Switchblades not OK at the gun show?

[chabouk]

I remember seeing several switchblades at one of the booths with a handwritten sign that said they were "assisted open" knives, or something to that effect. I thought they were illegal too, and wondered how they were getting away with trying to sell them. I guess I missed the announcement.

"Switchblade" has a specific definition. Assisted opening knives do not meet that definition, because they require that you apply opening force to the blade itself. On a switchblade, you operate a button or other device on the handle.

[Drewthetexan]

I remember seeing several switchblades at one of the booths with a handwritten sign that said they were "assisted open" knives, or something to that effect. I thought they were illegal too, and wondered how they were getting away with trying to sell them. I guess I missed the announcement.

"Switchblade" has a specific definition. Assisted opening knives do not meet that definition, because they require that you apply opening force to the blade itself. On a switchblade, you operate a button or other device on the handle.

Right. They had a few knives that looked very similar to one that I have seen that is opened by pressing a button.

I didn't inspect them very closely, or handle them, but I didn't think they were actually "assisted opening" like the sign claimed.

[Ol Zeke]

Yet more reason to nuke PC Chapter 46. All of it.

When a knife made famous by, and named for, a hero of the Alamo is an "Illegal knife" in Texas, it's time for a dramatic change.

I agree. It's insane that It is legal for me to carry a .45 on my hip, a 9mm on my ankle and a .380 in my pocket.... all at the same time.... and I can't carry a knife in my boot?!
Also, functionally, there is very little difference in a Switchblade (illegal) and my assisted opening knives (legal).

You can carry a knife in your boot. Or in your underwear...it just must meet the guidelines set forth in CH 46 of the PC.

True. But my 'Boot Knife' is double edged. I believe that makes it a dagger, doesn't it?

[RECIT]

You also went through a back ground check and a list of qualifications to carry the weapon on your hip, ankle, underwear... Anyone can walk into a hardware store and buy a big ol knife. The open assist knifes are ALMOST like a switchblade but you have to put a little effort into opening them. I use the term effort loosely b/c most of them just require you to apply the slightest pressure to open them.

An open assist knife is my next purchase at the next gun show I go to.

[Afff_667]

Not to highjack, but this thread reminded me of an issue I have with a Benchmade I own. I was a firefighter/paramedic for 15 years or so and legally acquired (as I and the vendor understood the law) a Benchmade 9050AFO. I carried the knife when on duty only "just in case" I needed to cut myself or someone else out of something. Although paint is worn on the pocket clip, I took very good care of the knife never, ever using it for utility purposes....Well, I'm not a firefighter/paramedic anymore and don't carry the knife. It sits in a drawer...I keep it with some other a problem arises stuff I have figuring that carrying that knife would be the least of my worries in that situation.

I don't intend this as an ad to sell it, but these aren't cheap and it needs a new home. I'd like to get rid of it and replace it with something I can now legally carry. However, how can I legally sell or trade it? Any suggestions?

[chabouk]

I own several lock-blades with thumb studs, some of which are handy to open, others that might as well be stud-free. I don't own any switchblade, nor even an assisted opening knife. I also own a "Buck Lite" from the 1980s that doesn't even have a thumb stud, but opens just as quickly as any Whirlwind: pinch the blade between thumb and forefinger, give a quick flick downward, and it's open and ready for action.

The federal switchblade ban was the "assault weapons ban" of the 1950s. Unfortunately, many states copied the language into their own state codes.

[JRG]

I bought a Kalashnikov Auto knife at the TSRA show in Mesquite in 2009. Having now realized that it is a true switchblade, I no longer carry it. It has a button on the handle to activate the blade. I'll probably end up putting it in the trash. I really don't know what I was thinking when I purchased it.

Joe

[gigag04]

Not to highjack, but this thread reminded me of an issue I have with a Benchmade I own. I was a firefighter/paramedic for 15 years or so and legally acquired (as I and the vendor understood the law) a Benchmade 9050AFO. I carried the knife when on duty only "just in case" I needed to cut myself or someone else out of something. Although paint is worn on the pocket clip, I took very good care of the knife never, ever using it for utility purposes....Well, I'm not a firefighter/paramedic anymore and don't carry the knife. It sits in a drawer...I keep it with some other a problem arises stuff I have figuring that carrying that knife would be the least of my worries in that situation.

I don't intend this as an ad to sell it, but these aren't cheap and it needs a new home. I'd like to get rid of it and replace it with something I can now legally carry. However, how can I legally sell or trade it? Any suggestions?

I'd buy it of you depending on price/condition. I've been eyeing benchmade switchblades for some time know. PM and we can figure it out.