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Automatic knives

MarksmenMarksmen Member Posts: 689 ✭✭✭✭
edited August 2003 in General Discussion
Ive always wondered how an automatic knife works. So how does one work? How does the blade open automaticlly, im guessing they use springs but have no idea what type of springs they use and where they go.

Comments

  • MarksmenMarksmen Member Posts: 689 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Why are automatic knives so restricted? There is no way a auto knife is anymore deadly thay a regular knife. Im thinking theyre restricted so much because politicians think its looks scary when it opens. I could be wrong.
  • gunnut505gunnut505 Member Posts: 10,290
    edited November -1
    Same reason you have to go through all the dance steps to own a subgun, AOW, or sound suppressor; "they" want to be able to keep a close eye on anyone wanting the item in case "they" want to take it away.

    If you know it all; you must have been listening.WEAR EAR PROTECTION!
  • PrebanpartsPrebanparts Member Posts: 465 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Blame it on the movie "Rebel Without A Cause", the switchblade scared many and became the scapegoat for politicians to gather their sheep with.(Sound like a familiar pattern?) .Unite with me in this cause to make the world safe and rid our youth of this demon knife"

    Automatic knife is worst thing to use in a fight as it , by nature, is loose so it will open. You sure dont want to pry anything open with one

    When I was in Europe they were sold in the Kitchen section of the Department stores in Germany, In paris they were found mostly in tobacco shops, They were touted for the "Lame' .Only place I found that they were controlled at all was the UK and when the people I was visiting saw the stash I had in my suitcase they became quite paranoid about having them in their house..I understood their paranoia so I promplty mailed them home..No Problem.. I use them every day to open packages, quite handy to be able to open it with one hand and great for use while fishing too
  • cletus85cletus85 Member Posts: 2,104 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have collected pocket knives and fixed blade knives for a few years and like many collectors I had a brief interest in the higher end autos. A much more knowledgeable collector once told me that alot of the negatism can be traced to the movie Rebel without a Cause and the image of juvenile delinquency. In my opinion there are much better tactical knife (legal) alternatives to swithblades.
  • neatgunsneatguns Member Posts: 135 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Automatic knives are illegal for civilians here in Indiana. Once saw a knife dealer and his son hauled out of the Ft. Wayne gun show by a a****** conservation officer. The vendor had a few of the nice German switchblades in the corner of a display case. They were not labled or priced. Just there. (This same DNR officer was fired last year for abuse of power in numerous cases) As a FFL holder in In., I can possess them as "sales samples". Not to be displayed or offered to the public. I do not know what the laws are in other states.
    I have seen them selling automatic knives openly at the Louisville, Ky show. Full cases of Benchmade and other top lines, down to you pick choice boxes of $9.95 mexican cheapies. You got the cash, take it home. Also they sell openly at Tulsa, and other large midwestern shows I've been to.
  • FW357FW357 Member Posts: 435 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    1955, law was passed forbidding the sale, transfer, mailing or carrying a Switchblade knife, they were considered a concealed weapon, The new companies circumvent the law, by declareing them automatics, or spring assisted, which some can be opened like a regular knife or use the automatic device. Stiletto style switchblades are still illegal to own transfer or offer for sale. You can obtain permits as a collector to own them. Most states are turning their eyes the otherway now, but you dont want to get caught carrying one in most states.

    I may not always be right, but I am never wrong. Magnum Force
  • RustyBonesRustyBones Member Posts: 4,956
    edited November -1
    Here in KY they are legal to own and carry, just not concealed. Some of the high ends are awesome, such as dalton or microtech. They are fully capable of actually doing work. Even the cheap ones are interesting coversation or novelty items.

    Ive got a few of the new kershaw spring assisted knives, they open almost as fast as a switchblade, very fun. Especially the Leek, bottom pic, it opens with a loud snap.

    whirlwind.jpg

    leek.jpg
  • kriskris Member Posts: 973 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    federal law dictates that they are legal for one to carry if owner is restricted to the use of one arm. the law dosent say if the arm has to be gone or just restricted by illness or injury .....like what others said before.. alot thumb opening button knives are more faster and better quality for general purpose use than any auto that i have see.......i use to pick up the crapy ones out of nogalas mex years ago....2 dollar blade for 20 bucks...in my business i can buy and purchase for law enforcement and military...reason i dont....Not enough market out there to even bother with.....yup for sure, another law that needs to be taken back off the books as worthless senseless and pure stupid...

    it is good that we meet in the struggle of life or death.. .....it shall be life!
  • RustyBonesRustyBones Member Posts: 4,956
    edited November -1
    I like to pick some of the better ones up from time to time, when i can afford. Im a knife nut, and nlike my gun hobby I can actually afford to buy a knife now and then [:D]
  • NickCWinterNickCWinter Member Posts: 2,927
    edited November -1
    At Indiana gun shows, there are sometimes a dealer or two who might have some "push-button" models in a case behind the table. They generally don't make that widely known. And there's a person-to-person traffic in them, though nothing big, with sellers again careful about customers. It's just not a big issue. If you like them, you'll eventually find a seller. Comments on this thread are right: push-button models are usually not as sturdy and the flip-opens, and the flip-opens are faster with some oil and practice, if that's what you want.
  • spinyspiny Member Posts: 3,117
    edited November -1
    rusty bones: That is a Ben Onion design, marketed by Kershaw. He also designed the Scallion and Chive. They have the forefinger release with the 'auto assist' design and drop blade. They are perfectly legal, wonderful knives for working with. The other hand can hold the ladder, wire or whatever while the one hand opens the knife and closes it. Got three, gave 3 to family members who carry them daily, same as I do.
    Good stuff!!!!!!!!![:D][:D][:D][:D]

    spiny
    'not all who wander are lost'
  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    Switchblades are legal in Florida



    http://www.floridatoday.com/!NEWSROOM/localstoryA4045A.htm

    underway.gif
    The safest place to be in a hurricane is where forecasters say it will be in three days.
  • paboogerpabooger Member Posts: 13,953
    edited November -1
    Top one is a Cross Knife, bottom one is a Schrade

    knife.jpg

    pacamo

    To Ride, shoot straight,and speak the truth
    This was the Ancient law of Youth
    Old times are past, old times are done:
    But the Law runs true, O little son!
  • RustyBonesRustyBones Member Posts: 4,956
    edited November -1
    are both ends of that schrade spring loaded?
  • RugerNinerRugerNiner Member Posts: 12,636 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    From what I've been told is that swichblades are illegal in Pa. unless you are a one arm person. I'm serious.

    sniper1.gif Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!
    Keep your Powder dry and your Musket well oiled.
    NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
  • DancesWithSheepDancesWithSheep Member Posts: 12,938 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by RugerNiner

    From what I've been told is that swichblades are illegal in Pa. unless you are a one arm person. I'm serious.

    What difference would that make?
  • RugerNinerRugerNiner Member Posts: 12,636 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It wasn't so long ago that they didn't put opening studs on the blades. You can't expect a one arm man to open a knife with his teeth.
    Anyway this is what I was told many years ago. There was a knife that sailors used that they could open one handed manually. I think instead of a stud the had a hole near the pivot screw where you could put your thumb in and open it. It's been a long time I really don't remember how the legal knife was made.

    sniper1.gif Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!
    Keep your Powder dry and your Musket well oiled.
    NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    As a rule I don't collect knives, but I do enjoy the automatics. As an FFL dealer I can deal in these knives and receive them in interstate commerce-- a nice little bonus. Most states that prohibit automatic knives have exceptions for persons who have the use of only one hand and usually the blade length is limited to around 3". Lots of sellers on Gun Broker offer automatics for sale and some are very lax on just who they will ship these knives to. Keep in mind that it is a felony to receive an automatic knife through interstate commerce if you are not in the correct legal ownership classification (usually police, fire fighters- EMT's, FFL dealers or military)-- even if automatic knive are fully legal in your home state. I like the Microtech line on the high end and the Bokers for "every day" carry when I am over seas. Masters of Defence also make fine automatics. Customs and antiques are another study entirely.

    Mark T. Christian
  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    RugerNiner

    The sailors kiife was a gravity open one.
    You held it blade down and pushed a button and the blade fell open

    underway.gif
    The safest place to be in a hurricane is where forecasters say it will be in three days.
  • boeboeboeboe Member Posts: 3,331
    edited November -1
    In Kansas, even the butterflies are illegal.

    To err is human, to moo is bovine.
  • FrancFFrancF Member Posts: 35,279 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    OK, Blast from the past, who had the switchblade comb that you could get at novelty shops. [;)] Then you tried to adapt a blade to it [}:)]

    hsas157x100.gif
    gun1.gif



    "I know Everything because
    my Wife is a Hair Stylist"
  • DancesWithSheepDancesWithSheep Member Posts: 12,938 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    RugerNiner: My question had to do with the necessity (or wisdom) of a one-armed person choosing a folding knife (any folding knife) in the first place. What's wrong with a sheath knife? Surely mere preference is not sufficient to warrant an exception to the law.
  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    15 USC 1244: "The possession and transportation upon his or her person of a switchblade knife with a blade 3 inches or less is authorized to any handicapped individual who has the use of only one arm". I suppose one armed persons, like most of us, would much prefer to carry a folding blade knife in their pocket or purse rather than a fixed blade knife in a belt sheath. To me the idea of allowing a person with only a single hand an automatic knife is just like letting a person in a wheelchair have a special parking place near the mall enterance; I'm happy I can walk on my own two legs in from way out in the parking lot and I'm happy that I have both of my hands to work a folding knife if I need to!

    Mark T. Christian
  • RugerNinerRugerNiner Member Posts: 12,636 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    DancesWithSheep;
    Sheathed knives(fixed blade)are illegal to carry for street use in Pa.
    BlackJacks and slapjacks are also illegal in Pa.
    In Fl all that stuff is for sale at gun shows and flea markets.
    As far as "sufficient to warrant an exception to the law" thats up to those genius lawmakers to decide.

    One more little tid bit. All of us bikers carried Buck folders and were told by Police many times they were illegal because the blade was to long. Just an intimadation factor to make us feel like we were breaking the law and they were doing us a favor by not taking them or arresting us. That way we might be less vocal when getting questioned.

    sniper1.gif Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!
    Keep your Powder dry and your Musket well oiled.
    NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
  • DancesWithSheepDancesWithSheep Member Posts: 12,938 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Mark: Sorry, I can't agree. It isn't like a handicapped parking space; it's more like a handicapped exemption from smog inspections. Unlike designated parking privilege or wheelchair access, knife selection would not seem to warrant special consideration, certainly not a switchblade knife, anyway. Just my $.02.
  • paboogerpabooger Member Posts: 13,953
    edited November -1
    Rusty yes they are both spring loaded.

    pacamo

    To Ride, shoot straight,and speak the truth
    This was the Ancient law of Youth
    Old times are past, old times are done:
    But the Law runs true, O little son!
  • MarksmenMarksmen Member Posts: 689 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    What is a Stiletto style switchblades?
  • FW357FW357 Member Posts: 435 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Stiletto style is Italian, not made for cutting, but for stabbing, no sharp edges escept the point. The shape of the blade.

    I may not always be right, but I am never wrong. Magnum Force
  • RugerNinerRugerNiner Member Posts: 12,636 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Stiletto style switchblades are normally associated with a blade coming straight out the front of the knife handle with the push of a button. Usually a dagger style blade. Push blade against something to put back in place.

    sniper1.gif Remember...Terrorist are attacking Civilians; Not the Government. Protect Yourself!
    Keep your Powder dry and your Musket well oiled.
    NRA Lifetime Benefactor Member.
  • FW357FW357 Member Posts: 435 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    definition of switchblade, stilletto, and OTF
    http://theswitchblade.com/knifeguy/

    Switchblade (side opening & front opening - OTF)
    NOUN: A pocketknife having a spring-operated blade that opens instantly when a release on the handle is pressed. Also called switchblade knife, switch knife, automatic knife, stiletto, picklock, swing guard knife, front opener (OTF out-the front), front opening knife (OTF out-the-front), lever lock, spring knife, push button knife, one-handed knife, dual action knife, scale release, bolster release.

    Automatic knife (side opening & front opening - OTF)
    NOUN: A pocketknife having a spring-operated blade that opens instantly when a release on the handle is pressed. Also called switchblade knife, switch knife.

    Switchblade knife (side opening & front opening - OTF)
    NOUN: a pocketknife with a spring-operated blade [syn: switchblade]

    Italian Style Stiletto (side opening)
    NOUN: - Italian, diminutive of stilo stylus, dagger, from Latin stilus stylus -:
    a slender side opening dagger with a blade thick in proportion to its breadth; distinguishable by it's swivelling bolster (hand guard) that lifts the spring lock off the blade post with a clockwise turn of the bolster; - as opposed to the "picklock" which you have to pick the spring lock off the blade post with your fingers.

    I may not always be right, but I am never wrong. Magnum Force
  • mark christianmark christian Member Posts: 24,443 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    These are often refered to as OTF or "out the front". An excellent example of this type of knife is either the Microtech HALO or Talon models. These OTF knives are actually "cocked" manually to "fire" the blade when the blade release button is pushed. After the blade has been fired you depress the button again and pull the cocking lever out from the bottom of the knife handle and once the blade is retracted the knife is cocked and ready to fire again. The big advantage to OTF automatics is that the blade does not need to swing out in an arc, it just shoots straight out of the handle. The other big plus to OTF is since the entire blade is totally encased in the handle, you can carry a RAZOR SHARP double edged blade without any danger of cutting something (like the inside of your pocket) with what would be the exposed portion of the double edge in a standard folding blade automatic. The big disadvantage to OTF is that the good ones are VERY expensive; the retail price on a Microtech HALO is around $450. Even though I get a healthy dealer discount I can assure you that I don't have a big collection of these OTF types!

    Mark T. Christian
  • FW357FW357 Member Posts: 435 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Price out a DALTON, OTF, he made a lot of knives for the movies.

    I may not always be right, but I am never wrong. Magnum Force
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