Automatic Knives or Switch Blades

[freebird2009]

Are switch blades illegal in all states? And is there a legal way to sell them on the Internet? I was just wondering.

[Paladin]

For the most part it is OK to sell but mailing is illegal. Carrying is a problem almost, if not, everywhere.
Check out Bernard Levines website. He has a good selection of laws there.

Ray

[BIGHEAD]

We can own them buy or sell them just can't tote 'em But I do know many police officers that carry assisted openers

[freebird2009]

Thanks for the info. I have an AKC and a Frank Bertram in my personal collection, so I was just wondering.

[woodrat99]

Florida is the same as Alabama- Buy 'em, Own 'em, but don't tote 'em.
Mike W

[knife7knut]

Having moved from a state(Massachusetts)where virtually everything that is either fun or fattening is illegal I now reside in a state(Michigan)where the laws are a bit more relaxed except for knives.
What really appalls me is that the laws vary so drastically from state to state regarding possession of ANY type of knife.Definitely read Bernard Levine's guide to knife laws.
A case in point to show the absolute ridiculousness(is that a word?)of knife laws we visit the state of Kalifornia.In regard to switchblade knives;they are legal as long as the blade length does not exceed 2".A lot of states have a maximum blade length but therein a question is raised:How do you measure blade length?Is it the overall length from the hilt to the tip or does it just encompass the sharpened area of the blade?Before you laugh at this,try asking several members of your local law enforcement and see the answers you get.
Anyway back to Kalifornia.We now come to laws regarding what most would call the classic Italian pattern.Here it gets REALLY weird!
Remember that the classic Italian style knives come in both button and manually operated modes but otherwise look identical.Some even sport phony buttons.
Well if you are caught carrying one of these Italian style switchblades regardless of the length of the blade(above 2" that is)you can be charged with a misdemeanor and probably have to pay a fine.
HOWEVER:If you are caught carrying one of the non-switchblades of the same length you can be charged with a FELONY and can be fined AND IMPRISONED!
The reasoning behind this is:The switchblade comes under one law regarding spring assisted knives and the non switchblade under the Dirks and Daggers law!
Where I live in Michigan the law regarding knives not only is applied to the state but individual towns and cities sometimes have their own statutes which may or may not be constitutional.One city I know of in particular apparently has no problem with you carrying a pocket knife if you are walking around but if you are in an automobile and are stopped for whatever reason and found to have a pocket knife on your person you can be charged with carrying a concealed weapon!Not sure what would happen if it was in your glove box or door pocket.
What aggravates me the most I guess is that when I was growing up in the late 40's and early 50's every kid I knew carried a pocket knife(some even could afford switchblades)everywhere including school every day and there was never a problem.Knife fights were about as common as finding dentures for a rooster. BB guns were carried openly with nary a problem unless someone's window was broken.Then the police might question you.
Then 1955came(I was 11 then and in the sixth grade)and suddenly carrying a switchblade and eventually ANY knife branded you a hoodlum and a juvenile delinquent.The movie,"Blackboard Jungle" pretty much put an end to switchblades.Three years later the Federal government made it official banning the sale of switchblades across state lines(i.e.:interstate commerce).
Try reading the laws of the various states if you have a few months of spare time;it'll make your eyeballs explode.