Laws re: 'switchblades/autos' and civilians/LEOs/EMTs/Military?

[shooter1201]

IIRC, it's LEGAL to OWN 'switchblades'....in most states....but ILLEGAL to CARRY them on your person, UNLESS you meet a few very stringent requirements. What is THE LAW(Federal) regarding this? TIA

[IPDBrad]

IC 35-47-5-2
Knife with blade that opens automatically or may be propelled
Sec. 2. It is a Class B misdemeanor for a person to manufacture, possess, display, offer, sell, lend, give away, or purchase any knife with a blade that:
(1) opens automatically; or
(2) may be propelled;
by hand pressure applied to a button, device containing gas, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife.
As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.70-2000, SEC.2.

In Indiana, no one can have them. There are a few stores that sell to LEO's only, and a few LEO's that carry them, however, there is no provision in the IC for LE exemption. Don't know about any federal laws.

Those Benchmade knives are pretty nice though.

[Bill R]

Shooter, the last time I researched it the only federal regulations regarding switchblades were for interstate commerce. If the knife is made in your state the feds have no jurisdiction. If the sale crosses state lines the dealer needs a signed statement that you are LE or military or a dealer to them. Once the knife makes it into the state, private party transfers are out of fed control.

[Mack811]

Prohibited weapon in Texas. No provision in state law for LEO.I carry a Kershaw / Ken Onion "speed - safe". NOT a switchblade...but just as fast.

[207]

Illegal in CT. But does have a provision for LEO's. I carry a Benchmade Mel Pardue 3500 Auto.

Sec. 53-206. Carrying of dangerous weapons prohibited. (a) Any person who carries upon one's person any BB. gun, blackjack, metal or brass knuckles, or any dirk knife, or any switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which a blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches in length, or stiletto, or any knife the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or over in length, any police baton or nightstick, or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon, as defined in section 53a-3, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than three years or both.
(b) The provisions of this section shall not apply to (1) any officer charged with the preservation of the public peace while engaged in the pursuit of such officer's official duties;

[JKT]

I beg to differ with Mack811 (and I still owe you a CD)

From Chapter 46, Texas Penal Code: (emphasis added)

[p01ic3m4n]

they just haven't gotten to it yet. they only just got around to making it legal for peace officers to carry handguns.

[Mack811]

I guess if your department issued you a switchblade, or officially authorized it for duty use you would have the "defense to prosecution" in Tejas. I don't plan to be a test case, my chief would not consider it. I like that CT statute quoted above. Exemption sure beats defense to prosecution. So don't bust my chops JKT, and yes you owe me a CD. :p