Automatic Knife laws in Virginia

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith

ilmarinen - MODERATOR
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Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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It looked like we were moving past the movies of the 1950's into the 21's century. The house and senate of VA passed a new law removing automatic openers from the illegal weapons list. The problem was they still called them switchblades in the new regulations, and the governor vetoed the bill. Hopefully, they will try again next year. The Greater Richmond Knife Collectors Club had sponsored the bill so their members would be legal in collecting, buying, and selling automatic knives. The legislators saw the point. No crimes have been committed with an automatic knife in five decades. But it is hard for a Governor to sign a bill authorizing the use of "switchblades". The fact that 20-30% of the kids in some neighborhoods carry a gun (sometimes to school), and that over 90% of all knifings are done with a kitchen knife, doesn't seem to bother people as much as the word switchblade.
 
It amazes me that politicians and lawyers, whose stock in trade is words are unable work around archaic definitions and meaningless inferences in crafting a simple law.
 
I boggled a bit when we got concealed carry but automatics were still illegal. WI's law was terrible, as it actually made assisted openers illegal as well, but no one ever got hassled for them (or automatics really) unless they were causing some deputy problems on the side of the road.

Now, knives are not even considered weapons (unless used in that capacity) in the WI statutes. I own a few, actually the cheap Taiwanese Lighting OTF automatic is one of my favorite knives to carry around because it's so convenient. I'd really like to make a few sooner or later.
 
Mmmm, okay. Thanks for the clarification. I have never really been able to get a clear answer to that question when reading the laws themselves. Always wanted the Microtec UTX-70 ;)
 
i'd have to dig around, but i believe that there is legal precedent that having a knife clipped in your pocket, but with your shirt untucked thereby covering it is considered concealed. How you would carry a pocket knife NOT concealed is beyond me. I guess they want us to wear neck knives?
 
In most states, owning one is not illegal. It is having one "in your possession" that is illegal. If it is in your house, that is fine. If you carry it in your pocket, it isn't. The gray area comes where the Richmond Knife Club was concerned - What about someone taking a collection in a display case to a meeting or for display at a show?


As a general rule, most states ignore the law for the most part. There are lots of autos for sale at knife shows, and many people like to carry one. Unless you get stopped by the police and have one in your pocket, it isn't a big worry. I sell them mostly to military and special forces people, firemen, paramedics, police, and other LEOs. Many of these folks think they are allowed to have one because of their job, but they are wrong. Military people have to have a form from their commanding officer authorizing them to carry one for a specific reason. LEOs and other first responders are generally under the same laws the rest of us are. In some places, they can get permission from the department, who has to get it approved by the city council or other authority.

The other place many people are wrong is assuming a concealed carry permit allows you to carry an automatic knife. Crazy as it sounds, you can't carry a 2" blade automatic knife in a pocket, but can stuff a 357 magnum or a Glock in your belt under your hoodie.
 
I hope next time they approach it with an view to making it about accessibility. There are a lot of folks coming home with a missing arm - and an automatic opening knife would allow them a much easier path to everyday functionality. It's not about Switchblades, it's about access.

That's how I would have proposed it, anyway.
 
Kevin McGovern said:
i'd have to dig around, but i believe that there is legal precedent that having a knife clipped in your pocket, but with your shirt untucked thereby covering it is considered concealed. How you would carry a pocket knife NOT concealed is beyond me. I guess they want us to wear neck knives?
Click to expand...

Alright, I suppose that makes sense. The UTX- 70 is really the only one I want and I highly doubt it would attract any unwanted attention. I don't really plan on getting patted down or searched either :rolleyes: Maybe I'll take it as an opportunity to make a nice leather slip sheath for it to wear on my belt. Thanks for the explanation!
 
Gotta love the great state of South Carolina for their knife laws. You can pretty much carry anything at any time in any place. Basically the only time it's illegal here is if you "intend" to commit a crime or do commit a crime. Some cities have their own ordinances, but from my experience unless a crime is committed no one bothers you.
 
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