Auto Knives

There's plenty of places to order autos online that are in FL.

I miss my old Balsong (spelled?) auto opener. It was the first model they had out about 20yrs ago. Aluminum grip and a very pointed blade. My tip broke and then I dont remember what happened to it after that.

Talk about another confusing & stupid law. I have a bunch of them, bought some from Fowler Gun, some from Jack's, two were gifts from clients. never had an issue.

Buckley said:

Talk about another confusing & stupid law. I have a bunch of them, bought some from Fowler Gun, some from Jack's, two were gifts from clients. never had an issue.

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Seems that you are not breaking any laws if they are purchased within the state you reside in as long as they are not prohibited by your state laws. My question is , by ordering this type of knife from an out of state vendor via the internet I am appearently breaking a fed law of interstate commerce. Is this a risky purchase? Is this law enforced aggressively? Is it a felony or misdameanor? I have researched it somewhat and havent been able to find any case law on it. I tried cancelling the order but apperantly it will not allow me to do so, have to call them Monday and speak to someone I guess.

Is this a risky purchase?

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It's not.

Is this law enforced aggressively?

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This subject comes up every now and then. Enforcing this law must be 'way down on the Fed's priority list. They're too busy to do anything about it.
I never heard of it being enforced at all.

Stupid law!

It is a felony for anyone to sell or distribute an auto opener unless the knife was manufactured in the state of sale. If the blade is less than 3", (I think, it may be 2 1/2"), then you are safe. I'll never understand that dumb law. Who cares where the knife was made?

I've never seen this law enforced.

Buckley said:

It is a felony for anyone to sell or distribute an auto opener unless the knife was manufactured in the state of sale. If the blade is less than 3", (I think, it may be 2 1/2"), then you are safe. I'll never understand that dumb law. Who cares where the knife was made?

I've never seen this law enforced.

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If it was made and sold in the same state, the interstate commerce laws cannot be applied - much like several states are trying to do with gun manufactur/sales.

Switchblades are a federal issue after 2-1/2" blade length. But I think (JMHO) that they are looked at much like brass knuckles. If you have it - OK, but if they need something else to cite you for or if you use it in a fight - different story....

I have Kershaw knives that are 'assisted opening' knives. They are not switchblades, but they are very fast.

airhead said:

If it was made and sold in the same state, the interstate commerce laws cannot be applied - much like several states are trying to do with gun manufactur/sales.

Switchblades are a federal issue after 2-1/2" blade length. But I think (JMHO) that they are looked at much like brass knuckles. If you have it - OK, but if they need something else to cite you for or if you use it in a fight - different story....

I have Kershaw knives that are 'assisted opening' knives. They are not switchblades, but they are very fast.

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Heck yea. Some of my assists are faster than the autos.

Auto Knife

I have an OTF with a 3 1/2 blade, I also have a CCL.
Is it legal for me to carry?

Buckley said:

It is a felony for anyone to sell or distribute an auto opener unless the knife was manufactured in the state of sale. If the blade is less than 3", (I think, it may be 2 1/2"), then you are safe. I'll never understand that dumb law. Who cares where the knife was made?

I've never seen this law enforced.

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If I read that right then it is not a felony to purchase or posses based on that law (other state laws may apply).

PR1 said:

I have an OTF with a 3 1/2 blade, I also have a CCL.
Is it legal for me to carry?

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As long as the blade does not leave the body of the knife (ballistic knife), it's legal to own and carry in FL with a CWFL. Blade length is not an issue.

I've got a drawer full of high-end autos and assisteds, but I don't carry them anymore.