Are switchblades illegal under federal law?

There is no federal restriction on ownership, possession or carrying of a switchblade knife. There are some states that have enacted laws regarding switchblades (see State Laws Regarding Auto-Open Knives). The majority of states allow auto-open knives.

Are switchblades illegal for self defense?

A switchblade (which may be known by many other names including a “pushbutton knife” or “ejector knife”) has a blade which is contained within the handle and is opened automatically by a spring by pushing a button or switch on the handle. Switchblades with blades longer than 2” are illegal to carry in California.

Why are spring loaded knives illegal?

A spring assisted knife is legal in California as long as it “opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that …

Can law enforcement carry switchblades?

INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT OWN OR CARRY AN AUTOMATIC KNIFE UNLESS THEY ARE LAW ENFORCEMENT OR MILITARY. FACT: Because there is no federal restriction on the possession of an automatic knife, states have the right to establish their own laws regarding automatic knives.

Are folding switchblades illegal?

California allows you to carry folding knives and fixed blades. You can own a switchblade of any length, but it is illegal to carry one with a blade over 2 inches.

What is the difference between a switchblade and an automatic knife?

If the blade’s natural inclination is to open without the presence of a hindrance, it’s a switchblade. If there is nothing blocking the blade and it stays closed, the knife is an assisted opener (assuming it has a mechanism to help open the knife).

What defines a switchblade knife?

As used in this part, “switchblade knife” means a knife having the appearance of a pocketknife and includes a spring-blade knife, snap-blade knife, gravity knife, or any other similar type knife, the blade or blades of which are two or more inches in length and which can be released automatically by a flick of a button …