Restrictions, this item is considered an automatic knife.

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Jan 3, 2014
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Sorry to just jump right into it, I know how forums go and noobs are annoying... but time is of the essence. I would like to purchase an auto knife online. It seems most sites are either requiring some form of military ID or asking that you categorize yourself into one of these nifty divisions.

Restrictions
*1. This item is considered an automatic knife
Auto law & Legal Status Terms IN COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL STATUTES:U.S. Federal law prohibits shipment of automatic knives across state lines, with the following exceptions:

(1) to civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal Government ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of the Federal Government;
(2) to supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National guard, or militia of a state, territory or the District of Columbia ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in the connection with the activities of such organization;
(3) to supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of the District of Columbia or the government of any State or Territory, or any county, city or other political subdivision of a State or Territory;
(4) to manufacturers of such knives or bona fide dealers therein in connection with any shipment made pursuant of an order from any person designated in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).
I do not meet any of the criteria above.


How does the "AVERAGE PERSON" go about this? I will not state that I do not meet the criteria because that would be a perfect admission for whatever crimes may or may not be committed.
 
Here's what I know from being a member of this forum (and visiting the "Automatic Knife / Switchblade" sub-forum here at Bladeforums). Some online retailers require strict compliance with the law, but there are others who treat such laws as formalities and will ship autos to any paying customers, including ones in other states.

I've seen many members on this forum purchase autos online from other states without any legal issues, and they weren't military or LEO's.

For more information on purchasing autos, I would suggest asking those people who do so regularly, specifically those members who frequent the "Auto" sub-forum. You can find that sub-forum by clicking on the "Quick Navigation" box at the lower right hand corner of the screen (the one that says "Knife Laws"), and you will see the "Automatic Knife / Switchblade" forum, click on that.
 
Killgar, thanks for the info. Do you know which sites view them as formalities, or should I post in the other section to find out?
 
There are plenty. Keep shopping until you find a website that doesn't ask for the info. Filling out your profile would also help. Like what state are you in? Or if you had an email connected to profile people could email you information. Also what brand are you looking for?
 
The Federal law is not often enforced, but it IS the LAW. There is no legal way to send them to a non qualified person. The forms they ask you to fill out are not compliant with the law either ( they are a form of defense by the sellers) as if you read the law you posted above. A single officer is not buying on behalf of his department and therefore has no legal authority to do so.
Many dealers sell them illegally as stated in the posts here. Your question dances around the issues and basically ask "how do I get around the law?" which is not something the rules allow to be discussed.
I am just trying to respond to your question, and as one posted above, buy them in a state where they are legal.
 
The Federal law is not often enforced, but it IS the LAW. There is no legal way to send them to a non qualified person. The forms they ask you to fill out are not compliant with the law either ( they are a form of defense by the sellers) as if you read the law you posted above. A single officer is not buying on behalf of his department and therefore has no legal authority to do so.
Many dealers sell them illegally as stated in the posts here. Your question dances around the issues and basically ask "how do I get around the law?" which is not something the rules allow to be discussed.
I am just trying to respond to your question, and as one posted above, buy them in a state where they are legal.

:thumbup:

I will add the one possible legal alternative: If the seller is located in the same state as you, the federal law does not apply. If there is no state law prohibiting ownership or sale (majority of states), then such a transaction is completely legal.
 
You could become a bona fide dealer of such knives. I'm not sure what that entails but if you did that then they could send them to you.

Or you could just buy it locally from a dealer (assuming your state allows automatic knives).
 
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