Is a Griptilian a switchblade?

I think that some of the people on this thread that are flat out stating “It is not a switchblade because…” or “ It is not a gravity knife because…” need to realize that whether or not it is a switchblade or gravity knife has nothing at all to do with your personal opinion of what makes a switchblade or gravity knife. Nor does what most bladeforums members define them as have any impact whatsoever. The only thing that matters is what the actual law states in the jurisdiction that you are currently in. What is a switchblade in NYC may not be a switchblade in Texas (or wherever), likewise with a gravity knife. Some places have pretty jacked up definitions of what is or is not a switchblade/gravity knife.
Take Wisconsin Statute 941.24 as an example:

“941.24 Possession of switchblade knife. (1) Whoever
manufactures, sells or offers to sell, transports, purchases, possesses
or goes armed with any knife having a blade which opens
by pressing a button, spring or other device in the handle or by
gravity or by a thrust or movement is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.”

By that definition, pretty much any knife that you can flick open is a switchblade. Its f’ed up, and I know for a fact that it is not really enforced, at least where I live, but there it is. By that definition a Grip is a switchblade, or could very easily be considered one by an LEO. Whether it gets reduced or dropped by the judge (which it probably would) is irrelevant.

Basically I think the lesson is, know the laws were you are and follow them. If that means carrying a different knife than you normally would, then so be it. If you choose not to, be prepared to be hassled.
 
What does it mean: "having a blade which opens.. by movement.."

I am not native english speaking, so i understand, that even a SAK is opened by movement. :confused::D

After reading the laws you must read what is meant by them.
 
My solution to the vagueness of the gravity knife definition here in the city was to get a small pocket fixed blade with a sheath that locks tightly in place. The Izula I have should be well within the law. Now I have come to just prefer small FBs to folders.
 
I live in NYC as well and know a few cops. From what they have told me, they are instructed to classify a switchblade as ANY blade that can be open with one hand. So your lucky he didnt take it away from you or even arrest you for it. Most cops in NYC are asses but it seems like you got a pretty decent guy
 
Well, in maryland where I live it is listed that any knife you can open using one hand by putting pressure to one part I figure meaning, thumb studs, spring assisted and switchblades are considered switch blades. But any knife that folds into the handle and isnt a switchblade is considered a pen knife which there isn't a legal size to. So it works out sence I can cary my buck 110 and stockman because those are my two main EDC knives. So if you don't nessisarily want to cary a multi-tool get a 110 or 112 if there is a legal length for the blade. If you do want a multi-tool try to get a leatherman if you have the extra money. I mess with my grand fathers multi tool and I really like it. Plus the blades lock so you don't have to worry about things shutting on you. I'm sure that other brands have locking tools also but leatherman are the only ones I'v come across.
 
Damn am I glad I made the decision to NEVER visit NYC. I am more and more set in that decision the more I see.

Actually, I hope to never set foot in the state of NY at all
 
Dr Heelhook said:
Or just any Spyderco lockback. They can't be flicked open.
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Can't speak for all of them, but I have a Centofante 3 and a Endura, and its not a problem to flick either of them open.

Sharp Phil said:
Almost any lockback can be flicked open if you understand the technique.
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I don't know if I'd go quite that far though. I'd like to see somebody flick open some of the small ones like a Fallkniven U2 or a Ladybug or something. Maybe almost any that have a large enough blade though, that I'd probably go along with.
 
Thalestin said:
Not all females have long brittle nails...
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Sorry, I guess I was stereotyping a bit......
ginshun said:
Can't speak for all of them, but I have a Centofante 3 and a Endura, and its not a problem to flick either of them open.



I don't know if I'd go quite that far though. I'd like to see somebody flick open some of the small ones like a Fallkniven U2 or a Ladybug or something. Maybe almost any that have a large enough blade though, that I'd probably go along with.
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If you depress the lock back while the knife is closed, the knife can be flicked open with wrist action.
 
Its scary how poorly written knife laws have become a slippery slope in recent years.

By the vague wording of these laws, just about any knife that any one us carries can be deemed illegal based on the disposition of the officer on the scene.No matter who is correct in the end, officer or knife owner, it is becoming increasingly more difficult to enjoy our passion for knives.

This frustrates and concerns me to no end!
 
I guess the thing that troubled me the most was that he just pulled the knife out of my pocket while I was going through my wallet. Maybe I'm just not used to be treated like a criminal.

As for the two posters who said something to the effect "just don't go through red lights" I must admit I find your comments extremely juvenile. Let me know if you need me to explain why.
 
amv said:
I guess the thing that troubled me the most was that he just pulled the knife out of my pocket while I was going through my wallet. Maybe I'm just not used to be treated like a criminal.
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AMV,

What about removing the pocket clip and sticking your old knife in your pocket? The officer saw the clip and knife because it was clipped, visible. So long as you behave courteously, it is very unlikely than an officer will search your pockets for items he cannot see.

Tightening the pivot screw might also be a good idea for those times you are using the knife and an officer sees you.

Bill
 
Guys, I mean this with upmost respect, but seriously QUIT GIVING OPTIONS THAT ENABLE HIS RIGHT TO BE VIOLATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To hell with tightening the pivot, going to a slippy, bowing to lesser charges. Stand up for yourself man. Carry legal knives, be a productive member of society, and DO NOT let your rights be stolen from you.
 
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I have posted this several times in the law section, but here I go again. As a former NYC LEO ( four ranks up the ladder) any knife that can be flicked open even by holding the blade, is considered a gravity knife by NYS PL 265.01. It is a Class A misd, but if you have a conviction for ANY past crime it is a Class D FELONY! This is very well enforced in NYC. The transit officers consider this a good arrest and seek it out. The fact that you are stopped for ANY violation allows the officer to legally perform a weapons pat down. If you have a visible knife ( sheath, pocket clip) you are in violation of the NYC Admin Code unless you are in a very select exception they list. If a knife is visible any where in NYS ( where there is no anti visible law), an officer has a clear right to ask to examine it to see if it is an illegal knife. Any knife reguardless of size, opening manner, blade type is an illegal knife when the carrier states he has it as a weapon ( including SD). Be thankful it was not the end of the month when you were stopped as the need for an arrest is ampified then. In NYC last year over 500,000 persons where stopped and frisked for questioning due to "suspious behavior" and a 250 form was filled out to show they were stopped and no other police action was taken. You can assume more where stopped where the form was not filled out. A weapon found during those stops will almost certainly result in a arrest.

All that explained, I DO NOT like the laws, and since 9/11 they have gone way beyond reasonable enforcement, but that is the law, and the courts have enforced it. I rarely carry anything but a SAK in NYC and I have my ID card (my past status) and firearms license. There are officers out there today who will summons past officers for minor offenses....Please don't post advice that tells people to break the law even if you don't like it. This type of arrest will be on a person's record for ever and prevent them from getting many jobs in addition to the penality they have to pay during the court process. Change the law ( if possible) but don't break it before you do, or you are just another criminal then. I made many drug aresst where the suspects told me the use and possession of drugs was their religious/cultural right, but of course that does not matter as it is still illegal.
 
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Roger999 said:
If you depress the lock back while the knife is closed, the knife can be flicked open with wrist action.
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I suppose your right. With the ones I mentioned I was talking about flicking them by only holding the handle. I guess it depends on your definition of flicking them open. :D
 
J_Curd said:
Guys, I mean this with upmost respect, but seriously QUIT GIVING OPTIONS THAT ENABLE HIS RIGHT TO BE VIOLATED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To hell with tightening the pivot, going to a slippy, bowing to lesser charges. Stand up for yourself man. Carry legal knives, be a productive member of society, and DO NOT let yourr rights be stolen for you.
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It's a fact that there are laws that violate our civil rights. To rail against people for trying to offer, constructively, ways in which he can avoid breaking the law is irresponsible and not productive. Yes, it makes us all feel very good to revel in our libertarian ideals... but there are practical realities to consider.
 
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