Is selling knives online illegal?

Z

zdp189

Joined
Feb 14, 2007
Messages
274
What I really mean to ask is are there any laws in any jurisdictions that one should be aware of when selling knives (non-auto) online? I have a bunch of knives that I'd like to get rid of but I don't want to get into any trouble by accidently selling it to the wrong person in the wrong location.

Any info about this would be appreciated.

Thanks,
-Z
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

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zdp189 said:
I have a bunch of knives that I'd like to get rid of ...
Click to expand...

How many is "a bunch"? We have exchange forums here where we trade, buy, and sell knives among ourselves.

There aren't many legalities involved in private sales between adult individuals. Federal law does frown on interstate shipment of auto knives.
 
...that I've purchased over the years, but now I'd like to clean out my collection and just get it down to about 3 or 4. Here's a sample:

Benchmade CQC7
Large Sebenza
Spyderco Police (customized spiderweb inlay by Santa Fe Stoneworks)
William Henry Spearpoint B12-FTD (from Signature Collection)
Boker TopLock (Carbon Fibre handle)

Back to the topic at hand. How do I verify the buyer's age? Can PayPal protect me from some young punk trying to buy a knife from me? I don't want some irate parent sueing me saying that I sold their kid a "combat knife" or some such hassle.

thanks,
-Z
 
Personally i wouldnt worry about it. But what you can do is ask for them to fax you a copy of their drivers license
 
A local copy shop should be able to receive faxes for you, or your local notary public, cpa, real estate offices, general store sometimes. Depends where you live and what types of businesses are around.

You could also use efax.com or similar online fax service.
 
I have actually requested buyers to send proof of age in the form of a copy of a drivers license, with a fresh signature matching the one on the license.

I believe it is up to the buyer to be aware of and adhere to laws where they will possess the item(s).

(I am not a lawyer, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once....)
 
There is NO fool proof way to protect yourself as there are many laws all over the country. Never believe those postings that the buyer is responsible to comply with the law. Yes he is, BUT the SELLER is always held to a higher standard than the buyer. The seller is introducing the item to the market place, and he bears the higher responsiblity for the legal SALE of the item. The larger knife firms all do their best to cover themselves and I would suggest reviewing the methods they use as they are made by their lawyers and are at least a sound basis for you to use. The buy/sell here is a good option.
 
Selling on the three major knife forums requires money up front from two, but you are spared the probable difficulty of some kid bidding on something they shouldn't have. Forum members generally know what they want and what it's worth, and the forums have better enforcement than evilbay/paybackPal.

More people have probably been sued for illegal music downloads than selling a knife that's already for sale at better sporting goods stores in that locality. Kids tend to buy the cheap ones at the flea market anyway. Military used = $80 = $15 flea market knife, two movie tickets, a tank of gas, and a hot date.

Still sounds like a deal . . .:D
 
tirod3 has a point. Selling here you get a better idea of who you're selling to.

If it's a new guy with a low post count, check out a few of his previous posts and you'll have a good picture if he's old enough. If you don't like him, ignore his bid. You aren't obligated to sell to anyone you don't want to and you aren't obligated to explain why.
 
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