Speed Actions - How "legal" are they?

J

Jperfetti

Joined
Jan 17, 2002
Messages
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I'm condsidering purchasing a Kershaw Avalanche with the speed safe action. I live in Michigan. I talked to rep at Kershaw and she told me that they don't even ship speed safe knives to Michigan because they don't want the potential legal problems. I talked to a custom knife maker that told me that the speed safe design does not come under the catagory of an automatic knife and that he has seen speed safe knifes (specifically the chive) for sale at discount stores such as Meijer or Kmart. I don't know what to believe. Help!
 
It all depends on where you live. Your best bet would be to check out the knife laws forum. There's a great link there (top thread) for knife laws.

From what I've heard, Kershaw is pretty well versed on various state laws. Remember, Kershaw probably has a team of lawyers. Did the custom maker have the same? I'd probably give more weight to what Kershaw says on this matter.

-Al-
 
Michigan is the only state where I have heard of legal probs with the Speed Safe mechanism. It seems that a local prosecutor has taken the position that it constitutes an "automatic".:( This is most unfortunate. Hopefully, Kershaw can get this matter resolved before too long.
 
The speed safe design, so far, is legal in most states as it does not meet the legal definition of a switchblade knife. Described in most statutes as having a blade that is released by a button, lever or other mechanism within the handle of the knife. The only way to open a speed safe knife is to manually move the blade. However, if Kershaw feels that the Michigan statute wording makes it illegal, I would trust their judgement. Here is the Michigan statute. Sorry, because the Chive is an awesome little knife.

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/mi.txt

You could also ask on Ken Onion's forum, he designed them.
http://www.kenonionknives.com/
 
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