Switchblade

Animation of a switchblade being opened.

A switchblade (also known as an automatic knife, pushbutton knife, ejector knife, switch, Sprenger,^[1] Springer,^[2][3] flick knife, or flick blade) is a type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is opened automatically by a spring when a button, lever, or switch on the handle or bolster is activated. Most switchblade designs incorporate a locking blade, in which the blade is locked against closure when the spring extends the blade to the fully opened position. The blade is unlocked by manually operating a mechanism that unlocks the blade and allows it to be folded and locked in the closed position.

In 1954, Democratic Rep. James J. Delaney of New York authored the first bill submitted to the U.S. Congress banning the manufacture and sale of switchblades, beginning a wave of legal restrictions worldwide and a consequent decline in their popularity. In 1955, U.S. newspapers promoted the image of a young delinquent with a stiletto switchblade or flick knife with lurid stories of urban youth gang warfare, often featuring lower class youth and/or racial minorities.^[4]

History

Switchblade knives date from the mid-18th century.^[5] The earliest known examples of spring-loaded blades were constructed by craftsmen in Europe, who developed an automatic folding spike bayonet for use on flintlock pistols and coach guns.^[1][5] Examples of steel automatic folding knives from Sheffield England have crown markings that date to 1840.^[5] Cutlery makers such as Tillotson, A. Davey, Beever, Hobson, Ibbotson and others produced automatic-opening knives.^[5] Some have simple iron bolsters and wooden handles, while others feature ornate, embossed silver alloy bolsters and stag handles.^[5] English-made knives often incorporate a "pen release" instead of a central handle button, whereby the main spring activated larger blade is released by pressing down on the closed smaller pen blade.^[5]

In France, 19th-century folding knives marked Châtellerault were available in both automatic and manually opened versions in several sizes and lengths.^[5] Châtellerault switchblades have recognizable features such as "S" shaped cross guards, picklock type mechanisms and engraved decorative pearl and ivory handles.^[5] In Spain, Admiral D'Estaing is attributed with a type of folding naval dirk that doubled as an eating utensil.^[5] In closed (folded) position, the blade tip would extend beyond the handle to be used at the dining table. It could be spring activated to full length if needed as a side arm, by pressing a lever instead of a handle button.^[5] By 1850, at least one American company offered a .22 rimfire single-shot pistol equipped with a spring-operated knife.^[1] After the American Civil War (1865), knife production became industrialized.^[5] The oldest American made production automatic knife is the Korn Patent Knife, which used a rocking bolster release.^[5]

The advent of mass production methods enabled folding knives with multiple components to be produced in large numbers at lower cost.^[1] By 1890, U.S. knife sales of all types were on the increase, buoyed by catalog mail order sales as well as mass marketing campaigns utilizing advertisements in periodicals and newspapers. In consequence, knife manufacturers began marketing new and much more affordable automatic knives to the general public. In Europe as well as the United States, automatic knife sales were never more than a fraction of sales generated by conventional folding knives, yet the type enjoyed consistent if modest sales from year to year.^[1]

In 1892, George Schrade, a toolmaker and machinist from New York developed and patented the first of several practical automatic knife designs.^[1][6][7] The following year, Schrade founded the New York Press Button Knife Company to manufacture his switchblade knife pattern, which had a unique release button mounted in the knife bolster.^[2] Schrade's company operated out of a small workshop in New York City and employed about a dozen workmen.^[2][7]

1900–1945

Swordmakers in Toledo, Spain, developed a market in the 1920s for gold plated automatic leverlock knives with pearl handles and enamel inlaid blades. Italian knifemakers had their own style of knives including both pushbutton and leverlock styles, some bearing design characteristics similar to the early French Châtellerault knife.^[8] Prior to World War II, hand crafted automatic knives marked Campobasso or Frosolone were often called Flat Guards because of the two-piece top bolster design.^[8] Some Italian switchblades incorporated a bayonet-type blade equipped with a blade lock release activated by picking a lever at the hinge end, and were known as picklocks. These were later supplanted by newer designs which incorporated the blade lock release into a tilting bolster, which released a spearpoint or bayonet-style blade.^[8]

In the United States, commercial development of the switchblade knife was primarily dominated by the inventions of George Schrade and his New York Press Button Knife Company,^[1][7] though W.R. Case, Union Cutlery, Camillus Cutlery, and other U.S. knife manufacturers also marketed automatic knives of their own design.^[1] Most of Schrade's switchblade patterns were automatic versions of utilitarian jackknives and pocket knives, as well as smaller penknife models designed to appeal to women buyers.^[5] In 1903, Schrade sold his interest in the New York Press Button Knife Co. to the Walden Knife Co., and moved to Walden, New York, where he opened a new factory.^[2][7] There Schrade became the company's production superintendent, establishing a production line to manufacture several patterns of Schrade-designed switchblade knives, ranging from a large folding hunter to a small pocket knife.^[7] Walden Knife Co. would go on to sell thousands of copies of Schrade's original bolster button design.^[2][7]

The advertising campaigns of the day by Schrade and other automatic knife manufacturers focused on marketing to farmers, ranchers, hunters, or outdoors men who needed a compact pocket knife that could be quickly brought into action when needed.^[1] In rural areas of America, these campaigns were partially successful, particularly with younger buyers, who aspired to own the most modern tools at a time when new labor-saving inventions were constantly appearing on the market.^[1] Most American-made switchblades made after 1900 were patterned after standard utilitarian pocketknives, though a few larger Bowie or Folding Hunter patterns were produced with blade shapes and lengths that could be considered useful as fighting knives. Most had flat or sabre-ground clip or spear-point blade profiles and single-sharpened edges.^[2] Blade lengths rarely exceeded five inches (12 cm).^[5] A few manufacturers introduced the double switchblade, featuring two blades that could be automatically opened and locked with the push of a button.^[7]

At the low end of the market, Shapleigh Hardware Company of St. Louis, Missouri contracted thousands of switchblades under the trademark Diamond Edge for distribution to dealers across the United States and Canada.^[1] Most of these knives were novelty items, assembled at the lowest possible cost. Sold off display cards in countless hardware and general stores, many low-end Diamond Edge switchblades failed to last more than a few months in actual use.^[1][9] Other companies such as Imperial Knife and Remington Arms paid royalties to Schrade in order to produce automatic "contract knives" for rebranding and sale by large mail-order catalog retailers such as Sears, Roebuck & Co.^[1][5]

In 1904, in combination with his brothers Louis and William, George Schrade formed the Schrade Cutlery Co. in Walden, and began developing a new series of switchblades, which he patented in 1906–07.^[2] Schrade's new Safety Pushbutton Knives incorporated several design improvements over his earlier work, and featured a handle-mounted operating button with a sliding safety switch.^[7] A multi-blade operating button allowed the knife to operate with up to four automatic blades.^[7] In successive patents from 1906 through 1916 Schrade would steadily improve this design, which would later become known as the Presto series.^[2] With the Presto line, Schrade would largely dominate the automatic knife market in the United States for the next forty years. Schrade would go on to manufacture thousands of contract switchblade knives under several trademarks and brands, including E. Weck, Wade & Butcher, and Case XX, while other companies used Schrade's patent as the basis for their own switchblade patterns. Among these were pocket and folding hunter pattern switchblades bearing the name Keen Kutter, a trademark owned by E.C. Simmons Hardware Co. (later purchased by the Shapleigh Hardware Co.).

Having earned a handsome return from his work, Schrade traveled to Europe in 1911, first to Sheffield, England, where he assisted Thomas Turner & Company in expediting a wartime order from the British Navy.^[7] He next moved to the knifemaking center of Solingen, Germany.^[2][7] Schrade was fully aware of Solingen's reputation for having the best cutlery steel in Europe, and he opened a factory to produce his safety pushbutton switchblade knife there. In 1915 or 1916 Schrade sold his Solingen holdings (some sources state they were seized by the German government)^[2] and returned to the United States.^[2][7]

In 1918, Captain Rupert Hughes of the U.S. Army submitted a patent application for a specialized automatic-opening trench knife of his own design, the Hughes Trench Knife.^[10] This was a curious device consisting of a folding spring-loaded knife blade attached to a handle which fastened to the back of the hand and was secured by a leather strap, leaving the palm and fingers free for grasping other objects.^[11] Pressing a button on the handle automatically extended a knife blade into an open position and locked position, allowing the knife to be used as a stabbing weapon.^[11] The Hughes Trench Knife was evaluated as a potential military arm by a panel of U.S. Army officers from the American Expeditionary Force (AEF) in June 1918.^[12] Unfortunately, after testing the board found the Hughes design to be of no value, and it was never adopted.^[13] Hughes went on to patent his automatic trench knife in 1919, though Hughes appears to have been unsuccessful in persuading a knife manufacturing company to produce his design.^[11]

From 1923 to 1951, the Union Cutlery Co. of Olean, New York produced a series of lever-operated switchblades designed for the mid and upper end of the market, featuring celluloid, stag, or jigged bone handles, a bolster-mounted push-button, all featuring the company's KA-BAR trademark on the blade tang.^[5] The line included the KA-BAR Grizzly, KA-BAR Baby Grizzly, and KA-BAR Model 6110 Lever Release knives.^[14] The largest model was KA-BAR Grizzly, a folding hunter pattern with a broad bowie-type clip point blade.

Pocket knife made by Flylock Knife Company of Bridgeport, Connecticut with two spring-loaded, button activated blades. Scales are made of horn. Measures 3 3/8" (86mm) closed. These were manufactured from 1918 to 1929.

Upon returning to the United States, Schrade made a final improvement to his Presto series of switchblades, filing his patent application on June 6, 1916.^[7] The next year, Schrade licensed a new flylock switchblade design to the Challenge Cutlery Company, which he then joined.^[2] Under the trademark of Flylock Knife Co., Challenge made several patterns of the flylock switchblade, including a large 5-inch folding hunter model with hinged floating guard and a small pen knife model designed to appeal to women buyers.^[1][7] A Challenge Cutlery advertisement of the day depicted a female hand operating a fly-lock automatic pen knife, accompanied by a caption urging women to buy one for their sewing kit so as not to break a nail while attempting to open a normal pen knife.^[1][5] Schrade pursued his knifemaking interests at both Challenge and at Schrade, where his brother George now managed one of the company's factories.^[2]

With a few ex-Challenge employees Schrade formed a second company, the Geo. Schrade Knife Company, primarily to manufacture his Presto series of switchblade knives.^[2] In 1937, Schrade came out with two more low-cost switchblade knives designed to appeal to youth, the Flying Jack and the Pull-Ball Knife.^[7] The Flying Jack had a sliding operating latch and could be produced with one or more automatically opening blades. The Pull-Ball opened by pulling a ball located on the butt end of the handle.^[15] Schrade would later manufacture alternative configurations to the ball operating handle, including dice, rings, eight balls, or different colors.^[7] Unfortunately, the Pull-Ball required two hands to open, removing much of the switchblade's utility as a one-handed knife.^[15] As the blade catch mechanism required a good deal of space within the handle, the knife's blade length was short relative to its handle length.^[15] Schrade manufactured many pull-ball knives for sale under other brands, including Remington, Case, and the "J.C.N. Co." (Jewelry Cutlery Novelty Company of North Attleboro, Massachusetts)^[7] Always looking for a new way to appeal to customers, Schrade continued to experiment with new forms of switchblade designs up to the time of his death in 1940.

In the late 1930s the German Luftwaffe began training a Fallschirmjäger or paratroop force, and as part of this effort developed specialized equipment for the airborne soldier, including the Fallschirmjäger-Messer (paratrooper's knife), which used a gravity-operated mechanism to deploy its sliding spearpoint blade from the handle. The German paratrooper knife, which featured a marlinspike in addition to the cutting blade, was used to cut rigging and unknot lines, though it could be employed as a weapon in an emergency. In 1940 the U.S. Army in 1940 tasked the Geo. Schrade Knife Co. to produce a small single-edge switchblade for U.S. airborne troops, to be used similarly to the Fallschirmjäger-Messer.^[7] The knife was not intended primarily as a fighting knife, but rather as a utility tool, to enable a paratrooper to rapidly cut himself out of his lines and harness in the event he could not escape them after landing.

The company's submission was approved by the U.S. Army Materiel Command in December 1940 as the Knife, Pocket, M2.^[1] The M2 had a 3.125-inch clip-point blade^[16] and featured a carrying bail. Except for the bail, the M2 was for all intents and purposes a copy of George Schrade's popular Presto safety-button civilian model. The M-2 was issued primarily to U.S. Army paratroopers during the war, though some knives appear to have been distributed to crews and members of the Office of Strategic Services. When issued to paratroopers, the M2 was normally carried in the dual-zippered knife pocket on the upper chest of the M42 jump uniform jacket. After the war, the M2 was manufactured by Schrade (now Schrade-Walden, Inc.) as the Parachutist's Snap Blade Knife (MIL-K-10043) under a postwar military contract. In addition, other companies such as the Colonial Knife Co. made civilian versions of the M2 after the war.

Postwar Sales and the Italian Stiletto

From the end of World War II until 1958, most U.S.-manufactured switchblades were manufactured by Schrade (now Schrade-Walden, Inc., a division of Imperial Knife Co.), and the Colonial Knife Co.

Schrade-Walden Inc. made knives under the Schrade-Walden trademark, while Colonial made a number of switchblade patterns during the 1950s under the trademark ShurSnap.

After 1945, American soldiers returning home from Europe brought along individually purchased examples of what would become known as the Italian stiletto switchblade.^[8] Consumer demand for more of these knives resulted in the importation of large numbers of side-opening and telescoping blade switchblades, primarily from Italy. These imported switchblades were frequently referred to as stilettos, since most incorporated a long, slender blade tapering to a needle-like point, together with a slim-profile handle and vestigial cross-guard reminiscent of the medieval weapon.

The majority of these Italian stiletto switchblade knives used a now-iconic slender bayonet-style blade with a single sabre-ground edge and an opposing false edge. As with the medieval stiletto, the stiletto switchblade was designed primarily as an offensive weapon, optimized for thrusting rather than cutting (many imported stiletto switchblades had no sharpened cutting edge at all). These included knives which ranged in blade length from two to eighteen inches (50mm - 460mm);^[1] some were flimsy souvenir knives made for tourists, while others were made with solid materials and workmanship.^[1][8] Though undeniably limited in practical usefulness, the new stiletto switchblades were a revelation to buyers accustomed to the utilitarian nature of most U.S.-made automatic knives such as the Schrade Presto pocketknife.^[8]

1950s gang usage & controversy

In 1950, an article titled The Toy That Kills appeared in the Women's Home Companion, a widely read U.S. periodical of the day. The article sparked a storm of controversy and a nationwide campaign that would eventually result in state and federal laws criminalizing the importation, sale, and possession of automatic-opening knives. In the article, author Jack Harrison Pollack assured the reader that the growing switchblade "menace" could have deadly consequence "as any crook can tell you".^[17] Pollack, a former aide to Democratic Senator Harley M. Kilgore and a ghostwriter for then-Senator Harry S Truman, had authored a series of melodramatic magazine articles calling for new laws to address a variety of social ills. In The Toy That Kills, Pollack wrote that the switchblade was "Designed for violence, deadly as a revolver - that’s the switchblade, the 'toy' youngsters all over the country are taking up as a fad. Press the button on this new version of the pocketknife and the blade darts out like a snake’s tongue. Action against this killer should be taken now".^[17] To back up his charges, Pollack quoted an unnamed juvenile court judge as saying: "It’s only a short step from carrying a switchblade to gang warfare".^[17]

During the 1950s, established U.S. newspapers as well as the sensationalist tabloid press joined forces in promoting the image of a young delinquent with a stiletto switchblade or flick knife. While the press focused on the switchblade as a symbol of youthful evil intent, the American public's attention was attracted by lurid stories of urban youth gang warfare and the fact that many gangs were composed of lower class youth and/or racial minorities.^[4] The purported offensive nature of the stiletto switchblade combined with reports of knife fights, robberies, and stabbings by youth gangs and other criminal elements in urban areas of the United States generated continuing demands from newspaper editorial rooms and the public for new laws restricting the lawful possession and/or use of switchblade knives.^[4] In 1954, the state of New York passed the first law banning the sale or distribution of switchblade knives in hopes of reducing gang violence. That same year, Democratic Rep. James J. Delaney of New York authored the first bill submitted to the U.S. Congress banning the manufacture and sale of switchblades.

Some U.S. congressmen saw the switchblade controversy as a political opportunity to capitalize on constant negative accounts of the switchblade knife and its connection to violence and youth gangs. This coverage included not only magazine articles but also highly popular films of the late 1950s including Rebel Without a Cause (1955), Crime in the Streets (1956), 12 Angry Men (1957), The Delinquents (1957), High School Confidential (1958), and the 1957 Broadway musical West Side Story. Hollywood's fixation on the switchblade as the symbol of youth violence, sex, and delinquency resulted in renewed demands from the public and Congress to control the sale and possession of such knives.^[18][19] State laws restricting or criminalizing switchblade possession and use were adopted by an increasing number of state legislatures.

In 1957, Senator Estes Kefauver (D) of Tennessee attempted unsuccessfully to pass a law restricting the importation and possession of switchblade knives. Opposition to the bill from the U.S. knife making industry was muted, with the exception of the Colonial Knife Co. and Schrade-Walden Inc., which were still manufacturing small quantities of pocket switchblades for the U.S. market.^[1] Some in the industry even supported the legislation, hoping to gain market share at the expense of Colonial and Schrade.^[1] However, the legislation failed to receive expected support from the U.S. Departments of Commerce and Justice, which considered the legislation unenforceable and an unwarranted intrusion into lawful sales in interstate commerce.^[1][4]

While Kefauver's bill failed, a new U.S. Senate bill prohibiting the importation or possession of switchblade knives in interstate commerce was introduced the following year by Democratic Senator Peter F. Mack, Jr. of Illinois in an attempt to reduce gang violence in Chicago and other urban centers in the state. With youth violence and delinquency aggravated by the severe economic recession, Mack's bill was enacted by Congress and signed into law as the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958. This U.S. federal law was closely followed by the UK Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act of 1959.^[4] In Canada, in 1959 Parliament amended the Criminal Code to include the new-production automatic knives as prohibited weapons banned from importation, sale or possession within that country.

The new laws treated all automatic-opening knives as a prohibited class, even knives with utility or general-purpose blades not generally used by criminals. Curiously, the sale and possession of stilettos and other 'offensive' knives with fixed or lockback blades were not prohibited. In other U.S. states, the sale and possession of switchblade knives remained legal, particularly in rural states where a significant proportion of the population possessed firearms. As late as 1968, Jack Pollack was still writing lurid articles demanding further federal legislation prohibiting the purchase or possession of switchblade knives nationwide. New York congressman Lester L. Wolff (D) even read one of Pollack's articles into the U.S. Congressional Record.^[20][21]

As an anti-violence measure, legislation against switchblade sales or use clearly failed in the United States, as youth street gangs increasingly turned from bats and knives to handguns, MAC-10s, and AK-47s to settle their disputes over territory as well as income from prostitution, extortion, and illicit drug sales.^[22][23][24] In fact, the U.S. murder rate using cutting or stabbing instruments of all types declined from 23% of all murders in 1965 to just 12% in 2012.^[25]

1970–2000

By the late 1960s, new production of switchblades in the United States was largely limited to military contract paratrooper knives.^[5] In Italy, switchblades known among collectors as "Transitionals" were made with a mix of modern parts and leftover old style parts.^[8] Around this time, the "Picklock" design was largely replaced by the tilting bolster, ending the "Golden Age" of hand-crafted Italian switchblades.^[8]

Switchblade knives continued to be sold and collected in those states in which possession remained legal. In the 1980s, automatic knife imports to the U.S. resumed with the concept of kit knives, allowing the user to assemble a working switchblade from a parts kit with the addition of a mainspring or other key part (often sold separately). Since no law prohibited importation of switchblade parts or unassembled kits, all risk of prosecution was assumed by the assembling purchaser, not the importer. This loophole was eventually closed by new federal regulations.^[26]

Present day

a Microtech Hawk and OTF Scarab

The ability to purchase or carry switchblades or automatic knives continues to be heavily restricted or prohibited throughout much of Europe, with some notable exceptions. In Britain, the folding type of switchblade is commonly referred to as a flick knife. In the UK, knives with an automated opening system are nearly impossible to acquire or carry legally; although they can legally be owned, it is illegal to manufacture, sell, hire, give, lend, or import such knives. This definition would nominally restrict lawful ownership to 'grandfathered' automatic knives already in possession by their owner prior to the enactment of the applicable law in 1959. Even when such a knife is legally owned, carrying it in public without good reason or lawful authority is also illegal under current UK laws.

In the USA, switchblades remain illegal to import from abroad or to purchase through interstate commerce since 1958 under the Switchblade Knife Act (15 U.S.C. §§1241-1245). However, a 2009 amendment (Amendment 1447) to 15 U.S.C. §1244 provides that the Act shall not apply to spring-assist or assisted-opening knives (i.e. knives with closure-biased springs that require physical force applied to the blade to assist in opening the knife).^[27]

While operationally identical (in terms of one-handed opening), the spring-assisted knife has slight but important differences. A switchblade opens its blade from the handle automatically with the press of a button, lever, or switch that is remotely mounted in the knife handle or bolster. In contrast, a spring-assist design uses manual pressure on a lever or switch mounted on the blade or connected via a direct mechanical linkage to open the blade initially, at which point an internal torsion spring propels the blade into an open, locked position. Still other types of one-hand opening knives rely on the use of a manual protrusion on the blade itself to 'flick' the knife open using a thumb or forefinger, without any spring assistance. Since all these knives can be rapidly opened with one hand, the logic and utility of 1950s-era prohibitions against a subcategory of one-hand opening knives like the switchblade have been called into question by knife rights advocacy groups. In recent years, several U.S. states have repealed laws prohibiting the purchase or possession of automatic knives in their entirety.

Despite federal laws, there are still a number of U.S. knife companies and custom makers who build automatic knives, primarily for use by the military and emergency personnel.^[4] Some famous present-day automatic knife manufacturers include Colonial Knife Co., Microtech Knives, Benchmade, Severtech, Gerber Legendary Blades, Mikov, Pro-Tech Knives, Dalton, Böker, Spyderco, Kershaw Knives, and Piranha.^[4] Colonial currently manufactures the M724 Automatic Rescue Knife, which is currently being issued for use in all U.S. military aircraft ejection seat survival kits.

The classic Italian style stiletto switchblade continues to be produced in Italy, Taiwan, and China. Automatic knife manufacture in Italy consists predominantly as a cottage industry of family-oriented businesses. These include Frank Beltrame and AGA Campolin, who have been making automatic knives using hand assembly techniques for more than half a century.^[8] Since the late 1990s, the nations of Taiwan and China have emerged as large-scale producers of automatic knives.

Automatic knives have been produced in the following countries: Argentina, China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Korea, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan and U.S.A..

Current case has been recently reported in Wisconsin.^[28]

Method of operation

Double action, out the front

A double action out the front knife is so-called because the blade emerges from the front of the handle and the thumb stud can be moved forwards or backwards to extend or retract the knife respectively. A single action out the front knife operates under similar principles but will only automatically extend the blade which must then be manually retracted.

The knife blade (dark grey) is locked in position by a spring-loaded restraining pin (yellow and red) fitting into a notch in the blade at position 1. The two spring carriers (green) fit into the spaces on the slide (blue) and this assembly rests to the side of the blade. The right spring carrier is restrained by a tab at position 2 that fits over the end of the blade. Tension on the main spring (red zig-zag) holds the other spring carrier, slide and thumb stud (light grey) to the right.

When the thumb stud is pushed forward the slide and left spring carrier are free to travel. This increases tension on the main spring as the blade and right spring carrier are locked. A ramp on the slide impinges on the lower pin. When the pin evacuates the notch the blade and right spring carrier are free to move. The right spring carrier moves only a short distance before it comes to rest in the slide. Momentum carries the blade further before flanges (not shown) retard its motion.

Another restraining pin at position 3 fits into a notch and locks the blade in the extended position. A tab on the left spring carrier fits into a hole in the blade at position 4 which restrains the left spring carrier. This allows reverse force on the thumb stud to increase tension in the main spring before the upper restraining pin releases and the blade and carrier can return to the closed position.

The small restraining pin at 3 is the only thing holding the blade open and is prone to failure if abused. The whole slide assembly moves only a short distance, exactly as far as the thumb stud moves. The force that causes the blade to extend or retract is equal to the force applied by the user on the thumb stud to stretch the main spring before it releases. For this reason the tip of the blade is unlikely to even break skin and is entirely incapable of causing significant injury when released though the edge of the blade may still cut as it moves as with any knife. Any object in the path of the extending blade may cause the blade to stop before it can lock in position. This is easily remedied by either pulling the blade out so that it locks or pushing it in till it locks and then redeploying.

Single action, out the front

One spring post (green, left) is rigidly fixed to the handle (orange), the other spring post (green, right) is fastened to the base of the blade. The main spring (red) is under tension but the blade cannot eject because the spring mounted button (light grey, its spring not shown) is resting in a notch in the blade. The cocking arm (blue) emerges through the base of the handle; friction with the handle holds it in place.

When the button is depressed (sideways into the handle or, as illustrated, into the page) a slot in it aligns with the blade and allows the blade to move forward. When the blade is fully extended flanges on the blade engage pins on the cocking arm retarding the blade's motion. The blade is locked in position when the rear notch of the blade allows the button to return to its rest position. Even if the button is pressed spring tension holds the knife open.

To retract the blade the button is again pressed to that its slot aligns with the blade. The cocking arm is pulled backwards which itself pulls the blade backward. When the blade is fully retracted the spring mounted button rests in the forward notch and again pops up and locks the blade in the cocked position. The cocking arm is then manually pushed forward to again sit flush with the handle.

Because the main spring is constantly acting on the blade and is extended by a far greater amount and is cocked by the whole hand and arm rather than by thumb the force it can exert on the blade is greater than with a double action knife. This will easily allow the tip of the blade to break skin when deployed and possibly penetrate a few millimetres or to pass through light clothing. While still not a hugely strong design, because it is more firmly attached a good quality single action out the front blade displays less wobble and play than its comparable quality double action counterpart.

Legality

Austria

Beginning with the Austrian Arms Act of 1996^[29] switchblades, like all other knives, are generally legal to buy, import, possess or carry, regardless of blade length or opening or locking mechanism.^[30] The only exception are minors (defined as persons under the age of 18) and people who have been expressively banned from owning and carrying any weapon (Waffenverbot): both groups may only possess knives which are not considered "weapons" under the Arms Act, defined as "objects that by their very nature are intended to reduce or eliminate the defensive ability of a person through direct impact".^[30] Switchblades usually fall under that definition.^[30]

In Austria the regulatory laws of individual states and the Assembly Act may prohibit knives from being carried into a public building, school, public assembly, or public event.^[31]

Australia

In Australia, switchblades are banned by the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations as a Prohibited Import. Australian customs refer to the automatic knife or switchblade as a flick knife. Australian law defines a flick knife as a knife that has a blade which opens automatically by gravity or centripetal force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the knife, a definition that would cover not only switchblades and automatic-opening knives but also gravity knives and balisongs.

At a state and local level, most jurisdictions declare flick knives to be prohibited weapons in their respective acts, codes and regulations. Persons residing in states that do not have specific weapons legislation covering switchblades (such as Tasmania) are still covered by Federal Customs legislation, but in conditions where the state has no legislation against such items, an exemption may be applied for and received if approved by the chief supervisory officer of the police service in that state.

Some states which have specific legislation against switchblades allow individuals to apply for an exemption from this legislation if they have a legitimate reason. For example, in the state of Victoria, a member of a bona fide knife-collectors' association, who is not a prohibited person (per the Firearms Act 1996), and meets other guidelines and conditions may apply to the Chief Commissioner of Police for a Prohibited Weapons Exemption to possess, carry, or otherwise own such a knife. This exemption may then, in turn, be used to apply to the Australian Customs Service for an import permit.^[32]

Belgium

Article 3, §1 of the 2006 Weapons Act^[33] lists the switchblade or automatic knife (couteaux à cran d’arrêt et à lame jaillissante) as a prohibited weapon.^[34] In Belgium, the police and local jurisdictions are also allowed to prohibit the carrying or possession of a wide variety of knives, which are not explicitly banned by law, if the owner cannot establish a legitimate reason (motif légitime) for having that knife, particularly in urban areas or at public events.^[35][33]

Canada

Switchblades are mostly illegal to sell, buy, trade, carry and possess. Part III of the Criminal Code defines such knives as prohibited weapons (armes défendues). While certain businesses can be granted a license to acquire and possess prohibited weapons such as switchblades for use as props in movie productions, these exemptions do not apply to individuals.

The Criminal Code definition of "prohibited weapons" includes switchblades:

"A knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife."^[36]

Different subsections of the code describe possession offences and penalties. Belt-buckle daggers, push-daggers, finger-ring blades and innocuously concealed blades (e.g. knife-combs) are also Prohibited Weapons in Canada under SOR/98-462 Part 3.^[37]

Czech Republic

It is legal to carry and possess switchblade or automatic knives in the Czech Republic.^[38]

Denmark

Any type of automatic-opening knife or bladed tool that can be opened using just one hand (this includes any one-handed knife that has been deactivated by removing its opening mechanism) is illegal to own or possess. Multi-tools featuring one-hand opening blades are also illegal to own or possess.^[35]

Finland

In Finland switchblade or automatic knives are legal to purchase or possess.^[35] Switchblades that have the appearance of a dagger or stiletto are prohibited from carry in a public place as dangerous weapons.^[39] The law requires that switchblades be cased and secured while being transported.^[35]

France

French law defines switchblades as dangerous weapons, which may not be carried on one's person.^[35] If carried in a vehicle, such knives must be placed in a secure, locked compartment not accessible to the vehicle occupants.^[35] In addition, French law provides that authorities may classify any knife as a prohibited item depending upon circumstances and the discretion of the police or judicial authorities.^[35]

Germany

All large side-opening switchblade knives (blade longer than 8.5 cm), OTF switchblades, balisongs or butterfly knives (blade longer than 4 cm), and gravity knives are illegal to own, import or export under German law. Side-opening switchblade knives with single-edged blades not longer than 8.5 cm and incorporating a continuous spine are legal to own. Legal switchblades may be carried both open and concealed on one's person if there is a justified need for it ("berechtigtes Bedürfnis") or if the weapon cannot be accessed with less than 3 moves ("Transport in verschlossenem Behältnis"). Other laws or regulations may still prohibit the carrying of otherwise legal automatic or switchblade knives, particularly in certain situations or places (gatherings on public ground, check-in areas of airports).

Hungary

According to decree 175/2003. (X. 28.) of the Hungarian government a közbiztonságra különösen veszélyes eszközökről (about the instruments particularly hazardous to public safety), it is prohibited to possess a switchblade in public places or private places open to the public – that includes the inside of vehicles present there – and on public transport vehicles, except for filmmaking and theatrical performances. Members of the Hungarian Army, law enforcement, national security agencies and armed forces stationed in Hungary are exempt from this limitation together with those who are authorised to carry such instruments by legislation. Sale of a switchblade is authorised only to the persons and organizations above. Customs clearance of switchblades may not be performed for private individuals such as tourists.

Hong Kong

According to Cap 217 《Weapons Ordinance》, Laws of Hong Kong, any person who has possession of any prohibited items (including Gravity Knife and Flick Knife) commits an offence.^{[40] [41]}

Ireland

Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990 makes it an offence to carry a "flick knife" in any public space without lawful authority or reasonable excuse. A summary conviction is punishable with either a €1000 fine, up to 12 months imprisonment or both but if indictable the penalty can be up to five years in prison.^[42] The Act, which classifies a flick knife as an offensive weapon, also prohibits the manufacture, importation, sale, hire or loan of these knives. Conviction for any of these offences carries a sentence of up to seven years imprisonment.^[43]

Italy

In Italy, the switchblade or automatic opening knife (coltello a scatto) is generally defined as an arma bianca (offensive weapon) rather than a tool. While legal for adults to purchase, such knives may not be transported outside of one's property nor carried on the person, either concealed or unconcealed, nor may it be carried in a motor vehicle where the knife may be accessed by driver or passengers.^[44][45] The Italian Ministry of Interior has warned that switchblade knives will be considered offensive weapons in their own right.^[46]

Japan

In Japan any switchblade over 5.6 centimetres (2.2 in) in blade length requires permission from the prefectural public safety commission in order to possess.^[47]

Lithuania

According to Lithuanian law it is illegal to carry or possess a switchblade if it meets one of the following criteria: the blade is longer than 8.5 cm; the width in the middle of the blade is less than 14% of its total length; the blade is double sided.^[48]

Mexico

Illegal.

Netherlands

As of 2011, it is prohibited to own or possess, whether kept at home or not, any stilettos, switchblades, folding knives with more than one cutting edge, and throwing knives.^[35]:44–46

New Zealand

The Customs Import Prohibition Order 2008 prohibits the importation of "any knife having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife (sometimes known as a 'flick-knife' or 'flick gun')".^[49] The Summary Offences Act 1981^[50] and the Crimes Act 1961 section 202A(4)(a) make it an offence to possess any weapon in a public place without reasonable excuse.

Norway

Switchblades or automatic knives (springkniver) may not be acquired, possessed, or carried in Norway.^[35][51]

Poland

Knives, including switchblades, although regarded as dangerous tools, are not considered weapons under Polish law,^[52] except for blades hidden in umbrellas, canes, etc. It is legal to sell, buy, trade and possess a switchblade, and Polish law does not prohibit carrying a knife in a public place. However, certain prohibitions may apply during mass events.^[53]

Russia

In Russia, switchblades (rus. автоматический нож, выкидной нож, пружинный нож) are illegal only if their blade's length is more than 9 centimetres (about 3.5 inches) - this is illegal weapon, and there is a fine 500-2000 Russian rubles (about 15-70$) and withdrawing of the knife only for carrying it (article 20.8 of Offences Code of Russia), but not for illegal purchasing and possession (keeping at home or somewhere else). Only self-making and selling white arms (rus. холодное оружие) is a crime in Russia (these two crimes are punished by: part 4 article 222 and part 4 article 223 of Russian Criminal Code). If the blade is shorter than 9 centimetres, anyone (even if he/she is younger than 18 years old, has a criminal history or mental illness) can buy, own and concealed carry (open carry of any weapon or things that look like weapon at human settlements is forbidden in Russia; with the exception for policemen) such a switchblade without any license. But even in this case, it is better to have in your wallet an official certificate (type approval) (which is usually in a box with a purchased knife), which proves that it's not a cold weapon and not restricted to carry, in which case even knives longer than 9 cm are sometimes approved.^{[54][55][56][57]}

Singapore

Switchblades may not be brought into Singapore without first obtaining approval from the arms and explosives branch and not permitted to own, possess or carry without a licence. It may not be also listed or sold in auctions in Singapore.

Slovenia

Switchblades are specifically prohibited under Slovenian law.^[35]

Slovakia

It is legal to carry and possess switchblade or automatic knives with no restriction to the length of the blade.

South Africa

In South Africa, little to no laws exist on the possession, sale, manufacture, and carrying of weapons, other than firearms. Switchblades are legal for possession, sale, manufacture, and carrying.

Spain

Manufacture, importation, trade, use and possession of switchblade knives are prohibited in Spain^[58]

Sweden

In Sweden, the possession of any knife in a public place, at school, or public roads is prohibited.^[35] Exceptions are made for those who carry knives for professional or otherwise justified reasons. Switchblades may not be possessed by individuals under 21 years of age.^[59]

Switzerland

Knives whose blade can be opened with an automatic mechanism that can be operated with one hand are illegal to acquire (except with a special permit) in Switzerland under the Federal Weapons Act.^[60] Butterfly knives, throwing knives and daggers with a symmetrical blade are banned likewise. Violations are punishable with imprisonment of up to three years or a fiscal penalty, as provided for by article 33 of the same act.

United Kingdom

On 12 May 1959, Parliament passed the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959.^[61] The law came in response to their perceived use by juvenile delinquents and gangs and associated media coverage, as well as by the 1958 passage of the Switchblade Knife Act in the United States. Indeed, much of the language in the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959 appears to be taken directly from the American law.

The Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959, which took effect 13 June 1959,^[62] specifies that anyone who "manufactures, sells or hires or offers for sale or hire, or exposes or has in his possession for the purpose of sale or hire or lends or gives to any other person" an automatic-opening knife (flick knife) or gravity knife in England, Wales and Scotland is guilty of an offence.^[61] Importation of such knives into the United Kingdom after 13 June 1959 is prohibited.^[61] Under a strict interpretation of the Act, it is legal to possess an automatic-opening or gravity knife made before 13 June 1959 if it is held by the original owner within the home or other private place and is not transferred to any other person.^[63] As the penalty provisions of the Act apply to the prior owner of the knife, and not to the inheritor or subsequent purchaser, it is possible that a person living in the UK could acquire an automatic-opening or gravity knife and keep it at home or on other private property without penalty to the new owner, though a zealous prosecutor might attempt to level a charge of abetting or facilitating an offence by the knife's former owner as a consequence of acquiring the knife in a prohibited post-1959 transaction.^[61][62]

The Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959 states:^[64]

(1) Any person who manufactures, sells or hires or offers for sale or hire, or exposes or has in his possession for the purpose of sale or hire or lends or gives to any other person—

(a) any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife, sometimes known as a "flick knife" or "flick gun"; or

(b) any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever, or other device, sometimes known as a "gravity knife",

shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction in the case of a first offence to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or to both such imprisonment and fine, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or to both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) The importation of any such knife as is described in the foregoing subsection is hereby prohibited.

Additionally, subsequent legislation such as the Criminal Justice Act 1988 prohibits the carrying of a locking knife or a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches (76mm) in a public place, a law which would apply to many switchblades as well.^[65] In Scotland, the law on carrying prohibited types of knives in a public place is codified in the section on Offensive Weapons in the Scotland Criminal Justice Act 1988.^[66]

United States

Federal law

The Switchblade Knife Act, (Pub.L. 85–623, 72 Stat. 562, enacted on August 12, 1958, and codified in 15 U.S.C. §§ 1241–1245), prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, transportation, and sale of switchblade knives in commercial transactions substantially affecting interstate commerce^[67] between any state, territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and any place outside that state, territory, U.S. possession, or the District of Columbia. The Act also prohibits possession of such knives on federal or Indian lands or on lands subject to federal jurisdiction. It does not prohibit the ownership or carrying of automatic knives or switchblades inside a state while not on federal property, nor does it prohibit the acquisition or disposition of such knives in an intrastate transaction or an interstate transaction that is noncommercial and/or does not substantially affect interstate commerce (as defined by recent decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court).

U.S. Code Title 15, Sect. 1241 defines switchblade knives as any knives which open "1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife having a blade which opens automatically; (2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both". The Act also prohibits the manufacture, sale, or possession of switchblade knives on any Federal lands, Indian reservations, military bases, and Federal maritime or territorial jurisdictions including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and other territories.^[68][69] The act was amended in 1986 to also prohibit the importation, sale, manufacture, or possession of ballistic knives in interstate commerce.

U.S.C. 1716 prohibits the mailing or transport of switchblades or automatic knives through the U.S. mails (U.S. Postal Service), with a few designated exceptions.^[68] The act provides for a fine and/or imprisonment of not more than one year.^[68] 18 U.S.C. § 1716(g)(2) provides:

(g) All knives having a blade which opens automatically: (1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or (2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both, are nonmailable and shall not be deposited in or carried by the mails or delivered by any officer or employee of the Postal Service. Such knives may be conveyed in the mails, under such regulations as the Postal Service shall prescribe —

(1) to civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal Government ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of the Federal Government; (2) to supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National guard, or militia of a state, territory or the District of Columbia ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in the connection with the activities of such organization; (3) to supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of the District of Columbia or the government of any State or Territory, or any county, city or other political subdivision of a State or Territory; procuring or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of such government. (4) to manufacturers of such knives or bona fide dealers therein in connection with any shipment made pursuant of an order from any person designated in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).

15 U.S.C. § 1244 provides that the federal Switchblade Knife Act does not apply to: 1) any common carrier or contract carrier, with respect to any switchblade knife shipped, transported, or delivered for shipment in interstate commerce in the ordinary course of business; 2) the manufacture, sale, transportation, distribution, possession, or introduction into interstate commerce of switchblade knives pursuant to contract with the Armed Forces; 3) to the Armed Forces or any member or employee thereof acting in the performance of his duty; 4) the possession and transportation upon his person of any switchblade knife with a blade three inches or less in length by any individual who has only one arm, and 5) a knife "that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife".^[68]

State laws

In addition to federal law, some U.S. states have laws restricting or prohibiting automatic knives or switchblades, sometimes as part of a catchall category of deadly weapons or prohibited weapons. A number of states prohibit or severely restrict ownership or possession of automatic knives or switchblades as deadly or prohibited weapons, occasionally inserting exceptions to enforcement for short-bladed knives, while others such as New Hampshire and Arizona have no restrictions on sale, ownership, possession, or carry (in most circumstances). An automatic knife or switchblade may be legal or illegal in a given state depending upon the particular blade style, i.e. is patterned after knives designed solely for stabbing or thrusting, such as the dirk, dagger, poignard, or stiletto. A few states even grant individual police officers discretion to determine whether any object with potential offensive capability (switchblade, screwdriver, broken bottle, etc.) is a deadly weapon.

With regard to carrying switchblades on the person, some states allow concealed carry of some or all types of switchblade knives, while others may either authorize only open carry. Still others prohibit anyone from carrying a switchblade on their person, whether concealed or not. In recent years, several states such as Alaska, Arkansas, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas have repealed older laws against possession or purchase of switchblade or automatic knives. Unless preempted by state law, various county, city, or other local jurisdictions may have their own codes or ordinances restricting or prohibiting switchblade possession or use.

U.S. state laws regarding possession, concealed and non-concealed carry by adult age of 18

State	Possession	Carry
Alabama	Legal - State Code: Section 13A-11	Limited - Illegal if carried concealed[70] or outside of one's own property without good reason.[71]
Alaska	Legal - became legal on 9-16-13 -	Legal - became legal on 9-16-13 -
Arizona	Legal - S.B. 1108 Changes to Arizona Code: 13-3102, 13-3105, and 13-3112	Legal - S.B. 1108 Changes to Arizona Code: 13-3102, 13-3105, and 13-3112[72]
Arkansas	Legal - State Code: 5-73-120	Limited - Illegal to carry on one's person or in a vehicle when purpose is to use switchblade against another. Legal to carry in vehicle or on one's person when upon a journey,[73] except when journey involves air travel through commercial airport security or when carrying switchblade into a business that sells alcoholic beverages.State Code: 5-73-120
California	Legal - State Code: California Penal Code 653k	Limited - Allowed only if blade is under 2 inches - State Code: California Penal Code 12020
Colorado	Illegal - C.R.S. 18-12-102; See C.R.S. 18-12-101	Illegal - C.R.S. 18-12-102; See C.R.S. 18-12-101; Accord, see generally C.R.S. 18-12-105
Connecticut	Legal - State Code: Sec. 53-206''	Limited - Possession in vehicle prohibited; Illegal unless carried by person with a valid hunting, fishing, or trapping license while actively hunting, fishing or trapping; when moving one's possessions; when being transported for repair; when being used in an authorized historic reenactment; or if the blade of the switchblade is under 1.5 inches - Knives Defined As Dangerous Weapons
Delaware	Illegal - State Code: Crimes & Criminal Procedure - Chapter 11 Section 1446	Illegal -State Code: Chapter 11 Section 1446
Florida	Legal - State Code: 790.001	Legal - State Code: 790.001
Georgia	Legal - O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126	Limited - legal if carried openly and legal if carried concealed when blade is less than 5 inches (130 mm). Concealed carry of a blade greater than 5 inches (130 mm) requires a "Weapons Carry License" O.C.G.A. § 16-11-126
Hawaii	Illegal - State Code: §134-51	Illegal - State Code: §134-51
Idaho	Legal - State Code: 18-3302	Limited - Concealed carry allowed if not otherwise prohibited by local ordinance, but prohibited if possessor is intoxicated, exhibits an 'intent to assault another', or exhibits any deadly or dangerous weapon in a rude, angry or threatening manner - State Code: 18-3302
Illinois	Limited - Allowed if the switchblade is a part of a school function. - State Code: Criminal Code 720 ILCS 5/24-1	Limited - Only allowed if the switchblade is a hunting knife -State Code:720 ILCS 5/24-1
Indiana	Legal – State Code: IC 35-47-5-2 Sec.2.(2)	Legal – State Code: IC 35-47-5-2 Sec.2.(2)
Iowa	Legal - State Code: Crime Control and Criminal Acts - Definitions. 702.7	Limited - illegal if carried concealed without "Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons," legal to carry openly - Iowa Department of Public Safety SF2379 Frequently Asked Questions - State Code: 724.4
Kansas	Legal - Session of 2013 amending K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 21-6301	Legal - Session of 2013 amending K.S.A. 2012 Supp. 21-6302
Kentucky	Legal - State Code: 500.080 Definitions for Kentucky Penal CodeState Code: 527.020	Limited - concealed carry, even on one's own property, allowed only with "concealed deadly weapons permit" - State Code: 527.020
Louisiana	Illegal - State Code: Louisiana - R.S. 14:95	Illegal - State Code: Louisiana - R.S. 14:95
Maine	Legal No restrictions
Maryland	Legal - State Code:§ 4-105	Limited - illegal if carried concealed State Code: § 4-101 (a).(5).(ii) -- definition § 4-101 (c).(1-2)
Massachusetts	Legal - Mass. Gen. Law Ch. 269 § 10	Limited - Legal if length of blade does not exceed 1.5", illegal otherwise - Mass. Gen. Law Ch. 269 § 10
Michigan	Illegal - State Code: 750.226a.	Illegal - State Code: 750.226a.
Minnesota	Limited - Illegal unless allowed under exceptions made for collectors and/or possession as curios or antiques - State Code: Section 609.66 Subdivision 1 State Code: Section 609.02 Subdivision 6	Illegal - State Code: Section 609.66 Subdivision 1 State Code: Section 609.02 Subdivision 6
Mississippi	Legal - State Code: Crimes Section § 97-37-1	Limited - Illegal if carried concealed or when intoxicated - State Code: Crimes Section § 97-37-1
Missouri	Legal -Senate Bill 489 (2012), signed by Governor on 10 July 2012 with emergency clause.	Legal - as long as possession is not against federal law - Senate Bill 489 (2012), signed by Governor on 10 July 2012 with emergency clause.
Montana	Limited - Illegal, unless part of registered collection- State Code: 45-8-331	Limited - Illegal, unless part of registered collection-State Code: 45-8-331
Nebraska	Legal - State Code: Crimes and Punishments. 28-1201	Limited - Illegal if carried concealed - State Code: Crimes and Punishments. 28-1201
Nevada	Legal - State Code: NRS 202.355	State Code: NRS 202.350 paragraph 8(h), State Code: NRS 202.355 Legal - Nevada Knife Law Reform Bill, SB 176 as of July 1 2015
New Hampshire	Legal - HB 1665-FN (2010)	Legal - HB 1665-FN (2010)
New Jersey	Limited - Possession is only allowed if possessor has a "lawful purpose" State Code: Code of Criminal Justice - 2C:39-3	Limited - Possession only legal while in the woods or engaged in hunting or fishing and possess a valid hunting or fishing license-State Code: Code of Criminal Justice - 2C:39-3e]
New Mexico	Illegal - State Code: Criminal Offenses - 30-1-12	Illegal - State Code: Criminal Offenses - 30-1-12
New York	Limited- Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping permit required to purchase and possess. - State Code: Penal Law Section 265.01, 265.20(6)	Limited - Possession is only legal for use while hunting, trapping or fishing if possessor is carrying a valid state license for hunting, trapping or fishing - State Code: Penal Law Section 265.01, 265.20(6)
North Carolina	Legal except "on campus or other educational property," as defined in NC General Statutes Chap. 14, Article 35, §14-269.2	Illlegal - Concealed carry not allowed, unless done on your own property - NC General Statutes Chapter 14, Article 35, §14-269; Open carry is Legal, unless done "to terrify or alarm the public", or if on a school campus, state property, or into a Courthouse or at a parade, funeral procession, picket line, or demonstration upon any private health care facility.
North Dakota	Legal - State Code: Criminal Code - Weapons - 62.1-04-02	Legal - Concealed carry permitted only with dangerous weapons permit - State Code: Criminal Code - Weapons - 62.1-04-02
Ohio	Legal - State Code: § 2923.12 State Code: § 2923.20	Limited - Legal to carry concealed unless switchblade meets the definition of deadly weapon (any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon) - State Code § 2923.11State Code: § 2923.12 State Code: § 2923.20
Oklahoma	Legal - State Code: §21-1272.	Legal - HB 1911 (effective November 1, 2015) amends Title 21 O.S. § 1272 (unlawful carry).
Oregon	Legal - State Code: 166.240	Limited - Illegal if carried concealed State Code: 166.240
Pennsylvania	Legal - Allowed if possessor has a "lawful purpose" -[State Code: Pa. C.S.A. 18.908]	Illegal-[State Code: Pa. C.S.A. 18.908]
Puerto Rico	Illegal - Title 15, Ch. 29, Sec. 1243 United States Code	Illegal - Title 15, Ch. 29, Sec. 1243 United States Code
Rhode Island	Legal - State Code: 11-47-42	Limited - legal to carry concealed unless blade is a dagger, dirk, or stiletto or concealed while containing a blade length of over 3 inches State Code: 11-47-42
South Carolina	Legal - State Code: 16-23-460	Legal - State Code: 16-23-460
South Dakota	Legal - State Code: 22-14-19	Legal - State Code: 22-14-19
Tennessee	Legal - State Code: 39-17-1302 (c) (1)	Legal - Effective July 1, 2014 - State Code: 39-17-1302
Texas	Legal - Effective 9/1/13 - HB 1862	Limited - Effective 9/1/13 - As long as blade is not a dagger, dirk, or stiletto or has a blade length of over 5.5 inches HB 1862
U.S. Virgin Islands	Illegal - Title 14 Chapter 119 § 2251 V.I.C.	Illegal - Title 14 Chapter 119 § 2251 V.I.C.
Utah	Legal - State Code: Offenses Against Public Health and Safety - 76-10-504	Limited - Allowed if not concealed; concealed carry allowed with permit or license - State Code: Offenses Against Public Health and Safety - 76-10-504
Vermont	Legal - State Code: Ch. 85 Weapons - T.13-4003	Legal - As long as blade is less than 3 inches - State Code: Ch. 85 Weapons - T.13-4003
Virginia	Illegal - Illegal if for sale, and simple possession is considered prima facie evidence of intent to sell State Code: 18.2-311	Illegal - State Code: 18.2-308
Washington	Illegal - Only legal for possession by on/off-duty police officers and paramedics State Code: RCW 9.41.250 HB 2346	Illegal - State Code: RCW 9.41.250 HB 2346
West Virginia	Legal - State Code: §61-7-2	Limited - Illegal if carried concealed; concealed carry allowed with special permit or license - State Code: §61-7-2
Wisconsin	Limited Illegal when owned by a felon- State Code: 941.24[74]	Limited Illegal if possessed by a felon or on government property and other weapon-free zones. - State Code: 941.24 [75]
Wyoming	Legal - State Code: Statutes 6-8-104	Limited - Illegal if carried concealed -State Code: Statutes 6-8-104

See also

• Assisted-opening knife
• Ballistic knife
• Butterfly knife
• Gravity knife

Notes

1. Benson, Ragnar (1989). Switchblade: The Ace of Blades. Paladin Press. pp. 1–14. ISBN 0-87364-500-6. The switchblade is also known in Germany as the Springmesser.
2. Shackleford, Steve (ed.) (2009). Blade's Guide To Knives And Their Values. Krause Publications. pp. 151–152 ISBN 978-1-4402-0387-9.
3. Schrade, George M. George Schrade and his accomplishments to the Knife Industry. George Schrade Knife Co. (1982). ASIN B00072P8NU.
4. Nappen, Evan(2003), "Are Switchblades Sporting Knives", Sporting Knives 2003: 60-65, ISBN 0-87349-430-X
5. Erickson, Mark (2004). Antique American Switchblades. Krause Publications, 0873497534, 9780873497534
6. Langston, Richard (2001). Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives: An Illustrated Historical and Price Reference. Boulder, Colorado: Paladin Press. p. 224. ISBN 1-58160-283-9.
7. Schrade, George M. (1982). George Schrade and his accomplishments to the Knife Industry. George Schrade Knife Co., ASIN B00072P8NU
8. Zinser, Fuller(2003)"Switchblades of Italy", Turner Publishing. ISBN 1-56311-933-1
9. Shackleford, p. 152: The name Diamond Edge would live on after Shapleigh Hardware went into bankruptcy in 1960. Its trademarks were purchased by Imperial Cutlery Company, who used the Diamond Edge trademark on a variety of knives.
10. Hughes, Rupert. Letters Patent No. 1,315,503 issued September 9, 1919, Washington, D.C.: United States Patent Office
11. Hughes, Rupert, Letters Patent No. 1,315,503 issued September 9, 1919, Washington, D.C.: United States Patent Office
12. Crowell, Benedict (1919), America's Munitions 1917–1918, Report of Benedict Crowell, Assistant Secretary of War (Director of Munitions), U.S. War Department, Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, pp. 88, 228
13. Military affairs: journal of the American Military Institute, American Military History Foundation, American Military Institute, Kansas State University, Dept. of History (1937) Vol. I, p. 153
14. Erickson, Mark, Antique American Switchblades, Chapter 22: KA-BAR, a trademark of Union Cutlery Co., Olean, NY, Krause Publications, ISBN 0-87349-753-8 (2004)
15. Benson, pp. 49-50
16. Some M2 knives featured a hawkbill blade
17. Pollack, Jack H., The Toy That Kills, 77 Women's Home Companion Magazine 38, November 1950
18. Dick, Steven (1997), The Working Folding Knife, Stoeger Publishing Company, ISBN 978-0-88317-210-0
19. Levine, Bernard R., The Switchblade Menace, OKCA Newsletter (1993): Rep. Sidney R. Yates (D) of Illinois was convinced of a sadistic connection, proclaiming that "vicious fantasies of omnipotence, idolatry...barbaric and sadistic atrocities, and monstrous violations of accepted values spring from [switchblades] ... Minus switchblade knives and the distorted feeling of power they beget—power that is swaggering, reckless, and itching to express itself in violence—our delinquent adolescents would be shorn of one of their most potent means of incitement to crime".
20. Pollack, Jackson. "We Must Stop The Sale Of Switchblade Knives". Parade Magazine. May 26, 1968: "It could happen to you or any member of your family, any time, anywhere...Tempers flare. Suddenly a hand streaks toward a pocket. There Is a swift click. A hidden, dagger-tipped blade darts out like a snake's tongue. Clutched In a fist is a murderous "switchblade ... "
21. Wolff, Lester L., Speech to the House of Representatives, U.S. Congressional Record (House), May 27, 1968
22. Moore, Joan W., Going Down to the Barrio: Homeboys and Homegirls in Change, Philadelphia PA: Temple University Press, ISBN 0-87722-855-8, ISBN 978-0-87722-855-4 (1991), pp. 40, 59-60
23. McCorkle, Richard C. and Miethe, Terance D. (2001). Panic: The Social Construction of the Street Gang Problem. New York: Prentice-Hall. pp. 54, 214. ISBN 0-13-094458-0, ISBN 978-0-13-094458-0
24. Schneider, Eric C. (2001). Vampires, Dragons, and Egyptian Kings: Youth Gangs in Postwar New York. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, p. 242. ISBN 0-691-07454-2
25. Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Uniform Crime Reports for the United States, 1965; Crime in the United States (2012)
26. U.S. 19 CFR 12.95 (1990) Definitions: A 'switchblade knife' means any imported knife, or components thereof, or any class of imported knife...which has one or more of the following characteristics or identities: (3) Unassembled knife kits or knife handles without blades which, when fully assembled with added blades, springs, or other parts, are knives which open automatically by hand pressure applied to a button or device in the handle of the knife or by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.
27. Amendment 1447 to 15 U.S.C. §1244 adds a fifth exception to the definition of a switchblade knife: Sections 1242 and 1243 of this title shall not apply to: 5) a knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife.
28. "Court: Wisconsin man can legally possess switchblade in home". Newsgroup: www.weau.com. Nov 24, 2015. Retrieved November 27, 2015.
29. Waffengesetz (1996): The 1996 version of the Waffengesetz appears to drop the switchblade from the category of prohibited weapons entirely, regardless of blade type: "Gegenüber der bisherigen Rechtslage sind nunmehr Waffen, mit denen ohne Verwendung von Patronen reizauslösende Mittel versprüht werden können, sowie Spring- und Fallmesser nicht mehr der Kategorie der verbotenen Waffen zuzurechnen ... Im Hinblick auf andere ebenso gefährliche Stichwaffen (z.B. Butterflymesser) und die Tatsache, dass Spring- und Fallmesser in den übrigen EU-Mitgliedstaaten keineswegs verboten sind und daher von Touristen und anderen Reisenden, in Unkenntnis des österreichischen Waffengesetzes, mitgebracht werden, ließ es zweckmäßig erscheinen, auch diese Waffen aus der Liste der verbotenen zu streichen."
30. Waffengesetz (1996)
31. Jell, Sonja (Magistra) Weapons Law: Knives in Austria
32. Australian Customs Knives and daggers (restricted import)
33. La loi sur les armes a été modifiée: quelles sont les nouveautés? (PDF) (in French) (3rd ed.). Bruxelles. September 1, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 1, 2011. Retrieved August 27, 2011.
34. Nouvelle Loi sur les Armes, retrieved 27 August 2011
35. Lang, Oliver (March 2010). Messer in Europa: Mit Dem Messer Auf Reisen (Übersicht - Messer & Recht im Ausland, Messer Magasin) (in German). Archived from the original on November 20, 2014.
36. Criminal Code, RSC 1985, c C-46, s 84(1), "prohibited weapons"
37. SOR/98-462 Part 3
38. §1 zákona 119/2002 Sb., zdroj: SBÍRKA ZÁKONŮ ročník 2002, částka 52, ze dne 09.04.2002 (§1, Law No 119/2002, Collection of Laws vol.2002, sum 52, published 2002-04-09), Retrieved January 8, 2009
39. Suomen Järjestyslaki Ch. 3, Sec. 9§ Vaaralliset Esineet, 27 June 2003
40. http://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_en/04_crime_matters/cpa/cpa_at_01.html
44. Articolo 699 Codice Penale, ARMI - Porto Abusivo
45. Definizione Di Arma Impropria: Coltello a Scatto, Tribunale di Gorizia, Sezione penale, 20 May 2009
46. Si segnala che con circolare 559C.7572.10179(17) 1 il Ministero dell'Interno ha avvertito che i coltelli a scatto sono da considerare armi proprie, con tutte le conseguenze in ordine al loro regime giuridico.
49. "Prohibited offensive weapons imports", legislation.govt.nz
50. "Summary Offences Act 1981", legislation.govt.nz
51. "Forskrift om skytevåpen, våpendeler og ammunisjon mv. (våpenforskriften) - Kapittel 2. Forbudte våpen og ammunisjon"
52. Act of 21 May 1999 on weapons and ammunition (Dz.U. 1999 nr 53 poz. 549)
53. Act of 20 March 2009 on the safety of the mass events (Dz.U. 2009 nr 62 poz. 504)
54. http://zakonprost.ru/zakony/ob-oruzhii/statja-6/
55. ru:Холодное оружие#Ограничения гражданского оборота холодного оружия
56. http://www.consultant.ru/popular/ukrf/10_34.html#p3956
57. http://www.consultant.ru/popular/koap/13_21.html#p7427
58. http://www.mir.es/seguridad-40/armas-y-explosivos-648/armas-prohibidas-676 Se prohíbe la fabricación, importación, circulación, publicidad, compraventa, tenencia y uso de [...] las navajas llamadas automáticas.
59. Svensk Lag (1988:254) Om förbud Beträffande Knivar och andra Farliga Föremål, Justitiedepartementet L4, 5 May 1988
60. Bundesgesetz über Waffen, Waffenzubehör und Munition (Waffengesetz, WG) / Loi fédérale sur les armes, les accessoires d’armes et les munitions (Loi sur les armes, LArm) of 20 June 1997 (as amended), SR/RS 514.54 ^(D·F·I), art. 4 ^(D·F·I) par. 1 litt. c in conjunction with art. 5 par. 1 litt. c.
61. Restriction of Offensive Weapons Bill, New Statesman, retrieved 29 October 2011
62. Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959: Short title, commencement, and extent, retrieved 29 October 2011
63. Fisher v. Bell, 1 QB 394 (1961); Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act (amended) (1961): While the Act - as amended in 1961 - uses the phrase "exposes or has in his possession for the purpose of sale or hire", it appears fairly evident from prior legislation and appeals cases that "exposes" in this context refers to "exposure for purposes of sale or hire", not simply the act of showing the knife to another person.
64. Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959
65. Criminal Justice Act 1988
66. The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Scotland) Order 2005
67. In Gibbons v. Ogden, the U.S. Supreme Court first established the principle that Congress may regulate under the Commerce Clause of the Constitution only those activities within a state that arise out of or are connected with a commercial transaction, which viewed in the aggregate, substantially affect interstate commerce.
68. Walker, Greg (1993). Battle Blades: A Professional's Guide to Combat/Fighting Knives (Hardcover), pages 210 ISBN 0-87364-732-7
69. Title 15, Ch. 29, § 1241 United States Code (Definitions): The term “interstate commerce” means commerce between any State, Territory, possession of the United States, or the District of Columbia, and any place outside thereof.
70. Alabama State Legislature. "Carrying concealed weapons.". Code of Alabama 1975. Section 13A-11-50.
71. Alabama State Legislature. "Indictment for carrying weapons unlawfully; proof.". Code of Alabama 1975. Section 13A-11-55.

72. In 2010, Arizona law was changed to allow concealed carry of a knife such as a switchblade that might be defined by an Arizona court as a deadly weapon as long as the person is over 21 years of age; discloses the fact to a law enforcement officer upon questioning; is not carrying the deadly weapon in furtherance of a serious offense or felony, is not a prohibited possessor, is not carrying the deadly weapon in a listed prohibited area (schools, airports, power plants, polling places, etc.) or in furtherance of a terrorist act; is not carrying the deadly weapon into a public establishment or public event that bans carrying of a deadly weapon; and is not knowingly carrying a defaced deadly weapon.

73. Riggins v. State, 17 Ark. App. 68, 70, 703 S.W.2d 463 (1986): A journey under A.C.A. §5-73-120 has been defined by the Arkansas Supreme Court as traveling beyond your circle of neighbors and general acquaintances and outside a person’s normal daily business travel routine.
74. Amended on February 6th, 2016
75. Amended on February 6th, 2016

Further reading

• Benson, Ragnar, Switchblade: The Ace of Blades, Paladin Press, ISBN 1-58160-283-9 (1989)
• Byrd, K.L., SwitchPix-.com
• Erickson, Mark, Antique American Switchblades, Krause Publications, ISBN 0-87349-753-8 (2004)
• Federico, Vincent, Foreign Spring Steel: Collectors Guide Vol. I, self-published (2003)
• Langston, Richard, Collector's Guide to Switchblade Knives, Paladin Press ISBN 1-58160-283-9, ISBN 978-1-58160-283-8 (2001)
• Meyers, Ben and Meyers, Lowell, An Introduction to Switchblade Knives, American Eagle Publishing (1982)
• Shackleford, Steve, (ed.), Blade's Guide To Knives And Their Values, Krause Publications, ISBN 978-1-4402-0387-9 (1989)

External links

• Netcom.com, Bernard Levine - State Knife Laws
• Police.govt.nz, NZ Police: "Swords, Knives and Bayonets"
• State laws map from AKTI