Automatic knife in va

[Kibaro65]

Please can anyone help me on the legality of carrying a automatic knife in Virginia I currently have a concealed weapons permit, and knife recommendations will be helpful.... thanks in advance.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[FPW823]

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§ 18.2-311. Prohibiting the selling or having in possession blackjacks, etc.

If any person sells or barters, or exhibits for sale or for barter, or gives or furnishes, or causes to be sold, bartered, given or furnished, or has in his possession, or under his control, with the intent of selling, bartering, giving or furnishing, any blackjack, brass or metal knucks, any disc of whatever configuration having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, or like weapons, such person shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. The having in one's possession of any such weapon shall be prima facie evidence, except in the case of a conservator of the peace, of his intent to sell, barter, give or furnish the same.

(Code 1950, § 18.1-271; 1960, c. 358; 1975, cc. 14, 15; 1985, c. 394; 1988, c. 359.)
LIS > Code of Virginia > 18.2-311



LIS > Code of Virginia > 18.2-308

[Paymeister]

Don't bother with an 'automatic' knife: look into knives with the 'wave' feature such as Emerson and Spyderco. They're completely manual and actually faster to deploy than a switchblade. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1tUxkWrfAM .

[Bob O]

The law specifies no switchblades, but doesn't give the definition of a switchblade. So most retailers, citizens, and LEOs assume that auto openers are a no-no, but assisted openers are OK. I don't know if this been tested in court yet.

Bobo

[varob]

Does your permit say Concealed Weapons Permit, or Concealed Firearms Permit?
I only ask because my first permit said Weapons and all the ones after that said Firearms.

[retsupt99]

I see no advantage of a switchblade over an 'assisted opener'...OMOYMV
Get an 'assisted opener' and avoid the possible hassle.

[tokerblue]

The law specifies no switchblades, but doesn't give the definition of a switchblade. So most retailers, citizens, and LEOs assume that auto openers are a no-no, but assisted openers are OK. I don't know if this been tested in court yet.

- Assisted opening knives are not classified as switchblades... although Customs tried to do so recently.
AKTI Saves ALL Folding Knives from U.S. Customs' Action : American Knife and Tool Institute

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.

You have to move the blade on an assisted opening knife past a certain point before the assist deploys the knife, which is the main reason it isn't classified as a switchblade.

[ctr]

My understanding is that automatic knives are illegal in VA. Also, the VA permit is good for a firearm, not for other weapons.

[Bob O]

- Assisted opening knives are not classified as switchblades... although Customs tried to do so recently.
AKTI Saves ALL Folding Knives from U.S. Customs' Action : American Knife and Tool Institute

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.

You have to move the blade on an assisted opening knife past a certain point before the assist deploys the knife, which is the main reason it isn't classified as a switchblade.

The article referenced is federal law, state or municipal laws may be different (stricter or looser). The referenced article mentions this.

Bobo

[Kibaro65]

Thanks for all the help

[Kibaro65]

Just checked it does say concealed firearm not concealed weapon.

[RonM0710]

An easy way to tell if an assisted open knife is legal in your area is go to Walmart and see if they are selling them. They do sell Assisted open knives (I purchased my there) but they do not sell switchblades.

[dnilson]

My knife is a Kershaw and is not considered an assisted opening knife. It's opened with one hand using a thumb stud at the end of the blade. It opens really easily (and I'm a women), plus it has a fold out screwdriver with four different heads! Plus it's a bottle opener. The blade is three and a half inches and so sharp you could shave with it! It only cost about $20 bucks!!!! Now that may make it sound like a cheap knife, but it's not. Kershaws are good knives and I was prepared to spend around $100 because I wanted a good knife (most Kershaws are in the $75-100 range). I don't know why this one was so cheap, but it certainly doesn't look or feel cheap at all!!!!!

I found one just ilke it here http://www.bladeplay.com/item--Kersh...s-Select--8035

[tokerblue]

I don't know why this one was so cheap, but it certainly doesn't look or feel cheap at all!!!!!

I found one just ilke it here Kershaw Knives Select Fire 1920 Manual Knife Multi-Tool (PLN) - Blade Play

- That's part of Kershaw's entry level line. It's a Chinese made knife with a Chinese steel (8CR13MoV). It's a great bang for the buck knife.

[dnilson]

- That's part of Kershaw's entry level line. It's a Chinese made knife with a Chinese steel (8CR13MoV). It's a great bang for the buck knife.

Do you know how strong the steel is? How much force would it take for it to snap? Thanks for your help!