switchblade

Folding switch blade

A switchblade (also known as an automatic knife, switch, or in British English flick knife) is a type of knife with a folding or sliding blade contained in the handle which is opened by a spring when a button or lever on the grip is pressed.

Switchblades are often covered by very specific laws—enacted at times of moral panic by newspapers and films about knife use by criminals.^[1] This was most prominent in the late 1950s, when films such as Rebel Without a Cause and High School Confidential in 1955, the Broadway play West Side Story and 12 Angry Men in 1957 all featured switchblades, and were closely followed by the US Switchblade Act of 1958 (a federal law; individual state laws differ widely). This US federal law was closely followed by the UK Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959.^[2]

Overview of designs

There are two types of switchblades, side-opening/folding "swingblade" switchblades and OTF (out-the-front) switchblades.^[2]

A side-opening knife's blade pivots out of the side of the handle (in the same manner as an ordinary folding knife, except with the press of a button). An out-the-front knife's blade slides directly forward, out of the tip of the handle. There are two types of (out the front) OTF knife: double action and single action. Double action OTFs allow the user to extend or retract the blade with the press of a sliding button. Spring tension in these knives is provided by the movement of the button. Single Action OTFs require the user to retract the blade manually and compress the spring. Because they often use a lever to compress the spring, stronger springs can be used. This makes them open more vigorously than the double-action type, and allows them to achieve tighter lock-up.

Another type of the switchblade is a Dual-Action design which allows the user to manually open the knife as though it were a manual side-opening folding knife.^[2] Usually, the trigger for such knives is hidden in a grip panel.^[2] The user is required to move the scale away from the body of the handle or squeeze or twist the handle in a certain fashion, or is hidden in some other manner.^[2]

History

The earliest known examples of spring loaded blades are automatic folding spike bayonets on flintlock pistols and coach guns.^[3] Museum examples dating from the 1700s are mostly English and French origin. These exclusive pieces were produced one at a time from wrought iron and not considered mass production knives. Hand made automatic knives of this era may not have makers' marks or tang stamps and are hard to date or catalog.^[3] By 1790, combination pistol/spring dirks became standard products offered by gun makers.^[3]

Examples of steel automatic folding knives from Sheffield England have crown markings that date to 1840.^[3] Tang stamps such as Tillotson, A.Davey, Beever, Hobson, Ibbotson and others produced automatics that have either simple iron bolsters and stag handles or ornate embossed silver alloy bolsters.^[3] Some English knives have what is referred to as a "pen release" instead of a central handle button, whereby the main spring activated larger blade is released by pressing down on the closed smaller pen blade. Also in the 1800s, folding French personal defense knives marked Chatellerault were available in both automatic and manual in standardized sizes. Chatelleraults have recognizable features such as "S" shaped cross guards, picklock type mechanisms and engraved decorative pearl and ivory handles. About the same time in Spain, Admiral D'Estaing is attributed with a type of folding naval dirk that doubled as an eating utensil.^[3] When folded closed, the blade tip would extend beyond the handle to be used at the dining table. It could be spring activated to full length if needed as a side arm, by pressing a lever instead of a handle button.^[3]

After the American Civil War (1865), knife production became industrialized.^[3] The oldest American made production automatic knife is the Korn Patent knife, with a rocking bolster release.^[3] By 1890, advertising and customer response began to have a great effect on knife production. Automatic versions of utilitarian non-weapon models such as farmers jack-knives and pen knives became readily available.^[3] Advertising showed a small lady's hand, working a fly-lock automatic pen knife, with the caption urging women to buy one for their sewing kit, so as not to break their fingernails opening a normal pen knife.^[3] Although some automatic knives from this period were advertised for defense use, and were made with designs that appeared intimidating, these American made knives were still basically jack knives with blade lengths not exceeding 20 cm open.^[3] Around the turn of the century, George Schrade retained the patents for several practical automatic pen knife designs.^[4] His company Shrade-Walden Knives, along with the New York Press Button Knife Co., manufactured many varieties. Other companies such as Imperial and Remington could pay royalties to Schrade, in order to produce similar knives also known as "contract knives".^[3]

Swordmakers in Toledo, Spain developed a market in the 1920s for gold plated automatic self defense leverlock knives with pearl handles and enamel inlaid blades. Italian knifemakers had their own style of knives, some with characteristics similar to the early French Chatellerault.^[5] Prior to World War II, hand crafted automatic self defense knives marked Campobasso or Frosolone were often called "Flat guards" because of the two piece top bolster design.^[5] These Italian designs became most favored, and evolved into the 1950s Italian switchblade and similar manual stilettos called "Picklocks".^[5]

After 1945, soldiers returning from Europe brought home these early types of Italian stilettos.^[5] Until this time, automatic knives in America were utilitarian, but in the 1950s great numbers of "novelty knives" based on these designs were manufactured.^[5] These Novelty knives included weapon-like stilettos which ranged in size from 3 inches to over 12 inches in length; some were flimsy souvenir knives made for tourists, and others were made with solid materials and workmanship.^[5]

Toward the end of the 1950s sensationalist tabloid press invented the image of the young delinquent with a switchblade or flick knife, and it became self perpetuating. Street gangs of youths used switchblades as badge of membership.^[2] Magazine articles affected the public perception of automatic knives in a negative manner, claiming outlawing switchblades would stop gang violence.^[2] When the US Congress took up the task of banning these knives, their efforts were opposed by the US Departments of Commerce and Justice.^[2]

By the 1960s, production of American made switchblades was limited to military contract paratrooper knives.^[3] In Italy, switchblades known among collectors as "Transitionals" were made with a mix of modern parts and leftover old style parts.^[5] Around this time, the "Picklock" became obsolete, replaced by the tilting bolster model ending the "Golden Age" of hand crafted Italian switchblades.^[5]

In the 1970s modern production methods stabilized, and samples found from this time are typical of automatics made up through the year 2000. In the 1980s, sales of automatic knives made a comeback with the concept of kit knives, allowing the user to insert a spring or build a knife from a parts kit. Since no law prohibited switchblade parts, this assembly was the purchaser's risk until this loophole was prohibited in most of the United States.

Today there are a fair number of knife companies and custom makers who build high-quality automatic knives for military, emergency personnel, and for knife collectors.^[2] Some famous automatic knife manufacturers include Microtech Knives, Benchmade, Severtech, Gerber Legendary Blades, Mikov, ProTech, Dalton, Boker/Magnum, Spyderco, Kershaw Knives, and Piranha.^[2] Few manufacturers still produce the classic Italian style stiletto switchblade. Manufacturing in Italy is predominantly a cottage industry of family oriented businesses such as the families of Frank Beltrame and AGA Campolin whom have been making automatics for more than half a century.^[5]

Automatic knives (known tang stamps) have been produced in the following countries; Argentina, China, Czech Republic, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Korea, Pakistan, Poland, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, U.S.A.

Legality

This section may be inaccurate in or unbalanced towards certain viewpoints. Please improve the article by adding information on neglected viewpoints, or discuss the issue on the talk page.

The lists in this article may contain items that are not notable, encyclopedic, or helpful. Please help out by removing such elements and incorporating appropriate items into the main body of the article. (March 2009)

Regardless of specific legislation, in common law countries switchblades (like other knives) are likely to be considered as offensive weapons and carrying them in public "without lawful authority or reasonable excuse" to be illegal.^[6] Switchblades however, are often covered by specific law. Such laws generally restrict one or more of the following: manufacture, export, importation, sale, possession, or carrying in a public place.^[6] For example Japan only allows possession of switchblades that are 2.16 inches long in blade length, but outlaws the carrying of switchblades altogether.

Australia

In Australia, switchblades are banned by the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations as a Prohibited Import.

At a state level, most jurisdictions declare them to be prohibited weapons in their respective acts, codes and regulations. Persons residing in states which do not have specific weapons legislation covering switchblades (e.g., Tasmania) are still covered by Federal Customs legislation, but in conditions where the state has no legislation against such items, an exemption may be applied for, after approval by the Head of the Police service in that state.

Some states which have specific legislation against switchblades allow individuals to apply for an exemption from this legislation if they have a legitimate reason. For example, in the state of Victoria, a member of a bona fide knife-collectors' association, who is not a prohibited person (per the Firearms Act 1996), and meets other guidelines and conditions may apply to the Chief Commissioner of Police for a Prohibited Weapons Exemption, to possess, carry, or otherwise own such a knife.

This exemption may then, in turn, be used to apply to the Australian Customs Service for an import permit.^[7]

Australian Customs refer to all Switchblades as Flick Knives

Australian Legal Definition: A flick knife (or other similar device) that has a blade which opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the knife.

Canada

Switchblades are illegal to sell, buy, trade, carry or otherwise possess. Part III of the criminal code first defines such knives as prohibited weapons (arme prohibée). The Canadian Criminal Code defines the switchblade:

"A knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife." (sec. (84)(1)(b))

Different subsections of the code describe possession offences and penalties. There are no other knife banning laws in Canada.^[8]

Germany

Most switchblades are illegal to own, import or export. However, if the blade is side-opening, a maximum of 8.5 cm long, the breadth is a minimum of 20% of length, and is not double-edged, they are legal.

Hungary

According to decree 175/2003. (X. 28.) of the Hungarian government a közbiztonságra különösen veszélyes eszközökről (about the instruments particularly hazardous to public safety), it is prohibited to possess a switchblade in public places or private places open to the public – that includes the inside of vehicles present there – and on public transport vehicles, except for filmmaking and theatrical performances. Members of the Hungarian Army, law enforcement, national security agencies and armed forces stationed in Hungary are let off from this limitation together with those who are authorised to carry such instruments by legislation. Sale of a switchblade is authorised only to the persons and organizations above. Customs clearance of switchblades may not be performed for private individuals such as tourists.

New Zealand

The Customs Import Prohibition Order 2002 prohibits the importation of "any knife having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife (sometimes known as a “flick-knife” or “flick gun”)". The Summary Offenses Act 1981 and the Crimes Act 1961 section 202A(4)(a) make it an offense to possess any weapon in a public place without reasonable excuse.

Singapore

Switchblades may not be brought into Singapore without first obtaining approval from the arms and explosives branch. It may not be also listed or sold in auctions in Singapore

Switzerland

Knives whose blade can be opened with an automatic mechanism that can be operated single-handedly are illegal to acquire (except with special permit) in Switzerland under the Federal Weapons Act.^[9] Butterfly knives, throwing knives and daggers with a symmetrical blade are banned likewise. Violations are punishable with imprisonment of up to three years or a fiscal penalty, as provided for by article 33 of the same act.

Great Britain

The "manufacture, import, sale or hire, or offer of sale or hire, or lending or giving to any other person" of switchblades in England, Wales and Scotland is illegal under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959. Technically it is not illegal to possess such a knife as long as it is held within the home, although the position of knives acquired after 1959 is unclear.

The law came in response to their perceived use by so-called Teddy Boys and their depiction in the media including newspapers and movies.

Later legislation (such as under the Criminal Justice Act 1988) adds akin limitations for a range of other knives and weapons.^[10] In Scotland the facts vary, but the overall result is akin.^[11]

The Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959 states:^[12]

(1) Any person who manufactures, sells or hires or offers for sale or hire, or exposes or has in his possession for the purpose of sale or hire or lends or gives to any other person—

(a) any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife, sometimes known as a “flick knife” or “flick gun”; or

(b) any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever, or other device, sometimes known as a “gravity knife”,

shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction in the case of a first offence to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months or to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or to both such imprisonment and fine, and in the case of a second or subsequent offence to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or to both such imprisonment and fine.

(2) The importation of any such knife as is described in the foregoing subsection is hereby prohibited.

United States

Federal law

The Switchblade Act, (Pub.L. 85-623, 72 Stat. 562, enacted on August 12, 1958, and codified in 15 U.S.C. § 1241–1245), prohibits possession on Federal lands, Indian reservations, military bases, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and other protectorates. It prohibits manufacture and sale of switchblades in interstate commerce.^[6] The act was amended in 1986 to also restrict ballistic knives. Federal law controls Federal aspects only, and does not mandate prohibition within an individual state. It does say specified knives can not be mailed through the U.S.Postal Service, and provides penalty exceptions for other common carriers/shipping companies doing normal business.^[6]

18 U.S.C. § 1716(g)(2) provides this summary:

Federal law prohibits shipment of automatic knives across state lines, with the following exceptions: Switchblade knives can be shipped: (1) to civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal Government ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of the Federal Government; (2) to supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National guard, or militia of a state, territory or the District of Columbia ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in the connection with the activities of such organization; (3) to supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of the District of Columbia or the government of any State or Territory, or any county, city or other political subdivision of a State or Territory; procuring or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of such government. (4) to manufacturers of such knives or bona fide dealers therein in connection with any shipment made pursuant of an order from any person designated in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).

15 U.S.C. § 1244 provides, in summary: Knives can be shipped by common carrier, that sale, transportation or distribution, possession or introduction into interstate commerce of switchblade knives is authorized if it is pursuant to a contract with the armed forces or any member or employee thereof acting in the performance of his or her duty may possess switchblade knives and may have them shipped to him and sold to him or her. The possession and transportation upon his or her person of a switchblade knife or a blade 3 inches or less is authorized to any handicap individual who has the use of only one arm.

State laws

Each individual state (and sometimes individual counties, cities, and towns) may, and often do, have laws restricting weapons including knives, often specifically mentioning switchblades. Laws often refer to blade lengths and styles to define tools with useful purposes. The definition of a legal knife is often taken in context with the situation. Some states allow police officers to declare any object, screwdriver or broken bottle as an offensive weapon.

See also

• Ballistic knife
• Gravity knife
• Switchblade Collectors Terminology

Notes

Further reading

• Antique American Switchblades, by Mark Erickson 2004 Krause Publications ISBN 0-87349-753-8

External links

• BERNARD LEVINE - STATE KNIFE LAWS
• NZ Police: "Swords, Knives and Bayonets"
• http://www.antiqueamericanswitchblades.com