Question for Thomas W from Kershaw

T

tom19176

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Thomas, I was just reading your quote in another thread that stated the AOs sold by your company are legal in all 50 states. I had heard that early on your company actually reached out to all 50 states to ask if they believed them to be legal. Is that true? Have you had any experiences where simple possession has caused trouble for your customers? I have about 25 Kershaw knives, and about 6 are AO models. I am a former NY LEO and all of my friends who are active duty believe these to be switchblades and most of these can be flicked open, and therefore a gravity knife. Can you shed any lite on this issue, as it does prevent me from carry the ones I own. I carry a model 2420 of yours that I have adjusted the liner lock spring to hold the blade closed tighter, and this one is not a gravity knife, however most of the new ones could be flicked open out of the box.

I ask this because in NY people are arrested all the time on a single charge of weapons possession....
 
I doubt that you'll get him to give you legal advice here.

As a former LEO, I'm sure you know that even though you might beat the rap, you might not beat the ride. You're not likely to be arrested anywhere for carrying a Kershaw knife unless you're a prick, though, IMO. Real cops don't arrest people simply for carrying a pocket knife in their pocket...
 
I am a former NY LEO and all of my friends who are active duty believe these to be switchblades and most of these can be flicked open, and therefore a gravity knife.
Click to expand...

That's nice it doesn't really matter what they believe. AO knives are not outlawed and are not switchblades. The ATF or your local swat isn't down at walmart right now bustin down the door to get at their kershaw collection.
 
I was asking Thomas this with the hope of having the company that started this line( AOs) give some insight as to wheter or not there was any positive feed back from the states they are sold in. I read two different articles ( One titled " Buy any switchblades at Walmart Lately") in which the state of Illinios reported fined Wlamart for selling Kershaw AOs. This may have been over turned for all I know, but the local Walmart by me put the warning " not for sale in all states" right after this article.

The knife makers have all developed some knid of AO at this point, and they are making alot of money from them. I personally love the concept all the way. I just feel the guys making the profit off of these can afford to spend alittle money making sure we can legally carry them. I had read a article I think in Blade about five years back, that had stated what I asked, in that it said Kershaw had requested an opinion of the status of AOs from the state Attorney from all 50 states and that they all said they were legal. If this is so then I would love for them to share the information. I would feel alot better having that knowledge now before I was in any trouble.

Once again, I love these knives and after seeing the weapons arrest I have seen , I am not being paranoid, I am just hoping there is information out there that clears up where you stand carrying one of these, so I can dust off mine and use them more!!!!!
 
Maybe Thomas will answer you, maybe he will not.

IF I worked for Kershaw, or represented any cutlery company for that matter, I would not touch this post with a 10' pole. It would not be advantageous.

I cannot remember IF the statement about the SAG's is correct or not, but I can tell you that it does not matter, in your case. Why?

Each city, township and village can make up their own ordinances. I have the misfortune to live in CA, where they just passed a law outlawing private ownership of handguns in San Francisco. The minute they do that in So-Cal, I am moving back to my beloved Washington, the Evergreen State.

Assuming that you are inquiring about NYC, well, the City has some of the strangest weapons laws that I have ever seen, and you know it. Did you know that the Loveless City knife was designed SPECIFICALLY to conform with NYC's knife laws?

In short, as I am sure that you are aware, one can be in violation of local laws, while not in violation of state law. It is, and always has been up to the consumer to ascertain legality of weapons and said carrying within their areas of work and residence. I have seen two different LEO's interpret the same law differently, so the interaction you have with an LEO, and their interpretation of the law means the difference between a ride downtown, or a walk.

My credo has always been, when in doubt, don't.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson
 
Steve, I agree and thanks for knowing what you are talking about. The NY Penal code offers as a positive defense if the person acted under the belief that he was complying with the law due to a goverment issued statement. if Keshaw does have one it would be a great thing to base your actions on. I am not looking to hold them liable just for information. I have over 25 of their knives ( mostly 2420 and 2415 ones). I have paid my dues to Kershaw by buying this much of their product....just looking for their feelings on it....

What is the Loveless city knife....I would love to see and get one??

Tom
 
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