SAT and the like

W

Wasz

Joined
Oct 2, 2002
Messages
353
Ok so forgive me for being relativly new around the knife world, but i have a quick question. I'm looking to buy a folder, not my first but my first "real" knife. So i scope out some brands and while looking at SOG i read about the assisted opening and SAT. I wonder what is the legality of this system according to the switchblade act. And on a bit of a side note if you should happen to know the legal length of a knife to carry with out a concieled carry permit that would be really great too (no one seems to know that and i cant find out).

Thanks.
 
Usually switchblade are defined as using buttons/switches on the handle to release the blade, which is propelled open by spring power.
Most of these assisted technology (ie SAT from SOG or the SpeedSafe from Kershaw) requires you to open the blade by engaging the thumbstud or part of the tang (flippers), therefore not subjected to most switchblade acts.
Given that some dumb kids and criminals abusing these, the switchblade act may be modified so that these knives would be banned too.
 
i see. i think i must have read it differently, i thought it was pretty much any opening by spring or mechanical force. however it all comes down to the situation. I realize that if i lets say anger a cop that its a switchblade reguardless, i was just kinda wondering about if SOG had taken this into consideration (im pretty sure they must have) and what they managed to determine.
 
I believe the letter of the law (Please note I do not work for SOG, I do NOT hold any law degree, nor do I particularly know what i am talking about, and this is opinion only!!!) states that it must be operated by a catch, push button, or other release, as calyth stated... and that SOG, Kershaw, Timberline, etc all have a system that requires you to START the opening mechanism, and the spring assists the opening. As NGK Webmaster said in another thread, legal types probably consider this a grey area.
They may well in a few years be re-classified, who knows...??? In the mean time, if you mis-use it, like any knife, it can and will be confiscated...:grumpy:

That's my take on it...:cool:
 
Just don't try to take it on an airplane, and you should be ok with an "assisted opening folder", be it a SOG, Kershaw, or what have-you.

Myself, tho...I don't care much for 'em, as my thumb tends to want to follow the blade, which for me anyway, can lead to a nasty cut.
 
Yep the grey area thing sounds about right, i think i'd have to mess with one a bit before i bought it because as stated i could see where it could lead to some accidents or something along that line.
 
Originally posted by glockman99
Just don't try to take it on an airplane, and you should be ok with an "assisted opening folder", be it a SOG, Kershaw, or what have-you.

Myself, tho...I don't care much for 'em, as my thumb tends to want to follow the blade, which for me anyway, can lead to a nasty cut.
Click to expand...

That is what I like about the SOG vs the others... The SOG Flash actually wants to be opened with the studs. It isn't as fast as some of the others (Chive in particular) but won't bite you either :eek:... That is why I never bought a Chive... I trust my Flash....:cool:
 
Let me do us all a favor and quote the US federal switchblade law (not all of it, of course):
The term “switchblade knife” means any knife having a blade which opens automatically 1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or 2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.
Click to expand...
The term we are all familiar with and most commonly use regarding SOG’s SAT knives (ie Flash) and our competitors, is “assisted opening.” In today’s terminology and usage, this differs from switchblades in that they open up in a method other than a “button in the handle” clause found in the federal switchblade law. But, they still share the spring opening mechanism.

Legislation...I just don’t know. Assisted opening knives are not federally restricted. I’ve always thought the switchblade law was pretty stupid and that knife style should not be outlawed. They should outlaw ugly knives first! ;) But that’s a different battle. :) Back to topic...In the near future, we don’t see any major changes coming in legislation against assisted openers. So for us, we’ll remain status quo.
 
A little off-topic, but something that I just don't understand about the "Federal Switchblade law"; Why are "switchblades" illegal here in Washington State, but legal in Oregon, and California (2 inch blade or less)? It seems to me, that for a Federal law to be "legal" that it should be consistant throughout the entire United States...(I know...It's probably Washington STATE law that makes "switchblades" illegal here in Wash. State, and that the FEDERAL law deals mainly with transporting across state lines, but STILL...). I REALLY think that the "switchblade" law (Federal AND State) needs to be tossed-out.

If I can be trusted to carry a powerful handgun concealed, why not a knife that I can open with the push of a button?
 
Wasz, if you are a PA resident (which I assume you are, given your screen info.) There are some PA knife laws that you should be familiar with: 1) Maximum length of a "concealed" carry blade is 4"
2) Speed-safe (Kershaw) SAT (SOG),knives are
legal in the Commonwealth of PA
3) Double edge knives ARE NOT LEGAL!
4) Concealed weapons permits are ONLY FOR FIREARMS!
5) Switchblades MAY be legally owned in PA, just
not used as a weapon (depending on local law)
Regarding #1 a folder greater than 4" CANNOT be carried in your pocket (concealed), but may be carried in an "exposed" sheath on your belt.
I'm not a lawyer, so my opioin/statements are not the LAW, but that's what the County Sheriff's office told me. So the Flash is fine, even for concealed (pocket) carry.
 
Steve C you are the offical man. I've been looking for that info forever, i was just short of finding a cop to ask. thanks a ton.
 
You're welcome. Just a note on "true" autos, they're fine to collect, play with, etc. Just do it in your own HOME! The real issue for the Federal switchblade law is transport, production and commerce, across state lines. I'm just a Doc, not a lawyer! (read that as DISCLAIMER!:D )
 
Hey again, just wanted to let you all know i decided to get a flash as my uh first real folder thanks again for the info and help in general.
 
you will love the "action". i bought the flash I and flash II sight unseen(no sog flash knives in this area that i know of). the larger flash has a really cool lock-up. the smaller version is a lot faster coming out. i like both of them but carry the smaller version more... i have a lot of larger folders and alternate who gets to "go out":D
 
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