Question on the import of switchblades...

D

doo rag

Joined
Mar 11, 2007
Messages
49
I understand our government is interested in banning the import of assisted opening knives and one handed opening knives by extending the definition of switchblade.

My question is:

I've seen cheap imported switchblades sold in flea markets in Florida. These are true OTF switchblades modeled after the Microtech OTF switchblades. I believe they originated in Taiwan.

How did THEY get imported?
 
Importation restrictions are imperfect in their enforcement. Especially for things like knives. Inevitably some (or even most) still get through.

My guess it's combination of "bigger fish to fry" and the fact that knives do not exactly have a special signature on x-ray, chemical sensor, or dog nose (as say, bombs or drugs). It's not easy to tell a folder from a switchblade without cracking the package open and fiddling with it. And customs simply can't do that to every package that comes in. It would take way too long.
 
If the commercial invoice with the import shipment says "folding knives", it may not set off an alarm for an inspection.
 
As with any Criminal Activity, there will be some who are successful in the crime they commit. Yes, many do get in as do drugs. The point to fighting the proposed ban is that we want to carry, own and use these knives without becoming criminals.
 
glistam said:
It's not easy to tell a folder from a switchblade without cracking the package open and fiddling with it. And customs simply can't do that to every package that comes in. It would take way too long.
Click to expand...

Not only that, but I believe that would fall under unreasonable search and seizure.
 
Customs is allowed to search any incoming person/package/shipment with the standard needed to search private property. The only time I have ever seen Customs seek a search warrant, is to further an investigation that started from the discovery of contraband on a importation ( or other non related reasons).
 
So I wonder...

If real switchblades are imported and not stopped by Customs, why do they want to extend the definition of switchblade to include one hand opening knives.

Could it be that the effort to to stop the shipment of all folding pocket knifes is because they can't single out the true switchblades at the border?

I really don't see the danger of a switchblade knife. They're cool to play with but if I wanted to use a knife as a weapon, I would chose a good tactical fixed blade. Perhaps something like a Boker Applegate-Fairbairn Boot Dagger.
 
They might be importing blades in one shipment and handles in another shipment. Then assembling them on arrival. It is not illegal to manufacture switchblades in Florida if I recall. Most other states do not allow switchblade manufacture.
 
doo rag said:
So I wonder...

If real switchblades are imported and not stopped by Customs, why do they want to extend the definition of switchblade to include one hand opening knives.

Could it be that the effort to to stop the shipment of all folding pocket knifes is because they can't single out the true switchblades at the border?

I really don't see the danger of a switchblade knife. They're cool to play with but if I wanted to use a knife as a weapon, I would chose a good tactical fixed blade. Perhaps something like a Boker Applegate-Fairbairn Boot Dagger.
Click to expand...

Customs was trying to ban assisted opening knives, but how they wrote their proposed amendment included all one hand opening knives. They are a branch of the government with more power than they need. They think they are trying to save us from ourselves. They do not understand the difference and it would take far too much time to try to educate them. The switchblade act of 1958 had nothing to do with them being dangerous, but more to do with Hollywood influence on teens at that time due to shows like West Side Story.
 
The importation of switchblades is not illegal if you have the right paperwork. There are some who have found loopholes in the law and choose to import them, but there is always a risk without the proper paperwork.
 
The only "loop hole" is to import them as a curio to the holder of a Class II license. No two knives can be the same or they will keep the second that is the same.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top