Auto folders (switchblades) in WA?

Joined
May 30, 2009
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New to the forum. Posted same question in the Auto/switchblade forum but no one has answered me. Hope ya'll can help me out.

What are the rules on Automatics (switchblades) in Washington state?

I was under the impression that it's a misdemeanor to possess and carry them in Washington state. See below....


So this is the stuff I found on the internet. A friend of mine works at a local gunshop who sells auto. folders. He claims that in Washington, it's legal to own one, just not to carry it. Also, a friend of mine just bought his girlfriend one of those cheapo $30 switchblades at a gas station up in Everett, WA. I told him he better no get caught with it 'cause it's illegal in my state.

So...can I get this confusion sorted out. Thanks guys!!!!



RCW 9.41.250
Dangerous weapons — Penalty.

Every person who:

(1) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;

(2) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or

(3) Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm,

is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW.
 
Verboten.

Unless you are LE or .mil AND on official duty, you cannot carry or own them. An example: as a patrol officer, I may keep an auto clipped to my duty belt. However, I am not allowed by law to take the knife off duty with me as I am no longer on official duty. Another example: for whatever reason, your girlfriend is arrested. A seach of her person results in this cheap auto being found and a charge of dangerous weapons possession added,

If your friend is selling auto knives to other than LE or .mil, he treads in dangerous waters. We've had local mom & pop stop & robs busted for selling cheap autos in their stores.

Of course, the legal workaround is spring ASSISTED knives.

Hope that helps.
 
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