"Gravity Knives"

[Bucksstophere]

When i was a kid, that is what we called knives that you could flip open with a flick of the wrist-no thumbstuds, buttons etc.

In the last year i bought a new knife from a major MFR in the States and it had this quality but i have never seen it mentioned in any discussions about the Knife.

Are there lots of these being made? Are they legal? Is there an unwritten code not to speak of these knives? Thanks

 

[1066vik]

There are folks that do that to their knives on purpose -makes one handed opening much simpler.
if you're worried, tighten the pivot screw a little.
Technically, it can be interpreted as being a switchblade, but isn't always.
Depending on the LEO and where you live, it can cause you legal hassles, or not - there's no hard and fast rule.

 

[BenLankford]

Gravity knife can mean many different things. Some places say it is a knife that can be opened by inertia (a flick of the wrist) when I think of a gravity knife I think of the OTF ones that unlock and then slide out and then lock open.

Here's an example

 

[Skimo]

Serious answer, there's the knife laws forum.

My answer, it's a grey area at best for most states.

Pretty much can't get arrested for a gravity knife unless you're flashin' it around or someone finds cause to search ya.

Beyond that I'd just be spewing libertarian politics.

 

[puukkoman]

Gravity knife can mean many different things. Some places say it is a knife that can be opened by inertia (a flick of the wrist) when I think of a gravity knife I think of the OTF ones that unlock and then slide out and then lock open.

Here's an example

I remember those from when I was a kid. Anybody know where to find one these days?

 

[freedoom]

a quick google search for gravity knife turned up this store http://www.militarygunsupply.com/shop2/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=46

 

[BryFry]

I remember those from when I was a kid. Anybody know where to find one these days?

Hey I had one of those when I was a kid too! Fun to play with. Haven't seen one since about 1990 or so.

 

[puukkoman]

a quick google search for gravity knife turned up this store http://www.militarygunsupply.com/shop2/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=46

Thanks, but that's not what I was talking about. That's the only one I can seem to find anywhere. I was wondering about the silver one (pictured) in particular.

 

[outlaw918692000]

I still have one that is like new LOL!

 

[dangreco]

Gravity knives are illegal in the United States.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

I'm sure there are jurisdictions where they are not illegal.

Gravity knives are generally covered under the same statutes as automatic knives, and often along with balisongs.

Technically, a gravity knife can deploy by releasing a catch that holds the blade in, with gravity (or centrifugal force) pulling it out of the handle, to lock open.

Pull back the axis lock and twist your wrist. The blade will snap out and lock: gravity knife. In New York City and jurisdictions following that lead, take a Spyderco by the opening hole, snap the handle down, and the blade comes out and locks: gravity knife.

This is actually a common topic on Knife Laws, which is where this thread is going.

 

[HJK]

Gravity knives are illegal in Canada. The definition is very broad - stupidly broad-and includes a knife that can be opened by flicking even if it was not designed to do so ie by loosening the pivot or by extreme flicking. So be careful importing folders to Canada. Tighten them up and cross your fingers.

 

[Steve_Holt]

Thanks, but that's not what I was talking about. That's the only one I can seem to find anywhere. I was wondering about the silver one (pictured) in particular.

Here's a similar one: http://sharperdeal.biz/sales/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=487

 

[Kenix]

I've always considered all my Axis folders to be gravity knives. They flick open with or without pulling the axis lock back, especially if you drop the blade forward into a hammer grip.

 

[tom19176]

The wording of the law in many states allows for common pocket knives to be considered illegal. I know that the law may not be enforced, but if it is then it is not just a speeding ticket. It will be a weapons charge that will follow you around for ever! Here is a link to another forum I belong to with some real gravity knives:

http://talkblade.info/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=5448&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

 

[TheDigger]

Thanks, but that's not what I was talking about. That's the only one I can seem to find anywhere. I was wondering about the silver one (pictured) in particular.

Mine is made by ERN and says Rostfri Germany on the blade. It is identical to the one in the picture. I saved up and purchased it back in the 60's at a local hardware store. Suspected at the time it was a gravity knife. The finish on the handle is chrome or nickel and the blade is very shiny and I suspect it is stainless or CV. Hope that helps.

 

[puukkoman]

Here's a similar one: http://sharperdeal.biz/sales/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=27&products_id=487

Mine is made by ERN and says Rostfri Germany on the blade. It is identical to the one in the picture. I saved up and purchased it back in the 60's at a local hardware store. Suspected at the time it was a gravity knife. The finish on the handle is chrome or nickel and the blade is very shiny and I suspect it is stainless or CV. Hope that helps.

Great, thanks!