I love my new Kershaw RAM and the custom clip from Gavin. In using the knife for a bit though, I am concerned that might be interpreted as a gravity knife since the hawk lock button can be used to unlock the blade and swing it into the locked position. It isn't as easy as using the flipper or thumbstuds, but it is pretty straightforward to do. Has anybody faced this issue or have this concern? I can't imagine that Kershaw's lawyers didn't thoroughly vet this as legal by Federal law, but you never know....
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Kershaw RAM
- Thread starter Lemon328i
- Start date
I would say check your local laws, as Kershaw sells to dealers who in turn sell to retailers. I am sure they comply at that level, but that has little to do with your local law compliance. I assume that is your concern? What state are you in? There is a state law break down under Bernard Levine's section that may help you.
here is the link to his info:
http://www.knife-expert.com/sta-law.htm#N-R
here is the link to his info:
http://www.knife-expert.com/sta-law.htm#N-R
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My concern is actually with Federal law, specifically the switchblade act:
"(b) The term ''switchblade knife'' means any knife having a blade
which opens automatically -
(1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the
handle of the knife, or
(2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both."
The Hawk-lock sliding button is in the handle, the blade has so little friction on it that it can unlock automatically by gravity, however with the lock closed, it does bias towards closing. So is it exempted under Amendment 1447 of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill? :
"(5) a knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife."
The Hawk-lock in particular seems like it is open to interpretation as to the "required exertion". Using the flipper is clearly exempted, but using the button alone would appear not since it is not applied exertion to the blade (technically speaking).
"(b) The term ''switchblade knife'' means any knife having a blade
which opens automatically -
(1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the
handle of the knife, or
(2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both."
The Hawk-lock sliding button is in the handle, the blade has so little friction on it that it can unlock automatically by gravity, however with the lock closed, it does bias towards closing. So is it exempted under Amendment 1447 of the Homeland Security Appropriations bill? :
"(5) a knife that contains a spring, detent, or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade and that requires exertion applied to the blade by hand, wrist, or arm to overcome the bias toward closure to assist in opening the knife."
The Hawk-lock in particular seems like it is open to interpretation as to the "required exertion". Using the flipper is clearly exempted, but using the button alone would appear not since it is not applied exertion to the blade (technically speaking).
Personally, I had long held that the federal defintion included any knife that could flick open ( not even required to lock) until the recent add on of #5 as you quoted. I agree that if the pivot is loose enough, it could operate as a gravity knife, but as to the federal law, that should not be too much of a concern for you, unless you send it accross state lines as merchadise, or visit or live on a FEDERAL holding. States are not Federal holdings, so if you are concerned about a federal possession charge, then google what federal holdings are bound directly to federal law, and don't carry it there. We are mostly talking Federal buidlings, Indian Res, and things like that.
here is the wording:
Section 1243. Manufacture, sale, or possession within specific jurisdictions; penalty
Whoever, within any Territory or possession of the United States,
within Indian country (as defined in section 1151 of title 18), or
within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the
United States (as defined in section 7 of title 18), manufactures,
sells, or possesses any switchblade knife, shall be fined not more
than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
here is the wording:
Section 1243. Manufacture, sale, or possession within specific jurisdictions; penalty
Whoever, within any Territory or possession of the United States,
within Indian country (as defined in section 1151 of title 18), or
within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the
United States (as defined in section 7 of title 18), manufactures,
sells, or possesses any switchblade knife, shall be fined not more
than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than five years, or both.
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Unfortunately my job takes me into federal facilities routinely and they never bat an eye at my normal carry knife (a small Kershaw JYD), which I had hoped to replace with the RAM. I think I just can't take the chance and will relegate this otherwise perfect knife into my collection of neat mechanisms.
Knife laws should be uniform across the country and hopefully one day the Second Amendment will have the same status as the First Amendment in terms of strict interpretation and application.
Thanks for the interesting discussion!
Knife laws should be uniform across the country and hopefully one day the Second Amendment will have the same status as the First Amendment in terms of strict interpretation and application.
Thanks for the interesting discussion!