission it is surely illegal.
If you want it, BUY IT. But know if you carry it you could possibly get in trouble for it.
Don't even think your safe because the guys on a gun site forum gave you advice...LOL
"But officer....the guys on the FALFILES said it was probably ok..."
I'll be laughing my ass off when i see that on 'COPS'...LOL

Know what i mean?? LOL:tongue:

[JasonB]

Originally posted by fastfreddy


I have become ashamed of Virginia. It's official motto, "Sic Semper Tyranus" has become a joke displayed on the flag flown by tyrants. That's the way I see it.


I passed through the western tip of VA going to TN back in 2001 and was amazed at the number of threat signs telling what was illegal(typically the most piddly crap) and what would be done to violators as a result. This was sign after sign along the highways and at practically every intersection. One of the funniest was a vacant lot(seems like it may have had the appearance of being a rest area at one time?) that waaaayyyyyy out in the middle of it sported several signs saying something about no parking, violators fined $XXXX, persecuted, whatever which was interesting considering it was fenced off from the highway with concrete dividers. After that I was looking for billboard sized paintings of the leaders :devil: Beautiful country, but not sure I would want to visit for long.

[ALL FAL]

I would have to be killed, to be "put" in any state east of the rocky Mts.:cool:

[tedbo]

That could be arrainged!How about Arkansas or better yet New Orleans!:eek: Couldn't resist!:beer: :biggrin:

[dirtyrice]

after reading fixed blades must be concealed. i guess im just gonna have to find a very large folding one heh.

[co.500sw]

I bought one of those Colt CSR gravity knives about a year ago off of ebay. I remembered really wanting one when I was a kid. I gave it to a friend who's in the 82nd airborne, since it is a paratrooper knife, kind of. Honestly, I didn't like the way the blade rattled around, open or shut. I'd be more comfortable in a knife fight with my $12 Gerber ParaFrame (I think that's the model) which locks without rattling with a flick of the thumb.

Actually, I'd feel pretty stupid getting in a knife fight. I'd much rather have a baton, OR, a gun....

[StarPD]

You do not want to be faced with a knowledgable knife assailant who is closer than 21 feet, even with a baton or a gun. An experienced knife fighter can close that distance and kill you before you can get an accurate shot off. It's known as "The 21 Foot Rule". Many feel that 21 feet is too close, that 30 feet is a better minimum range to allow a knife wielder to approach before shooting.

While the photos have been exposed as hoaxes as to their origin and source, the wounds are real. If you have not seen the effects of knife attacks in the photos circulating on the Internet, you might want to do a search on them. Seeing the results of knife attacks will give one pause.

Do not undersestimate the danger of a knife.

[mdlmkr 7.62]

How about a Ken Onion folder by Kershaw. Sweet knife.

7.62

[panzer]

how about an Emerson 7 series with wave feature? they can be opened as removed from the pocket and are faster than switchblades and fixed blades that have a snap closure. can be had from tiny to near 4in blade length. The wave feature is pretty awsome after a little practice.

[Jez Cruzen]

I live in Va. and worked in the career fire service for over 30 yrs. I carried a Masters of Defense auto knife for awhile on the job but stopped after worrying about losing a $250 knife and the fact that it didn't have any kind of 'safety' lock. I then switched to a Kershaw "auto-assist". What a great knife! I also sometimes carry a Benchmade "Doug Ritter" Griptilian w/axis lock. All three are sturdy, well-made and engineered blades that you can bet your life on. (I also carry a Leatherman in a belt pouch and a Leatherman 'Micro" in my pocket.)

I had opened both the auto and the Ken Onion Kershaw in the presense of LEOs - both local and state - without any issues. Of course, I was/am in public safety. I never carried the auto while off duty. Both the Kershaw and the Benchmade are carried using the pocket clip and are visiable except when covered by a coat.

[brunop]

I'll tell you that even though Benchmade's auto axis knives are legal in Oregon (blades under 3.5 inches), they aren't legal in the Social Security office (Federal law is under 2.5 inches). Guy asked me if I had a weapon. I have CCW, and already ditched 1911 in the truck. I said "No." He said, you got a pocket knife? I said, "Yes." He said "Can I see it?" I said, "Yes."

He called the Department of Homeland Security, had a guy drive over an hour to tell me that it was a misdemeanor. DHS guy wrote me a ticket, which I can pay without pleading guilty or even 'nolo contendere'. Fined me $87. TOOK MY KNIFE ($287), and said that maybe I can get it back...

I'm not counting on it. Next time, I go naked. Maybe they'll bust me for another 'oversized weapon'.

[vmtz]

Originally posted by brunop
I'll tell you that even though Benchmade's auto axis knives are legal in Oregon (blades under 3.5 inches), they aren't legal in the Social Security office (Federal law is under 2.5 inches). Guy asked me if I had a weapon. I have CCW, and already ditched 1911 in the truck. I said "No." He said, you got a pocket knife? I said, "Yes." He said "Can I see it?" I said, "Yes."

He called the Department of Homeland Security, had a guy drive over an hour to tell me that it was a misdemeanor. DHS guy wrote me a ticket, which I can pay without pleading guilty or even 'nolo contendere'. Fined me $87. TOOK MY KNIFE ($287), and said that maybe I can get it back...

I'm not counting on it. Next time, I go naked. Maybe they'll bust me for another 'oversized weapon'.

Does him being a prick over eight inches, assuming he was that tall, make him a weapon?

Vince

[CZ-75a]

I had to leave my swiss army knife outside at the Socialist Security office when I was getting a replacement card, but I didn't get a ticket.


Some of those state laws make a BM with an axis-lock sound illegal, since they can be opened with centrifugal force.

[StarPD]

Went to the SSA office here in Phoenix to check on something.
Security guard saw the little Swiss Army knife on my keyring. He was uncommonly cool about it, and suggested I leave it outside next time, but since it was so small, I didn't have to take it back out to my car. I was surprised that he was so nice about it. Good thing he didn't notice the Microtech "UT6" Double acting out-the-front automatic knife in the belt pouch worn horizontally. I did NOT volunteer information and/or ask him if it was okay to keep it too. :smile:

[V guy]

If the Parker case is affirmed, as we know, the right to keep and bear arms is not limited to firearms as was noted in the Milita Act of 1790-92.

Hopefully the knife laws will evaporate along with the gun laws if the Parker case is fortunate enough to prevail legally.

[StarPD]

V guy, I hope you're right. The ban on automatic knives is absurd. They are legal in AZ, but must be carried openly, that is, visible, unless one has a CCW "permit" (ARRGGGHHH, I HATE that term!), which I refuse to get. So as I stated, I carry mine in a black Cordura pouch worn horizontally on my belt. No one ever notices it.

Automatic knives are convenient and easy to use. They are no faster than assisted opening knives these days, but are still much more useful. There is no valid reason for restricting them. The Pollyannas and Chicken Littles can lift their skirts and squeak all they want. The rest of us should not and will not suffer useless restrictions just to make them feel more "comfortable" because they fear anything they don't like or understand.

Maybe this court ruling will put an end to the kowtowing to sissies and wusses, and catering to their phobias.

[Tsm002]

States right here in the penal code that gravity knives are illegal. the exemption mentioned above for home collection still applies, though:

"(11) "Switchblade knife" means any knife that has a
blade that folds, closes, or retracts into the handle or sheath, and
that:
(A) opens automatically by pressure applied to a
button or other device located on the handle; or
(B) opens or releases a blade from the handle or
sheath by the force of gravity or by the application of centrifugal
force."

So what about the bayonets that are in the cases with my AKM pattern rifles? They are double sided. Same with the blade bayonet on my yugos.
I notice that TX law exempts ONLY bayonets PERMANENTLY affixed to firearms which are antiques.
So...
Is everyone with a yugo SKS in TX potentially up a creek without a paddle?

As per Penal code:

"6) "Illegal knife" means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one-half
inches;
(B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab
another by being thrown;
(C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk,
stilletto, and poniard; "

"(7) "Knife" means any bladed hand instrument that is
capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or
stabbing a person with the instrument."


"§ 46.02. UNLAWFUL CARRYING WEAPONS. (a) A person commits
an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on
or about his person a handgun, illegal knife, or club."

" (3) "Firearm" means any device designed, made, or
adapted to expel a projectile through a barrel by using the energy
generated by an explosion or burning substance or any device
readily convertible to that use. Firearm does not include a firearm
that may have, as an integral part, a folding knife blade or other
characteristics of weapons made illegal by this chapter and that
is:
(A) an antique or curio firearm manufactured
before 1899; or
(B) a replica of an antique or curio firearm
manufactured before 1899, but only if the replica does not use rim
fire or center fire ammunition."

Interesting..
am I the only one that sees this as bayonets are generally illegal if they are folding? They would fall under the "dirk" or "dagger" definition, that being a double bladed knife.
I'm not sure where the cruciform spike bayonets would fall, but my Yugo Bayonet is pretty obviously a two sided knife of almost 12 inches.

[StarPD]

Well, now that you have confessed publicly that you are a bona fide criminal, go directly to jail, do not pass "GO", do not collect $100......................

[Tsm002]

I bet the pawn shops I've seen selling them have a lot more to worry about, lol!
Went to the Saxtet Gun Show recently...
Yugos out the yin yang.
Guess it's yet another example of Texas Law being compiled by, as was referenced in another RKBA thread, drunks in Austin.
The funniest part is that when I, a few years ago brought this stuff to the attention of my TCLEOSE instructor, he was like...Damn....they expect us to know this stuff? Then why can't they pay us like lawyers!

[tracyballard]

Originally posted by StarPD
Well, now that you have confessed publicly that you are a bona fide criminal, go directly to jail, do not pass "GO", do not collect $100......................

it's $200

[StarPD]

WHAT?
You mean I've been getting screwed all these years?
No wonder I always lose.

[ALL FAL]

Don't ya all get sick of these bullshit laws that the "authorities" don't even know.
Brunop, sorry to hear we have a prick that big in Oregon to cause you so much hassle and the loss of a fine knife.
There is MUCH MUCH More I would like to say, but I don't want to go to jail for sedition.

Oregon Militia?????



:biggrin:

[vfubar]

Bruno, AllFAL, all:
Think about 'the way it works', and carefully.
It's an 'us against them' game!
In San Antonio, Tx, we have an 'Ordinance' which prohibits 'Lock Back' Knives, for all but Police, and serving Military personnel; I can be arrested, tried, and convicted of a "Class B Misdemeanor", for possession of my little 'Ken Onion' Scallion, a knife with a blade only 1 1/2" long, while carrying a compact 1911, which is legal, as a CHL licenssee!
Would I really stab you, with a tiny knife, when I could simply shoot you, from greater distance, if the siituation required such action?
When a law really makes sense, I suggest that you re-read it, because it was obviously a reading error, on your part, if it seemed logical!

[molonlabe texan]

Originally posted by mdlmkr 7.62
How about a Ken Onion folder by Kershaw. Sweet knife.

7.62

I am deep in kimshee cause that is my carry if Speedsafe = switchblade.