Maryland’s knife laws have been under scrutiny lately. These knives are legal to own in Colorado: Dirks, daggers, push knives, and stilettos are legal. This chart covers both overall federal law and each state law. If you’re looking for the best OTF Knife, you’re not alone. These laws were put in place to protect against violent crimes carried out using switchblades. A switchblade (shortened switch, but also known as an automatic knife, pushbutton knife, ejector knife, spring knife (Sprenger, Springer), flick knife, or flick blade) is a type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is extended automatically by a spring when a button, lever or switch on the handle or bolster is … Knife Laws. Posted by Tekto Gear Data is compiled by the nonprofithere. Note that such laws almost always only affect the seller; no state law affects the buyer of such a transaction. Open Carry = legality of carrying a switchblade unconcealed and in plain view of others. Concealed Carry = legality of carrying a switchblade in a concealed manner on one’s person(or most of the time, in a car). Balisong considered same thing? = Refers to if the wording of the law considers switchblades and balisongs to be the same thing. If possession itself is illegal, then all others become illegal by default. For knife law, the only federal law is the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958as well as the 2009 amendment to the act (see 15 U.S.C. Now, the distinction versus Spring Assisted Knives is that with a switchblade or automatic knife the blade’s natural position is open , and it’s being held closed by a locking spring mechanism that’s released with a button or switch. Montana, a state that is very “libertarian” with gun laws, has banned switchblades entirely from the state. Legal knives include a butterfly knife, dirk, dagger, stiletto, bowie knife, automatic*, gravity*, switchblade* or a disguised knife (in a belt buckle, necklace, etc.) Major Cities with Knife Ordinances: A knife that is legal to carry in one city in Georgia is legal in all other cities – a welcome simplification of part of Georgia's knife laws. Automatic Knife Laws & Assisted Knife Laws.The Switchblade Act, (Pub.L. Usually includes any transfer of ownership, even gifts. Benchmade Out-The-Front Automatic Knives (Autos) have powerful springs coupled with precisely machined lock mechanisms, offering the industry's most reliable OTF automatic systems. Knife legislation is defined as the body of statutory law or case law promulgated or enacted by a government or other governing jurisdiction that prohibits, criminalizes, or restricts the otherwise legal manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, possession, transport, or use of knives. The OTF knife is great for anyone that has a busy hand and needs to open and close a knife with one single hand. California knife laws break down into 3 categories of devices. CLICK FOR OUR CA LEGAL OTF, Legal if blade is ≤5″ (any length with gun permit), Legal (must be 21 and have valid FOID Card), Legal w/ Valid Hunting and Fishing License. It has been a busy few years in the world of knife laws / de-regulations…. Such is left to the states. Blanks indicate the state has no laws about either. Not true. Best OTF Knife Buying Guide Now that we’ve gone through a good variety of the Best OTF Knives on the market. These laws are for non-law enforcement citizens, as nearly all laws contain some sort of exemption for police. OTF Knife Laws State-By-State As we can see, the laws are not uniform, but most states do allow the possession, sales, and carrying of automatic knives. Benchmade Infidel 10 Year Anniversary OTF Automatic Knife Limited Edition 3300BK-1701 $800. 1241–1245), as may be amended, (the “Act”) prohibits shipment of Most comprehensive Knife laws by state guide. Open carry and concealed carry, pocket, stiletto, spring assist, and automatic knife laws. Bowie knives and other large blades are legal. Most laws about non-firearm weapons are by state, with very few existing at the Federal level. Illegal when sold over state lines or imported from outside the US, Legal if blade is <2″ Possession of switchblades, ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, and cane swords is prohibited, although there is a hunting and fishing exemption for switchblades. Knife Rights has done many things for us knife lovers. Montana, a state that is very “libertarian” with gun laws, has banned switchblades entirely from the state. OTF Knife State Laws 2019 (UPDATED 7/07/2019): MYTH: Switchblades / OTF Knives and Balisongs (butterfly knives) are illegal everywhere without exception. Not only are they safe to carry for the user when deactivated, but they can also protect and defend the user via a simple push of a button. Even though most states allow the possession and carrying of switchblades, some states have completely banned them, while others have some strict requirements.Before you purchase an OTF knife, it is important that you understand the laws in the state where you reside. Why do we include the built-in safety mechanism? For improved user safety and protection, our automatic knives at Tekto Gear feature a built-in safety mechanism. Check State Knife Laws for specific details on possession, carry, manufacturer or sale as some restrictions may apply in a specific state. Conceal carry is perfectly legal, given that the blade is not longer than 3 inches in length. Local ordinances may also impact the legality of your knife. The possession of Butterfly knives and OTF’s is a penal offence, that can be penalized with up to one year in prison or financial penalty. If possession is legal, but sale is not, it effectively becomes impossible to legally obtain a switchblade from within that state (since federal law prohibits inter-state sale). *New York’s state law provides an exception for “Possession of a switchblade or gravity knife for use while hunting, trapping or fishing by a person carrying a valid license.” Whether this affects sale or type of carry is unclear. If “no” they are covered by a separate law and may or may not be legal. As is the case with any gear purchase, there are a few key things you want to look for when picking up an OTF knife. M.G.L.A. Currently, the only country-wide law about switchblades is US Code Title 15, Chapter 29, and this law only controls the importation of these knives into the US, and the sale over state lines. LEGAL TO OWN and CARRY these knives: Open Carry is perfectly legal, given that the blade is not longer than 3 inches in length. This chart covers both overall federal law and each state law. OTF Knife Laws. Automatic knives, that eject the blade sideways, are banned if the blade length exceeds 8.5 cm or if the blade consists of more than one sharp edge. Thanks to the works of fine organizations like Knife Rights (kniferights.org), there have been many states that have overturned their ancient laws regarding knives and OTF’s. © 2020 RavenCrest Tactical®. These concern knives that may be worn openly but not concealed , knives that can be carried both openly and concealed , and knives that are always illegal to carry . In states where unlawful intent must be proven (and is not simply presumed) for the knife to be illegal, this chart counts this as “legal.”. Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and once-in-a-lifetime deals. It has no effects on buying, owning or carrying switchblades. Specifically, the OTF knife is a switchblade where the blade simply comes ‘out the front’. On the other hand, this ease of concealment and possibility to inflict injury or possible fatality raised plenty of concerns and controversies—particularly with the rise of violent gangs within the inner cities during the 1950s.Federal Switchblade ActCongress passed the "Federal Switchblade Act" in 1958, whereby it regulated the import of switchblades into the US and regulated sale of switchblades across State borders. Work done by organizations like Knife Rights, many states have changed their ancient laws of knives and OTF knives. Knives are prohibited from all schools, from the elementary level to university campuses. If “Yes,” balisongs are subject to all the same restrictions as switchblades listed for that state. Disguised knives like belt knives, pen knives, cane knives, and lipstick knives are legal. 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