Federal Switchblade Act | American Knife and Tool Institute (2023)

FAQs

Is the Federal switchblade Act still in effect? ›

There is no federal restriction on the ownership, possession, or carrying of a switchblade knife. There are some states that have enacted laws regarding switchblades (see State Laws Regarding Auto-Open Knives). The majority of states allow auto-open knives.

Under California Penal Code 21510, possession of a switchblade is a misdemeanor and its penalties are up to 6 months in county jail and/or up to a $1,000 fine. Penalties may vary for the possession of other restricted knives.

AKTI's Freedom of Commerce Act, S. 1588, will repeal the Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. § 1241 – 1244) and allow consumers to purchase any automatic knife legal in their state, regardless of where it was manufactured.

For the uninformed, OTF knives are a type of switchblade – that is, an automatic knife which deploys the blade 'automatically' on pressing a button or switch. Specifically, the OTF knife is a switchblade where the blade simply comes 'out the front'.

7. Can you defend yourself with a pocket knife in California? It is legal in California for people to carry folding knives – such as a pocket knife – in the folded position. And it is legal for people to defend themselves with a pocket knife as long as they act reasonably.

California is known for having rather complicated weapon laws, and knives are no exception. It is completely unlawful to bring a weapon into public spaces like schools, public buildings, and any property owned by the U.S government.

If you're trying to impress a mugger Dundee-style, it would be hard to top the Marfione Custom HALO V 3X — a giant switchblade. With its 13.75-inch tanto (yes, the Samurai sword) blade, this elephantine knife-sword unleashes from its titanium draw bar at the push of a button.

1958, Congress enacted the federal Anti-Switchblade Act, which banned interstate sale of switchblades, and outlawed them in federal territories or on federal waters. Because few states had domestic switchblade factories at that time, the federal act made it illegal to purchase switchblades in most states.

Their price can range anything from five hundred bucks to over a grand. That's what top knife manufacturers would charge for the best switchblade knives.

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.

Does 2nd Amendment apply to knives? ›

Knives are clearly among the “arms” which are protected by the Second Amendment. Under the Supreme Court's standard in District of Columbia v. Heller, knives are Second Amendment “arms” because they are “typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes,” including self-defense.

Switchblade knives and other spring-loaded knives are prohibited and may be subject to seizure (there is an exception for one-armed persons). According to the Federal Switchblade Act, folding knives with a blade bias toward closure are not considered switchblades.

OTF knives are generally legal to own, sell, and carry at the federal level as long as the restrictions regarding shipping and interstate commerce are respected. Most knife laws in the United States are state-level regulations.

An assisted opening knife, sometimes called a spring-assisted knife, is a knife that springs open only after the blade is slightly pushed open with force. Unlike the switchblade, nothing holds down the assisted opening knife when it's in the closed position.

In California, butterfly knives are prohibited. Under California Penal Code 21510 PC, butterfly knives are classified as a form of switchblade. Carrying, possessing in public, selling, or otherwise transferring a butterfly knife is illegal under this legislation.

All in all, even if you stab or kill someone out of self defense and don 't deny you did, you will likely find yourself in a trial. However, if you can prove there was legal justification for self defense at the time you will not be punished.

Some people who are not willing to carry a gun will carry a knife thinking it a less legally-serious option. While it may fit different carry laws, using a knife in self-defense is still generally considered lethal force in the same way deploying a firearm is considered lethal force.

"Bring a knife to a gunfight" is an idiom in the English language that means to be poorly prepared for a given situation.

Why Portland, Oregon, is the Knife-making Capital of the U.S. It's home to more knife companies than any other U.S. city.

Types of Knives You Can Typically Legally Carry

Knives that are usually legal to carry almost anywhere include multi-tool devices, Swiss Army knives, and utility knives, and knives with blades that are shorter than 2.5 inches.

What size blade can you carry? ›

It is an offence to carry any sharp or bladed instrument in a public place, with the exception of a folding pocket knife where the cutting edge of the blade is 7.62 cm (3 inches) or less.

Carbon steel knives are known to keep their sharp edges longer than most and make chopping, slicing and shaving safer and easier.

In the State of California, there is no maximum length for knives in general. However, the maximum legal length for a switchblade knife is 2 inches. Additionally, it is illegal to carry daggers or dirks concealed, and also illegal to carry many types of knives which are designed for concealment.

The first automatic blades were made by European smiths in the mid-18th century and they were used as folding spike bayonets on flintlock and coach guns.

Frequently Asked Questions About Knives

Possession of switchblades, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, cane swords, and “Kung Fu stars” is prohibited. Some knives are not illegal, but become illegal based upon how they are used or possessed.

A knife is not illegal because it is designed to open by the force of gravity and lock into place; the knife is illegal when it actually does open by the force of gravity and locks into place by means of a procedure used by the District Attorney's office to identify a gravity knife, called the “wrist flick test.”

Federal law prohibits the shipment of 'injurious articles'—which includes automatic knives. The penalty for breaking this law is a fine or imprisonment for not more than one year. However, there is no federal restriction on shipment of automatic knives by common/contract carriers, such as FedEx and UPS.

“As Switchblade 300 systems cost approximately $70,000 per aircraft….

A switchblade is a kind of knife that has a folding or sliding blade that is stowed in the handle. A switchblade is usually spring-loaded and opens automatically when a button or switch on the handle is pressed.

Can Military own switchblades? ›

Active military and law enforcement officers are permitted to carry automatic knives in most states.

Remember though, the stiletto is only banned or restricted in 16 states and is legal in states from coast to coast, between the borders, and even in Alaska. It's just important to check your local knife laws to make sure they are allowed to be owned and carried.

Importantly, the Supreme Court has clearly stated that the Second Amendment does not protect assault weapons. District of Columbia v. Heller, 554 U.S. 570, 624-25, 627-28 (2008). Circuit Courts have applied Heller to uphold state and local laws banning the possession of assault weapons and/or large ammunition clips.

Heller specifically affirmed the National Firearms Act's restrictions on machine guns and sawed-off shotguns, concluding that the Second Amendment does not protect “those weapons not typically possessed by law-abiding citizens for lawful purposes such as short-barreled shotguns.”

The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees a "right of the people to keep and bear arms." However, the meaning of this clause cannot be understood apart from the purpose, the setting, and the objectives of the draftsmen.

In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?' page.

Mexico's Strict Weapons Laws

This also includes knives, swords, and any other type of weapon. If you are caught carrying any of these items, you will be subject to prosecution and could face jail time.

Checked Bags: Yes

Except for plastic or round bladed butter knives. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

There is no Federal restriction on the sale of auto-open knives within the 50 states. There are some state laws with restrictions regarding selling switchblades (see State Laws Regarding Auto-Open Knives). There are no Federal restrictions on other carriers, such as UPS or FedEx, regarding automatic knives.

Can you still buy switchblades? ›

We carry many styles of switchblades including Italian stilettos, side opening automatic knives, out the front knife, leverlettos, and more. Shop 1000+ spring-loaded automatic knives.

Federal law prohibits shipment of automatic knives across state lines, with the following exceptions: 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.

The locking mechanism for a spring-assisted knife is also important. Quality assisted opening knives should never close accidentally when they are fully opened. On the other hand, it also shouldn't pop open inside your pocket.

Most of these switchblades were side-opening designs, though some employed a telescoping blade. These Italian switchblades were commonly and popularly 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.

Most pocket and folding knives are not switchblades, however, it is illegal to carry any of these if the knife is in public view and is in a locked position.

Delaware is the lone state currently with an explicit ban on gravity knives. Maryland has an odd law where it is legal to own a gravity knife but illegal to both conceal carry and open carry the blade. It's also illegal to conceal carry in North Dakota and West Virginia.

New York law defines a gravity knife as a knife with the blade in the handle that can be opened with a one‐handed flick of the wrist. They differ from switchblades, which use a spring to propel the blade into an open position automatically with the push of a button.

Originally introduced during the 1960's / Vietnam era, the M-2205 (NSN #5110-00-162-2205) is the current issue and still widely in use by US military as well as NATO forces around the world.

1958, Congress enacted the federal Anti-Switchblade Act, which banned interstate sale of switchblades, and outlawed them in federal territories or on federal waters. Because few states had domestic switchblade factories at that time, the federal act made it illegal to purchase switchblades in most states.

Federal law prohibits the shipment of 'injurious articles'—which includes automatic knives. The penalty for breaking this law is a fine or imprisonment for not more than one year. However, there is no federal restriction on shipment of automatic knives by common/contract carriers, such as FedEx and UPS.

What knife does the Navy SEALs use? ›

Ontario MK 3 Navy Knife

The U.S. Navy Seals commonly deploy this knife. It features a stainless steel blade which is approximately 6 inches in length. The knife blade is about 7 inches long and resembles its predecessor, Buck 184.

What do Marines call soldiers? Three such words are “gyrenes,” “jarheads,” and “grunts.” Their times of origin and usage differ somewhat, but each has the same role in the Marine Corps culture. They have become a source of pride for all Marines.

The Ka-Bar USMC fighting knife is a legendary blade that was first designed to serve US troops during World War II. Now, more than 50 years later it still offers the same high-quality design you can depend on. It boasts a 1095 carbon steel blade that is epoxy powder coated and a stacked leather handle.

While the word “switchblade” might conjure up imagery of tough guys in the 1950s with leather jackets and stiletto knives, it's just another term for “automatic knife.” Automatic knives range from the iconic Italian stiletto to the modern OTF (out the front).

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".

If you're a dealer or manufacturer of switchblade knives, you would still only be able to mail switchblade knives to procurement officers representing civic, county, state and federal governments. Mailpieces with switchblade knives should not be identified as such on the outside of the parcel.