Switchblades

[tsmba]

I always wanted one, then a couple years ago I met a guy who sells them online. I got a couple stilettos and a decent OTF model.
Even the better makes seem to have somewhat wobbly blades and steel that is harder and more brittle than I'd like. Surprisingly, the one I use most was a little freebie with a clip on it. I carry it in the watch pocket of my jeans.
When I was a kid, my neighbor's dad had a beautiful stiletto he'd brought back from Mexico. It was class all around...nice heft, bone scales, and a rock-steady blade. Sure wish I could find one to match.

 

[blackfoot]

My dad used to sort of collect these. They are illegal to sell, but not own here in Indiana, if I remember correctly. My dad would ask vendors at gun & knife shows if they had any and could usually find some. The funniest part is, they would be looking all around watching for police and warn dad to keep it low. They didn't seem to notice he was a cop.

He had several stiletto style. He has one that is perfect as far as quality and wobble. However, it is a little large for normal carry.

 

[Unknownsoldier]

They are illegal except for government personnel arn't they?

Tom

 

[blackfoot]

They are illegal except for government personnel arn't they?

Tom

Depends on the state. I really want one.

 

[Commander Quan]

Just don't get caught with it in public. There aren't may company's that produce the Italian switchblades so I'm sure that any you can pick up are Chinese pieces.

 

[Unknownsoldier]

My aunt bought me a miniature one in Italy in Kit form, you may find these they are marketed as self opening, or "MAGIC" Knives, mine was

Tom

 

[Jim]

You want a Microtech, It's a real knife that you can use.

 

[negncic]

Mere possession in NY will get you arrested.

 

[tsmba]

I have hear all sorts of things about the legalities involved. Sometimes it has to do with blade length and varies by state. My assumption was that they were illegal until I ran into an online discussion on "automatic knives", met a couple vendors, etc. No one has told me that they're illegal. I also recall seeing the kits, too. A quick look on Wikepedia shows the laws are variable and vague. Her in MO, they're supposedly illegal "with exceptions for collectors or curios".
There are so many exceptions the law is indecipherable.
I was advised to carefully avoid the Chinese knives. Often, they're marketed as "Italian stilletos" and you have to be wary. My fav is made by Frank Beltrame. They're offered with a range of nice scales (horn, exotic woods) in a variety of sizes.
I'll check into the Microtechs. Arizona Custom Knives has a couple priced at $395. I've heard good things about Benchmark and Spyderco, too.
Other than my little clip-on, I don't carry a switchblade. Having one in my desk is cool with me. My neck knives are what I carry daily.

 

[blackfoot]

You want a Microtech, It's a real knife that you can use.

That is actually very similar to the one I was talking about that my dad has.

 

[ClubmanRob]

Here's a couple I own. They're both on the cheapy side. I got the blue model in Mexico about ten years ago and it's supposedly Italian. The black one I picked up in an Austin Flea Market about five years ago and I'm pretty sure it's Pakistani.

As for the legality, it varies from state to state, and I don't know here in NC. Every cop I've asked has told me something different, and I've even heard that it's illegal to own for everyone except one armed men (!)

 

[TimmyBoston]

My dad used to sort of collect these. They are illegal to sell, but not own here in Indiana, if I remember correctly. .

They are illegal to sell, carry and own in Indiana, just so you know.

 

[Fnord5]

They are illegal to sell, carry and own in Indiana, just so you know.

How many do you own?



I actually just ordered an OTF knife online, ships as a kit, so I have to put it together. Saved me something like $50

 

[TimmyBoston]

how many do you own?

4,586.

 

[Taipei Personality]

As for the legality, it varies from state to state, and I don't know here in NC.

NC is legal to buy, legal to own, illegal to carry.

 

[citizensoldierny]

Here is a pic of my Benchmade Auto, bought as a souvenir at Aafes in an overseas location, required a letter from commander to get back home but as we were issued a mix of Benchmade Stryker and Gerber Auto's made it home no problem. Still trying to figure out the big deal. No faster than most assisted openers, Spyderco thumb hole openers, or waved knives. Nor are they more deadly a 3" blade is still a 3" blade. Cool points are what they are all about. If they were legal I'd guess people would give them about a quarter as much attention as they do now. Just not all that more effective or practical and tend to cost a bunch more. Mine was close to $200 and that is with AAFES pricing and no tax.

As for blade play and all the other maladies that effect auto's Benchmade's seem to have none. Not a big fan of Gerbers but I've seen their Emerson auto take a ton of abuse and they stayed tight also.

 

[blackfoot]

Here is a pic of my Benchmade Auto, bought as a souvenir at Aafes in an overseas location, required a letter from commander to get back home but as we were issued a mix of Benchmade Stryker and Gerber Auto's made it home no problem. Still trying to figure out the big deal. No faster than most assisted openers, Spyderco thumb hole openers, or waved knives. Nor are they more deadly a 3" blade is still a 3" blade. Cool points are what they are all about. If they were legal I'd guess people would give them about a quarter as much attention as they do now. Just not all that more effective or practical and tend to cost a bunch more. Mine was close to $200 and that is with AAFES pricing and no tax.

As for blade play and all the other maladies that effect auto's Benchmade's seem to have none. Not a big fan of Gerbers but I've seen their Emerson auto take a ton of abuse and they stayed tight also.

Back in the late '50s, media created the image of gansters and thugs with switchblades. It began to personify the criminal element of the time, much as the Tommy Gun did in the '30s.

Typical of politicians, they started making them illegal to give the appearance of attacking crime. Obviously, as so often is the case, these laws have no effect and were strictly symbolic. They did nothing for the root of the problem, but merely attacked a symptom.

 

[citizensoldierny]

Blackfoot,
It's all the fault of that darn West Side Story

 

[Walter Sobchak]

Microtechs are very nice. A little pricey for my blood, though. I just carry a sharpened railroad spike with some hockey tape wrapped around the top for grip.

 

[blackfoot]

Blackfoot,
It's all the fault of that darn West Side Story

Curse that damnable musical!