I remember a while back there was supposed to be something getting voted on to allow “switch blades” but it got shot down. Is there anything out there right now aimed at legalizing them?

They're already legal to own, you just can't carry them. I would imagine there will be another bill next legislation season to allow carrying them

Be very careful.

§ 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 as defined in § 18.2-307.1, or like weapons, such person is 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; 2013, c. 746.

The chapters of the acts of assembly referenced in the historical citation at the end of this section may not constitute a comprehensive list of such chapters and may exclude chapters whose provisions have expired.

NOTE THIS:


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.

They're legal to own but you can't carry them which is absurd considering my CHP allows me to pack as many pistols as I can carry.

Completely absurd.  Even if we pass a bill to allow VA folks with a CCW to carry an auto knife, our di** head governor (or his commie replacement) will just veto it.

Don't write off Gillespie.  He can win.  It will be a close election.  Let's hope turnout is high for us and low for the commies.

I think this is the key point. Like I said, they're legal to own for personal use.

Do you understand that the second clause means you cannot have one???

Having it is all the state would have to show to convict you of intent to "sell, barter, give or furnish."

But go right ahead.

It doesn’t make any sense. Some states that allow them are the ones I’m surprised do.  But Virginia? Come on

We have a lot of older laws still hanging around.

Absent any real problems  there is no reason to remove them.
That would take ANOTHER law.
If you rob a person of $10 or more it starts out as a felony.
The judge is allowed to reduce it though.
That clause was added far later.

It tends to keep the incidence of muggings pretty low.

All in all out legal system has a conservative bent to it.

Some punishments are pretty significant for what might seem minor crimes.

LOL I just can't get over the fact nunchuks are illegal...

Which states for instance?

Here’s a list

http://weaponlaws.wikidot.com/us-switchblade-laws