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Posted on 01/17/2012 1:47:43 PM PST by marktwain
LAS VEGAS — There’s a new piece of legislation in Olympia aimed at defining a “switchblade” knife that contains what appears to be a contradictory, or at least confusing, definition that has some Second Amendment activists puzzled.
This column will have a chance to speak to several of them during the next four days here at the annual Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show. They’re knife makers, whose wares will be just as much on display as new guns and other gear.
Senate Bill 6179 says this about switchblades:
"Switchblade knife" means any knife with a blade that is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement. A knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires physical exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife is not a switchblade knife.
Presumably, this means that knives from various Oregon-based manufacturers that are generically called “assisted opening” knives do not fall under the switchblade umbrella. But at the top of the previous paragraph, we have knives with blades that are automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, being called switchblades. Then knives that contain springs, detents or “other” mechanisms are not switchblades.
Perhaps the part of this legislation that makes it bad is that it exempts law enforcement, firefighters and military personnel while on the job.
What makes these folks special?
(Excerpt) Read more at examiner.com ...
This is exactly why I refuse to carry a true "switchblade" knife. Every once in a while I will bend over just right, and keys or pocket change will cause the panic button on my car keys to go off.
Now imagine what happens when a you bend over and a razor sharp blade suddenly springs out right next to your junk.
“Now imagine what happens when a you bend over and a razor sharp blade suddenly springs out right next to your junk.”
Not much. Probably it won’t open all the way, and even if it did wouldn’t puntucre anything.
The goal is to create laws that allow the “Authorities” to arrest anyone. In the jurisdiction where I am at the moment you can be arrested for being “Offensively armed” if you have long fingernails.
OK, maybe that is an exaggeration...
But not by much.
Outlaw Liberals, Greenies and Hippies in the legislature and that will solve the problem.
In the mid to late 50’s switchblades were a big deal. I had one.
I also had two Case knives, one was a beautiful yellow color with a 3” blade. It could be snapped open with a thumb nail and twist of the wrist as quickly as a switch blade and it was legal.
I am a big believer in one handed knives. When your left hand is trapped you can still open the knife and saw and cut your way out of trouble.
Especially necessary for sailors and others working around rope that moves, coils and snakes.
I would guess not too many from switchblades, since they need room to fold out before the sharpened parts would be in a position to do much harm. If they’re in a pocket, they couldn’t open all the way. Now, a stiletto in your pocket is another story...
At least California still allows these knives. It’s ironic that butterfly knifes Are illegal because they “look scary”. I can open my SOG spring-assisted tanto knife (4” blade) faSter than a butterfly knife. I can open my Kershaw Ken Onion folders even faster, but the blades are shorter. Sometime I should open-carry my 13” Ka-Bar tanto (8” blade!) that would really freak the lefties out.
My understanding is that here in WA the “assisted openers” already do not fall under the definition of “switchblade” as defined by the law, but the law is a little vague and could be interpreted to include them. This looks like they’re trying to clarify the definition to specifically allow them.
That’s OK, so far as it goes. What they really should do is just do away with the ban on switchblades entirely. There is nothing about how a knife opens that makes it any more dangerous than any other knife. That, and the ability to open any knife with one hand is just plain safer. It’s common sense.
I have a sizeable knife collection, and many of my folders are assisted-openers. I love ‘em. My daily carry knife is a CRKT “Fire Spark” 3.6” assisted. Great knife and instantly available in a flash.
Ooops. 3.8” not 3.6”
Well, you can have your beliefs. I am not going to test them and find out the hard way.
wanna bet???
Did I miss something? Is Tublecane Chuck Norris?
I wouldn't bet money on that much less my junk. My pocket folder (no assist) partially opened in my pocket which wedged the blade tip directly against my groin. Exactly where the femoral artery is. I froze my position and verrrry carefully straightened my leg and worked two fingers into my pocket to close the blade.
The knife was fixed in position to the pocket by the clip and pulling upward on the handle would have pulled the blade into my groin. Thankfully it didn't happen while doing something requiring my thigh to move upward with the next movement (like applying the brake pedal, kneeling, taking a step up) as that also would have pushed the blade right in.
FWIW I tightened the screw that increases/decreases resistance of the blade's movement in the handle and it has never done that again. That makes it just a bit too tight to open with a flick of the wrist though.
FWIW read #34.
not tublecane, ME......... I trained with Chuck Norris, and did so well he allowed me to live..
Oops!
Well, maybe that’s why all the greasers in the movies carry their switchblades in their back pocket, or in their sock!
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