Oklahoma OTF knife help

[Pinnacle64]

Hi, I know it's not legal to carry at OTF knife in Oklahoma. That said is it illegal to collect OTF knifes in Oklahoma or even carry one hunting?

Thanks for any info!

 

[glistam]

One minor clarification: By "OTF knife" you mean a switchblade? Out-the-front or "OTF" knives are not necessarily switchblades; for example the Christie knife or most common Utility knives are OTF, but are not spring-launched into an open position by means of a switch.

Oklahome has no laws whatsoever preventing you from owning any knife. You may collect and own any knife so long as you follow legal channels to obtain it (i.e. no mail-ordering autos from out of state)

Non-automatic OTF are legal for carry but switchblades (aka automatic knives) are illegal to for open or concealed carry. While the statute contains an exception for hunting, it doesn't say that switchblades specifically would be exempt during hunting, only "proper use of guns and knives for hunting, fishing, educational or recreational purposes." It is possible, but not certain, that a DNR officer or other law enforcement might argue that a switchblade is not a proper knife for these purposes and therefore you having one is evidence of ulterior motives. Conversation might go:
"Why do you have this Benchmade infidel?"
"To gut deer."
"Really. You need to use a $400 spring-activated double-edged dagger that not only isn't very safe for that use but will no doubt collect blood and entrails into its mechanism during use?"


Source: http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/OK_Statutes/CompleteTitles/os21.rtf
See 21 Okl. St. § 1272

 

[Pinnacle64]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realize you couldn't order OTF auto knifes mail order out of state. I guess you could mail order from a dealer in Oklahoma? Seems alittle silly that I can carry a pistol on my side with C
Open carry but can't have a auto knife of any size or type. I think we need to update some state laws.

 

[glistam]

Thanks for the info, I didn't realize you couldn't order OTF auto knifes mail order out of state. I guess you could mail order from a dealer in Oklahoma?

Federal law I'm afraid. No autos can be sold over state lines. Yeah it not enforced anymore and there are dealers that do it anyway all the time like BladeHQ, but that doesn't make it legal. However, ordering from a dealer in Oklahoma is perfectly legal because it falls outside federal jurisdiction (inter-state sale).

Seems a little silly that I can carry a pistol on my side with C
Open carry but can't have a auto knife of any size or type. I think we need to update some state laws.

Sheesh don't get me started. All auto laws are dumb and were passed in the 50s for really no rational reason. Knife Rights has been getting the state laws repealed one at a time over the past few years though, so there is progress.

 

[richard thurman]

Hi, I know it's not legal to carry at OTF knife in Oklahoma. That said is it illegal to collect OTF knifes in Oklahoma or even carry one hunting?

Thanks for any info!

ask your DA office about this. they will tell you what the law says.

 

[iwouldhurtafly]

DA office is probably going to laugh then tell you no... I am not trying to be rude but it sounds like you want to carry an OTF then if you get caught just try to pawn it off as "I was deer hunting..." Not being mean but I have heard this from other Okies too... A lot of knife law is up to interpretation by Officer, Judge, and jury. This is not only true in OK but other places too. In Texas a man killed his wife with a large kitchen chefs knife and it was ruled that the knife was in fact a "bowie." Silly? yes... There is nothing wrong with buying them and collecting them, its just the law says you cannot carry one. I feel that Oklahoma needs to pass reform like Texas has to remove switchblade restrictions. As an Okie I can EDC a fixed blade of reasonable size as long as its not a bowie or dagger/double edged and no one blinks and eye. I also dont like when folks illegally carry an auto in Ok, (although most cops have better things to do then check your knife) Because it will only propagate the idea that they are solely weapons carried by lawbreakers further harming the cause of auto legalization. Plus there are much better assisted, manual, and fixed blades that you could carry that would serve you 100X better.

 

[richard thurman]

a very long time ago there was a question about switchblades in Florida. they told us to pull them off our tables at the Flemarket. we did. I had a kid come by and ask about the law and I told them it is up for question. he got put in jail over it. I had a off duty police officer at my booth in plain clothes. I told him he didn't get put in jail over the switchblade. if he ran his mouth like he did to us he was going to jail and the switchblade was the point. I know of people that got caught and said sorry sir. the police just looked at it and handed them back to them then gave them there speeding ticket. no problem because they didn't run there big mouth. if you get caught just try to be very polite to them. This is a time like I could walk like a person. Boy do I mess those days.