Is a Griptilian a switchblade?

A

amv

Joined
Mar 13, 2002
Messages
26
According to the NYC cop who stopped me on my motorcycle for running a red light it is.

He asked for my paperwork and then pulled it out of my pocket as he said "you don't mind if I hold onto this." When he let me leave he was giving me the knife back when he said it was a switchblade and I shouldn't be carrying it. I replied back that it wasn't a switchblade at which point he flung it open without using the assist hole. I guess that would make it a gravity knife?

Anyway it will only be multi tool carry for me in NYC now. I'm looking for a light one, with a pocket clip, other then the skeletool I already have since I'm not too fond of it. Any suggestions?
 
It's not, but a cop will define a knife as such if he doesn't know any better.
 
Just put some loctite on the pivot screw and and tighten it down enough that it cant be flung open.

Problem solved.
 
I think NYC plays that ignorant game. So by their fanciful definition, many knives are "gravity knives", since they can be opened by inertia.
 
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The best suggestion I can give is to purchase a Spyderco Slipit. The UKPK is an excellent choice. Look into other options before going strictly multi-tool.
 
Well he pulled me over in my neighborhood, and if he see's me with it again, whether I tighten the screw or not, he'll believe I ignored him. So it might not ne worth the hassle...
 
After all the trouble I've seen people go through, I'd just avoid going there, ever.
I suppose if you live in New York that's not quite an option though.
 
It's not a switchblade. He might even know that.

If somebody tries to arrest you for carrying a "switchblade"...for a BM Grip...politely and calmly inform them that they are mistaken. Suggest they ask their Sgt so that they can save themselves the mistake.

If they do arrest you for a regular folder stating it is a switchblade, they will regret it.
 
Cop shouldn't care if you have a blood stained machete, much less a little Benchmade.

Tighten the pivot, it's legal, why let one ignorant person dictate what you carry?
 
Warp said:
It's not a switchblade. He might even know that.

If somebody tries to arrest you for carrying a "switchblade"...for a BM Grip...politely and calmly inform them that they are mistaken. Suggest they ask their Sgt so that they can save themselves the mistake.

If they do arrest you for a regular folder stating it is a switchblade, they will regret it.
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It's not a switchblade (blade opens by button/switch n handle), but can be considered a gravity knife which is illegal to carry in NYC. A gravity knife is defined as being able to open (and lock IIRC) without touching the blade. NYC Cops are said to be experts at flipping almost any folder open with a strong wrist fick, which makes it illegal. The tougher ones confiscate it if your lucky, misdemeaner if your not. Tightening the blade pivot is a simple and effective fix. good luck.

Some kid last year on BF had to go to court to contest charges in NYC. I don't remember how it turned out for him, but he was carrying a Spyderco Military...
 
rmc85 said:
Just put some loctite on the pivot screw and and tighten it down enough that it cant be flung open.

Problem solved.
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No that doesn't solve the problem.

My advice, never spend a dime in any area that has laws that take your rights. For me that include most of New England and some western states, mainly California.
 
amv said:
Well he pulled me over in my neighborhood, and if he see's me with it again, whether I tighten the screw or not, he'll believe I ignored him. So it might not ne worth the hassle...
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You are wise to not want the hassle, the fight may not be worth it. I would lean towards tightening the pivot, and not give up my rights. I respect your decision regardless. Do your best to obey traffic laws (not easy for me), so you are not pulled over. Good luck.
 
If you were to carry a Spyderco UKPK there is no way in hell a cop could call that a switchblade or even a gravity knife. Or crank that pivot on your grip down, just a couple suggestions, take em or leave em
 
If it was me, I'd continue carrying the knife. A badge doesn't make him right. I would be specific as to say that you researched it like a good law-abiding citizen and he is simply wrong.

Some cops have a tendency to forget they're there to serve and protect, not oppress and seize. God himself could tell me the grip is a switchblade, and I'll insist it isn't.
 
It's not a switchblade (blade opens by button/switch n handle), but can be considered a gravity knife which is illegal to carry in NYC. A gravity knife is defined as being able to open (and lock IIRC) without touching the blade. NYC Cops are said to be experts at flipping almost any folder open with a strong wrist fick, which makes it illegal.
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Exactly. I checked with a friend who is a SGT in the NYPD and he said the same thing. I couldn't disagree because the patrolman did flick it open. I think the easiest hassle free thing would be to carry a multitool. I'm just not a big fan of my skeletool because it constantly falls out of my pocket when I sit down...
 
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michaelmcgo said:
It's not a switchblade (blade opens by button/switch n handle), but can be considered a gravity knife which is illegal to carry in NYC. A gravity knife is defined as being able to open (and lock IIRC) without touching the blade. NYC Cops are said to be experts at flipping almost any folder open with a strong wrist fick, which makes it illegal. The tougher ones confiscate it if your lucky, misdemeaner if your not. Tightening the blade pivot is a simple and effective fix. good luck.

Some kid last year on BF had to go to court to contest charges in NYC. I don't remember how it turned out for him, but he was carrying a Spyderco Military...
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Id imagine the military being a very hard knife to open with a flick of the wrist. am i correct? its next to impossible for me to open my tenacious unless i severely loosen the pivot screw!
 
And for the record guys, when I become a police officer, you wont be getting a ticket or anything from me, we will simply compare knives :) 2 more years of college then I'm on the force :)
 
I just bought a GEC Linerlock for just such a reason. I'd love to see someone try to flick that open; that will be the end of their wrist. Yet, it locks...
 
TwitchyBlade said:
Id imagine the military being a very hard knife to open with a flick of the wrist. am i correct? its next to impossible for me to open my tenacious unless i severely loosen the pivot screw!
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spyder drop!

Hold the blade and a quic downaward jab and the handle will fall away and the knife opens in a locked manner.
 
You can gravity drop a Millie, it has a lot more blade than a Tenacious.

To get back to the OP's original question: Go for a Leatherman Wave. I find it to be the perfect size and love how you can access the blades when closed. It may be a bit bulky for pocket carry, but carries nicely in a sheath.
 
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