Posted: 1/24/2007 1:39:58 PM EDT
| Are these legal in PA? |
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They sell them at local gun shows (Ken Onion Kershaws, specifically). Basically, if there is a thumbstub, I think you are okay. Just don't use one in a bar fight. It is the "push button" openers that have a tendency to attract negative attention. ETA: Here is the law: Title 18 § 908 "Offensive weapons." Any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise, or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose. |
Assisted opening are NOT Automatics, which are probitited. Assisted opening knives you must physically start the blade moving toward open, then the assist takes over. It is my UNDERSTANDING that this is LEGAL in Pa. No, I cannot tell you where to look to find the laws, or statutes, so some may call this hearsay. |
| I have a Gerber F.A.S.T. and I love it. I'm pretty sure that it's legal, because the definition of a switchblade is an automatic open/ push button open, or can be opened with a flick of the wrist. When I first got my knife about a year ago, it was nearly impossible to open it by flicking it, but now it seems to be easier, but it still doesn't just pop out. To get it to open you have to have your arm in full swing, then snap your wrist at the end and it'll come out. |
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Ahem. I keep this webpage bookmarked and read it over every couple weeks to wrap my head around self-defense legalities in my home state. I have read the above cited passage several times, but am having difficulty finding it in the link I provided above right now. I know it's in there but forget where. that IS how the law is written. It's up to you to decide how "automatic" knives open. I think assisted opening knives are ok because you have to use your finger ON THE BLADE ITSELF to open it. Most assisted opening blades can open up to nearly halfway before the spring flicks it open the rest of the way. eta: finally found it Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 9, Section 908 |