Switchblade mechanism

[philip in china]

How does a switchblade action work?

[Rich Hale]

The blade is spring tensioned. a sear of some kind or another releases the blade to open. Think of it like a trigger mechanism on a gun

[agsolder]

Switchblades-- making, selling, carrying-- are almost totally banned by federal law, which trumps state law. The federal law is, of course, more honored in the breach (they are available in lots of blade mags, on the net, in gas stations in Idaho or maybe it's Washington, I forget), but it can make life extremely unpleasant. See: United States Code
TITLE 15 - COMMERCE AND TRADE
CHAPTER 29 - MANUFACTURE, TRANSPORTATION, OR DISTRIBUTION OF SWITCHBLADE KNIVES
Section 1241. Definitions
Section 1242. Introduction, Manufacture For Introduction, Transportation Or Distribution In Interstate Commerce; Penalty
Section 1243. Manufacture, Sale, Or Possession Within Specific Jurisdictions; Penalty
Section 1244. Exceptions
Section 1245. Ballistic Knives at FindLaw for Legal Professionals - Case Law, Federal and State Resources, Forms, and Code

[RBrown]

It is good to know that in the U.S that it can cause problems making selling and owning a switch blade but philips in china dont think the U.S federal law will have much sway over there about switchblades.

[ThomasPowers]

I do know there are several different mechanisms for switchblades as I had a friend who was into them and made a number of different types. Unfortunately that was about 1500 miles away from here and I don't know what he is doing now.

As I recall he started by buying a cheap one and re-engineering it; then he bought a book on them that had plans for a number of types.

[philip in china]

Thank you for your input. They are illegal in UK as well. I have never quite understood the logic. If you are stabbed with a switchblade are you somehow more dead than with an ordinary lock knife? I don't make knives so it was just a purely hypothetical question. I think they are legal here. Certainly they are widely sold.

[sdalcher]

Switch blades are nothing more than a specifically engineered tool. The idea behind switchblade knives is to allow a person with only one functional hand to be able to use a knife. Also addresses the need of individuals with disabilities of the hand and fingers(insufficient grip strength). I did some research a few years ago and they are legal for persons with said afflictions and Law Enforcement personnel.

There are varying mechanisms for opening, some will open as a folder with a spring assist while others will spring straight out from the hilt. I have models of both but do not like to carry due to the possibility of an inadvertant opening when in a precarious position like a front pocket

And yes I do own mine legally.

[Pault17]

Philip,
If they are so widely sold, What say you buy a cheap one and do a little reverse engineering.
carefully destruct the knife and figure it out.

[Hephaestus]

Originally Posted by philip in china

Thank you for your input. They are illegal in UK as well. I have never quite understood the logic. If you are stabbed with a switchblade are you somehow more dead than with an ordinary lock knife? I don't make knives so it was just a purely hypothetical question. I think they are legal here. Certainly they are widely sold.

its mostly just for the opening speed. but in that case, it doesnt make much sense seeing as how a fixed blade in a sheath is always open, but not illegal.

[matt87]

Banning or heavilly restricting switchblades was done in many countries during the 1950s, as apparently many gangs of the time were carrying them. A lot of 'respectable' people panicked after West Side Story and Something Had to be Done. Like many other laws, it didn't have to make sense, it just 'was'.