Why is the spyderco bi-fold a "restricted item"

It might be that it does meet the Colorado requirements for automatics. Doesn't help much I know, but that was something I read a while back.
 
It has a switch that exposes the blade so it fits in the archaic knife laws.
 
In addition, that switch is located on the handle. Exposing the handle, exposing the blade is just a matter of perspective and what you're holding. Not sure about Colorado laws either, but it might just be that it's opened by something other than your own hands.
 
It is a folding knife that is held shut by a mechanical latch and is opened by a spring when the latch is released. It would qualify as an automatic in Kansas as well as Colorado.
 
Some States require the user to initiate the blade deployment with a forward motion of the blade (thus assisted openers are permitted). This knife is deployed by pressing a button that releases the blade/handle which is always spring loaded to the open position.

Can you buy them from some online dealers? Yes.
Are they legal in your area? Perhaps not...or perhaps yes.

It is a very interesting knife and if you have not seen one from a few different angles, this video might be interesting.

[video=youtube_share;kgsE64LbP9M]http://youtu.be/kgsE64LbP9M[/video]
 
Hi Renegade,

Because Customs in their wisdom determined it to be a "Switchblade", so we couldn't import them. Customs uses Federal law as the standard so now that we are making them in Golden, we have to treat them as "Switchblades". We have to get approval from the local DA whenever we introduce a new "prohibitive" weapon. When he came out to see the piece, he also thought it an odd ruling, but we must obey the law, right?

sal
 
From what I understand, switchblades are considered such if the knife opens by pressing a button or a release on a handle to then release the blade. Assisted openers are legal because you have to touch the blade (be it thumbstud, thumbhole, or flipper) and move it past a certain point before the spring takes over and the knife opens. It seems to me that the bi-fold probably falls under switchblade classification because although you're touching the blade to open the knife, you're not pushing the blade open. To open the knife you have to depress a trigger or button which is on the handle portion of the knife, thus classifying that as a switch on the handle and thus it's a switchblade.

Definition and legal issues aside, that is a very interesting knife. I wouldn't carry one, but it is a very unique concept. I like it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top