Many people think that pocket knives are always legal to carry, but there are certain places where carrying a knife will get you into trouble. Knowing what kind of pocket knife is illegal can help you avoid this.
Most states prohibit the possession of switchblades, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives and automatic knives. They are also banned in some schools and government buildings.
Balisong Knives
Balisong knives, also known as fan knives or butterfly knife, are a form of folding pocket knife. Historically, they were associated with the Tagalog region of the Philippines and were used for both practical purposes and as a form of entertainment.
They are made from a variety of materials, including car parts, stags horn, and bones. They come in two main styles, sandwich construction and channel construction.
Despite their popularity, balisong knives are illegal in Germany because they were outlawed in the aftermath of the Erfurt massacre in 2003. It is against the law to buy, lend, possess, carry, use, alter, craft or trade them.
In addition, many states consider carrying a balisong as a weapons-related offense. Therefore, if you are caught using one in a crime, you could be charged with a felony and face hefty fines.
Butterly Knives
Butterly knives, also known as balisongs, have a reputation for being dangerous and illegal in some countries. The reason for this is due to their appearance in films, which gives them a shady and sinister image.
These knives are a popular choice in knife flipping competitions, and are also useful for people in self-defence training. However, it is important to check the local laws before you buy a balisong or start using it in your area.
In Pennsylvania, for example, butterfly knives are not prohibited. However, if you carry them on school property or in a concealed manner, you could be arrested and face serious legal penalties.
The same is true for many other states. In Wisconsin, for instance, it is illegal to possess a butterfly knife. It is even illegal to transport one without a license. It is a Fourth Degree crime that can lead to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Spring-Loaded Knives
A spring-loaded knife, or “spring assisted” knife, is a type of pocket knife that requires assistance to open the blade. To do so, the user must push a button or lever or flipper that is located on the handle (not part of the blade) and triggers a spring mechanism.
In contrast, automatic knives (also known as “switchblades”) require no such input to deploy the blade. Instead, the blade is deployed by pressing a button or flipper that triggers an enormous speed.
In North Carolina, it is illegal to carry a spring-loaded knife. Unless the statutes or case law defines it differently, a spring-loaded knife falls into the category of switchblade, which is not legal to carry.
Automatic Knives
Automatic knives, or switchblades as they are commonly known, are a type of pocket knife that open automatically. They were first made in the United States and remain a popular choice among soldiers, police, and fire departments for everyday carry.
There are two main categories of autos: side-opening and out-the-front (OTF) knives. The latter are all the rage right now, and they come in an interesting variety of price points.
Aside from being a fun addition to your EDC, OTF knives are actually quite useful. You can open them with a single hand, and they deploy quickly.
Some states have a number of restrictions on what kind of automatics can be carried. For instance, California restricts all automatics to blades under 2 inches in length, while New York and Connecticut limit them to blades of 1.5 inches or less.