CA Law: Griptilian

[Kaizen1]

Hello,

I just found out that I can open my Griptilian 551 with only flicking my wrist. I don't have to touch the thumbs stud or the axis lock, I just have to flick my wrist a little harder. Does this fall under the definition for an automatic/switchblade knife?

 

[TFin04]

Depending on the cop, yes.

Just tighten the torx pivot screw until you can't do that anymore. I keep my Mini Grip too tight to be flipped open with the Axis held down. With good lube (Militec-1) it's still smooth as butter to open one handed or to 'Spyder Drop' it. (I have the thumb hole opening)

 

[Argyll]

Not in California. As long as your Griptillian has a detent or bias towards closing, which I assume it does, it does not meet the California statutory definition of a switchblade. This has been addressed before, use the search feature to find the actual statutory language.

Best regards,

Argyll

 

[pbkouri]

Benchmade Mini Griptilian 556 Yellow Plain Edge - a prohibited weapon? Ya Right!

I bought the above knife by mail order from the USA, to be delivered to my home in Ontario Canada. Unfortunately, the Canadian border authorities have confiscated the knife claiming that it is a prohibited weapon under Canadian law, because one of the guards was able to fling it into the open position using centrifugal force.

Canadian law defines a prohibited folding knife as: "switchblade knives or other knives that open automatically by gravity or by centrifugal force, or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device"

Naturally I am appealing, their decision to "destroy" my Griptilian “within 90 days of official letter...”

Now, we all know that an AXIS locking mechanism is great for locking a blade in the open position. But is there anybody out there who knows if the AXIS lock on the Mini Griptilian also locks the blade closed?

If the AXIS locking mechanism indeed locks the blade in the closed position, I might have a leg to stand on in my appeal against the Canadian government, because I will say the guard had to unlock the blade, before opening it using centrifugal force.

Any words of wisdom are appreciated.

 

[MrSuicide]

from what ive read you probably wont get your knife. next time ask the seller to specifically tighten the pivot to the point that that can't happen.

 

[DevilMan]

The AXIS lock does NOT lock the blade closed. Only on the Auto Axis knives does it do so.

What Suicide said for the future purchases, but for this one try to appeal it, and get your blade back. With enough force even a blade that has the pivot screw torqued all the way down can be "flicked" open with enough force.

And with enough force a fixed blade can be flicked to the point of coming apart. Not a very clear rule and I personally can't think of any folder that cant be flicked open. Granted I wouldnt take my collection to them to prove it. Anyway, good luck with the good fight!

DM