Switchblades

[the ringo kid]

Better ask, but even cops often don't really know the knife laws. That test that you mentioned is used in some places. I've read of even NYPD cops using it. But it's better to know and maybe carry a copy of the law.


Anyway, not all cops have palms the same size...


I do really believe that whether one is charged with a knife violation depends a LOT on appearance. A shaggy guy on a motorcycle is more likely to be searched and hassled than an executive type in a suit, driving a Mercedes.

Ill be able to ask a couple LEO friends come Sat, both Bobby and Joe ought to know.

 

[Old TexMex]

I think it changed to 5 in max? Ive been told you can carry what you want as long as the blade isnt longer than the palm of your hand.

Corpus Christi:
Sec. 33-73. - Dangerous weapons—Carrying prohibited generally.
It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on or about his person in any public place any one or more of the following: Straight razor, unpackaged safety razor blade, any knife having a blade measuring from the handle of three (3) inches or more in length, any knife that will not shut, any knife that will open and lock open by the press of a button, ice pick, chain six (6) inches or more in length, bowie knife, gun, pistol, revolver, dirk, dagger, spear, nightstick, machete, blackjack, pipe stick, hand sickle, stiletto, knuckles, swordcase made of any metal or any hard substance, or any dangerous weapon.

 

[kwselke]

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like carrying an automatic knife has the cool factor, but there is not much to be gained with one over my Spiderco thumb-opener when it comes to ripping through a tough plastic clam shell containing the toy my four year old nephew wants now. I'll think about an automatic when the time comes to replace my Delica 4, but I'll carry a fixed blade knife if I want a fighting knife.

 

[austinjeane]

During Rick Perry's tenure as Governor, knife laws changed for the better. (So did gun laws.) I gather that switchblades are now legal, as are assisted opening knives. Max. blade length is 5.5 inches.


I think any of the following remain illegal: Bowies, daggers, poniards, dirks, stilletos, swords, machetes, and gravity knives. Not sure about the last. I don't think machetes are specifically named, but they're over 5.5 inch blades, so if a cop wants to get you, they could go that route.


I used to work with a young guy who was a little reckless and who liked to race cars. That got him in trouble with game wardens after a race at a lake. They thought he smart-mouthed them as well as racing. So, they went on a treasure hunt and found his tackle box with a fillet knife over 5.5 inches and charged him with an illegal knife.


I've heard that San Antonio has a ban on all lockblade knives. Check, if going there. Plano supposedly has a three-inch blade limit, but that conflicts with state law as does the ban on lockblades. I think state law prempts local laws. Someone with money needs to sue to repeal those laws.


We have a member in South Australia. He told me that cops there generally don't bother with knife laws unless they're looking to hang something on someone that they want for something else or can't charge, otherwise. I suspect that a knife they'd ignore might get you in trouble in New South Wales or in Victoria.


It's always good to know the literal law and how cops tend to enforce it. I think much depends on the pesonal image that a person has.

You are correct in that Texas state law supersedes municipal codes. San Antone and Plano have acknowledged the law and switchblades (under Texas restrictions) are no longer illegal in their cities

 

[Old TexMex]

You are correct in that Texas state law supersedes municipal codes. San Antone and Plano have acknowledged the law and switchblades (under Texas restrictions) are no longer illegal in their cities

I was hoping someone would use that secret source of info...it's called google!
House bill 905 established that municipal ordinances were non valid, and the Texas state weapons regulations are the standard throughout the state. 5 1/2"
Texas Legislature Online - 84(R) History for HB 905

 

[Darkstar888]

Thanks for all the replies. It looks like carrying an automatic knife has the cool factor, but there is not much to be gained with one over my Spiderco thumb-opener when it comes to ripping through a tough plastic clam shell containing the toy my four year old nephew wants now. I'll think about an automatic when the time comes to replace my Delica 4, but I'll carry a fixed blade knife if I want a fighting knife.

You need to zip tie your Spyderco to make it waveable and open automatically when you draw it. Faster than an auto.
Spyderco Ziptie Mod - YouTube

 

[Muss Muggins]

You need to zip tie your Spyderco to make it waveable and open automatically when you draw it. Faster than an auto.
Spyderco Ziptie Mod - YouTube

I guess that's okay if you always wear 5.11's and have room to move your draw arm that quickly. I'll stick with a go button . . .

 

[Darkstar888]

I wear jeans. This works with any kinds of pant. Not sure what you mean about moving your draw arm quickly...huh? It just deploys automatically when you pull it out of your pocket. You don't have to pull out quickly like the guy in the vid. Normal draw does the same thing.Spyderco Tenacious - Making your knife different - YouTube

 

[Muss Muggins]

I wear jeans. This works with any kinds of pant. Not sure what you mean about moving your draw arm quickly...huh? It just deploys automatically when you pull it out of your pocket. You don't have to pull out quickly like the guy in the vid. Normal draw does the same thing.

Try it on your back or belly with somebody on top of you. Knife fights are really messy and unpredictable. I'll stick with a go button . . .

 

[Darkstar888]

Actually I have lol. I can do it lying on my back in my bed. All you have to do is draw it like you would with your auto. Can't you draw yours on your back?I'm not trying to knock autos. Go with what you like. I merely posted this for the benefit of the guy who is sticking with his Spyderco Delica. Not to convince auto fans to switch.

 

[patvince]

Does that ban affect ALL knives, even a typical Opinel or Swiss Army knives or just larger ones that lock open?



What if a Frenchman has to defend himself from a human (criminal) or a dangerous dog? Is that legal? If one gets arrested for having an illegal knife, would the police withdraw his gun licenses, if any?

Long time ago, the rules for carrying a knife was, no lock blade (like a Opinel or a S.A. knife)and a blade not exceeding the wide of your hand (no kidding)so approximately 4 inches...Knifes, for a long time was the weapon of choice for thugs ! As you said it it depend a lot on appearance...and the cop...Self defense situation with a blade ? it depend on the circonstance, and the proportionality of the attack/defense..(both guy armed) ...As for being arrested with a knife (a big, fixed, blade).. in town...? don't know..never happen to me or to the gun people i know. Again, it depend on the circonstances of the arresting...In most of the cases, Policeman will do a "soft" background check (criminal record), but have no access to your gun license. But if you should have lawsuit, hum, i think you will be in trouble...

 

[patvince]

We have a member in South Australia. He told me that cops there generally don't bother with knife laws unless they're looking to hang something on someone that they want for something else or can't charge, otherwise.


It's always good to know the literal law and how cops tend to enforce it. I think much depends on the pesonal image that a person has.

You nailed it.

 

[Farmer17]

I just bought a Lightning "out-the-front" double action switchblade from Blade Play. It's supposed to be pretty good quality and it has the double edge dagger style blade. It was on sale and marked down to about 33 bucks.

 

[TAC]

Unfortunately, they're illegal in Michigan. Our knife laws are really bad!

You can only carry a folding knife, and the blade has to be single edge, and 3" or less. Added to that, in some cities, such as Dearborn, you can't carry one at all!

 

[Texas Star]

I just bought a Lightning "out-the-front" double action switchblade from Blade Play. It's supposed to be pretty good quality and it has the double edge dagger style blade. It was on sale and marked down to about 33 bucks.

It's probably illegal, as a folding dagger.

 

[shocker]

Unfortunately, they're illegal in Michigan. Our knife laws are really bad!

You can only carry a folding knife, and the blade has to be single edge, and 3" or less. Added to that, in some cities, such as Dearborn, you can't carry one at all!

The 3" is covered under an arcane provision about illegal to carry if the INTENT is to harm another person. AFAIK, it's legal to carry a long blade fixed or folder, just don't commit a crime with it. Whatever crazy weapon laws are still on the books had their origin in assuring that fights in lumber camps were "fair". Amusing bit of Michigan history.
BTW if I were to be in possession of an illegal weapon I wouldn't post about it on the internet.

 

[TAC]

BTW if I were to be in possession of an illegal weapon I wouldn't post about it on the internet.

If you're talking to me... I didn't.

 

[Leatherhead23]

I just bought a Lightning "out-the-front" double action switchblade from Blade Play. It's supposed to be pretty good quality and it has the double edge dagger style blade. It was on sale and marked down to about 33 bucks.

Great knife! I have one I use often. Very durable and the double action hasn't failed me In two years of hard use!

 

[Leatherhead23]

 

[kwselke]

I wish to thank everyone that replied to my inquiry about self-opening knives, I learned a lot.

I currently have two pockets knives which I consider fine everyday carry knives. One is a 30 year old Puma that weighs too much and the other the Spyderco Delica 4 that I've been carrying for about five years now. I have had many other knives which I've carried from time to time, Buck 2 3/4" drop points have been favorites which I've worn out and lost many. The Syperco Delica 4 I currently carry is the second Spyderco VG-10 steel blade that I have owned.

I decided to buy a new knife for myself. I do that every five or so years. An auto opener would be neat, but that's not the kind of knife I'm used to. I guess I'm an old fuddy duddy I orderd another Delica 4 from Amazon... [ame="https://www.amazon.com/SPYDERCO-Delica-Lightweight-Blade-Combination/dp/B001EDIWES/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1481776131&sr=8-1&keywords=delica+4+black"]Amazon.com : SPYDERCO Delica 4 Lightweight Blade Combination Edge Knife, Black : Hunting Knives : Sports & Outdoors[/ame], but this one is tacticool black. I thought abought buying another Spyderco VG-10 model, but decided I'm comfortable and confident with the Delica.