Kershaw Speed Safes: not considered "switch blades"?

J

jayharley

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Oct 6, 2000
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I just purchased a small Kershaw Onion Scallion. Very cool and quite inventive (its the first Speed Safe I purchased). I understand that it works like a spring loaded motorcycle kickstand. When you push the blade open, past a certain point, it continues on its own.

If this is the case why aren't they considered of a "switch blade" in nature (spring loaded)? I am told they are legal in all states.
 
I can only assume that nobody has made an issue of it. Hopefully, the lawmakers have better things to do than to criminalize a diminutive little Scallion. Take care.
 
Federal and State anti-Switchblade laws generally define such a knife as being opened automatically by a spring after activating a button in the handle of the knife.

Since the torsion bar mechanism operates more like a cam shaft lobe, changing the relative rate of motion around a circular axis, it is not exactly a 'spring' operated mechanism the way the federal law defines 'switchblade knife'. And because you have to put manual energy into the thumbstud ON THE BLADE to initiate opening, it does not fit the definition of being operated by a button IN THE HANDLE of the knife. Therefore, speed-safe is not a 'switchblade'.

On the other hand, if a LEO Thinks it qualifies as a switchblade, you might get into some difficulty. So far, the federal government has not restricted the interstate transport of Speed-Safe knives in the same way 'switchblade' are regulated. I do not know if there is any state criminal case law involving this mechanism (yet).

Personally, I think the switchblade laws are silly. Recent events make it possible that some parts of the government are trying to redefine most liner-lock type knives as dangerous and illegal 'gravity' knives. But speed-safe is not a switchblade, at least the way most of the stupid ignorant laws are written now anyway. Normal common sense knife carry is advised. Never flick it in front of strangers. If asked to open it for someone, do it the slow two-handed way and you will not generate unwanted attention.

Paracelsus
 
Pretty much what Para said with the emphasis on who decides whether or not its a switchblade per say. It will only be a matter of time before some bureaucrat somewhere decides to challenge what it really is.
Bob
 
Jay,

That's hilarious. I also bought a Scallion at the show. Couldn't resist the little bugger for 40 bucks. I bet they sold a pile of them. I'm glad you posted the question of their legality since I was wondering too. I'll definitely follow the good advice on not flicking it in front of strangers though.
 
Peter

The little Scallion is great fun. Already cut my finger with it. It is a cool little knife.
 
Jay, being 'bitten' is one of the most common complaints about speed-safe knives. People are used to using a circular motion following the thumbstud around in an arc to open the blade of a liner lock. Doing this with a speed-safe begs for your thumb to run into blade.

Ken Onion advised to use a short stroke moving in the same direction as the open blade. Simply press down and foward on the button to get the blade to start moving. Try to keep your thumb in the same place where it started. This technique will also prevent the common complaint of sore thumbs caused by applying more force than you need in the wrong direction. Play with it, you will see what I mean.

I have a mini-task. It is a fun little knife to play with. My brother reports getting nicked all the time. It has never happened to me. Yet.

Para
 
Today I emailed Kershaw Inc., about the legalities of the Speed Safe in the 50 states. I purchased a second Scallion (they are really slick) and I like to know a company's view, on their product, if I am ever questioned about it. The answer I got is very helpful, informative and I simply copied the email and put it in my wallet. The answer also confirms what many of you have stated. I am always paranoid in MA when it comes to knives of "question".


Jay, Thank you for your email. We're very glad you are enjoying your new "Scallions". Legalities; our Ken Onion designs that use the "Speed Safe Technology" are not automatic. There is no spring, and no button release. They use a torsion bar/cam mechanism. You have to manually assist the blade open. Hope this is helpful, if you have any questions please email or call our customer service dept.
 
Problem is, most of the cops are ignorant of the nitty gritty around switchblade laws, and if a cop saw you snap one open, you could end up being very correct on the law, but that doesn't mean he wont' take your SpeedSafe, and write you a citation or worse that you get to go fight in court, etc, blahblahblah.

Arguing with a cop or an airline concourse security personnel: both fall into the category of "they have the power to be hardheaded, ignorant, and irrational... and you have the power to be rational and logical and right, and you still automatically lose in the short run."

I.e., a little discretion out in public goes a long way.

P.S. I love my Avalanche. Speedsafe is just very innovative and clever. Onion must be making more on Speedsafe licensing than he does on knives now....hope so. (I dig the bolster release on the LCC also...and Larry Chew's stuff...and ...and.....)
 
I bought the Kershaw Ken Onion Whirlwind. Opening it is very hard on my thumb. Using down and forward like Paracelsus said makes it a little easier. It's also hard to close.

I gave up on it and bought a Meyerco Stingray. It's assisted opening works much easier than the Kershaw. It's also lighter and easier to close. But the blade is 1/2" shorter.
 
It all depends on how your state words things. For example, in NY state A switchblade is is defined as "Any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife. By that definition it is legal because pressure is not being applied to any button spring or other device inside the handle. it is being applied to a thumb stud outside of the handle and it's "release" is not "automatic" as it requires you to manually open the blade.

Now in PA, it is a diferent story. PA law describes a switchblade as; "any... dagger, knife, razor or cutting
instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic
way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or
otherwise". The terms "automatic way" and "or otherwise" makes the kershaw knives illegal in PA.

The lesson here is read your local state law and see if the torsion bar weasels around the law.
 
Last week I handled a new Boa. It takes the speed safe one step further by using a "flipper" similar to the Ken Carson M-16 flipper. All it takes to open the Boa is a press on the flipper. IMO it's as close to automatic as it can get. I just hope it doesn't get caught up in a dispute like the CRKT/Customs problem. Not sure if Kershaw would win something like that.:(

PJC
 
In the wonderful state of Califonia the following is a definition of a switch blade (653k P.C.) a knife having the appearance of a pocket knife and includes a spring-blade knife, snap-blade knife, gravity knife or similar type of knife, the blade or blades of which are more than two or more inches long and which can be released automatically by the flick of a button, pressure on the handle, flip of the wrist or other machanical device, or is released by the weight of the blade or by any type of mechanism whatsoever.
"Switchblade knife" does not include a knife that is designed to be open with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade.

Conclusion you decide???

It should be noted however that alot of "switchblade" knives are sold as "law enforcement only" to my knowledge in this state there is no exception for peace officers to order switchblades:confused:
 
"Switchblades" are not legal in Hawaii. The Honolulu police department and the prosecutors office took a look at Ken Onions design quite awhile back. He is still making custom speed safe knives with no problems. This is not to say that some other LEO or prosecutor in another state would not see things differently. I am actually suprised that this has not happened already. You can rest assured that it is only a matter of time before someone somewhere is charged and the speed safe design is tested in court. Let's just hope the new Whisper model comes out before that happens.;)
 
Ok, here is the "switchblade" law from the Canadian Criminal Code.

Anyone want to take a shot and tell me of they think the Ken Onion series of knives are legal in Canada?


A prohibited weapon is defined as:

(a) a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife, or
 
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