Assisted Openers in NYC

K

kidwholaughs

Joined
Jan 17, 2004
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I go to the NYC from time to time. One of my knife collecting friends wanted to handle an AO. It is my every intention to be a law abiding citizen. So I was wondering about NYC's attitude on AO's. Btw, I will not be carrying it. It will be secured in my bag throughout the trip.
Thanks.

God Bless
 
It is illegal to carry, possess, or sell a gravity knife (or other enumerated knife types) in New York City (and state) per the NYS Penal Code. There is a limited exemption that allows carry/possession of a gravity knife (or a switchblade) by a person licensed to hunt, fish, or trap "for use while hunting, fishing, or trapping..." (NYS Penal Code 265.20a6). The NYS Penal Code defines a gravity knife as a lock knife capable of being opened by centrifugial force. New York Case law (most if not all originating out of NYC, mind you) has affirmed that a knife that can be flicked open (including holding the blade and flipping open the handle) constitutes a gravity knife. Illegal posession of a gravity knife constitutes criminal posession of a weapon. Depending on the possessor's prior criminal record, it can be charged as either 4d. (A misdomeanor) or 3d. (D (IIRC) Felony) Criminal posession of a weapon.

As a general statement, NYPD takes a much dimmer view on knives than most other jurisdictions in NYS, though the centrifugial force definition has resulted in prosecutions in counties outside NYC.
 
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joe-bob said:
There are lots of AO knives that can't be flicked open.
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I've yet to meet one that can't be. That said, nearly all locking knives can somehow be flicked/flipped open. I can even open side-locking Swiss Army knives (ie. Vic Rucksack) by holding the blade and giving a sharp flick of my wrist. Is there any particular models you have in mind?
 
How about the Camilius Heat. It has a tab at the back of the handle. Man I didn't know it was that bad in the city.
 
I bought a bunch of the Heats when they went on sale for $20 at SMKW...they can all be flicked open and therefore are a gravity knife as far as the NYPD sees it....
 
what if you grind the tab at the back of the blade? I did that and now I only use the thumb stud for opening the knife.
 
I have carried all styles, types and sizes of knives in NYC, including AO and switch blades.
The secret is, don't look like someone that would be suspected of carrying a knife.
Don't show any knife in public. Carry what you like. Everything is Legal in NYC as long as you don't get caught.
 
Stitch if the knife can be flicked open then it is illegal. If you carry a knife "as a weapon" then it is illegal. That is NY law...

Phil, you can of course do what ever you want, but please don't encourage others on a public forum to commit a crime. Your luck may run out some day, and you will see the side of city services that you most likely have not yet experienced. It will be the most painful experience of your life ( only to be equalled by dealing with a family court judge).....Remember the old saying if you can't do the time, then don't do the crime.....this one is a year in Riker's if you get caught and a full sentence....
 
tom19176 said:
Stitch if the knife can be flicked open then it is illegal. If you carry a knife "as a weapon" then it is illegal. That is NY law...

Phil, you can of course do what ever you want, but please don't encourage others on a public forum to commit a crime. Your luck may run out some day, and you will see the side of city services that you most likely have not yet experienced. It will be the most painful experience of your life ( only to be equalled by dealing with a family court judge).....Remember the old saying if you can't do the time, then don't do the crime.....this one is a year in Riker's if you get caught and a full sentence....
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It really depends upon who you are. Folk-rocker David Crosby was caught with a loaded .45 automatic and two folding ("gravity") knives in his luggage in NYC. He spent about 24 hours in stir until his arraignment and was released with a fine. Crosby has been convicted in the past (Texas and California) on felony drug and weapons charges and he still walked away from NYC without jail time. Would this same treatment apply to non-celebrities or those without political connections? Who knows. Keep your carry knife of choice well-concealed and you probably won't have to find out.
 
TOM1960 said:
Keep your carry knife of choice well-concealed and you probably won't have to find out.
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That's all I was really trying to say, not encouraging people to break the law.

Uhhhh, is tom and TOM the same guy? :confused:
 
TOM1960 said:
It really depends upon who you are. Folk-rocker David Crosby was caught with a loaded .45 automatic and two folding ("gravity") knives in his luggage in NYC. He spent about 24 hours in stir until his arraignment and was released with a fine. Crosby has been convicted in the past (Texas and California) on felony drug and weapons charges and he still walked away from NYC without jail time. Would this same treatment apply to non-celebrities or those without political connections? Who knows. Keep your carry knife of choice well-concealed and you probably won't have to find out.
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Holy Cow, I wouldn't want to mess with David Crosby. I thought, NYC didn't allow CCW.
 
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