Why no gravity knives?

Joss

Joss

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
7,353
Gravity knives are forbiden of course, but so are automatic and balisong, and yet there are many examples of those in the production and custom world. How come it isn't the same case for gravity knives? I don't recall ever seeing one...
 
There are many places where autos and balisongs can be owned legally, and even carried. As for a gravity knife, I wouldn't want to argue with a policeman that it's not a weapon by conception (I mean it's main purpose is to function as a weapon) ;) Autos and balis can be used as weapons, but they are tools by conception. This is just my opinion, based on the laws here in France. I'm sure someone with law backgroudg can give a more educated answer.
 
I've seen a few custom gravity knives over the years, but I can't recall the makers(wait, Dick Atkinson makes a gravity type knife, where you pick up the locking bar via stud and snap the blade open).

I think maybe the reason you don't many custom gravity knives is that they are largely a European pattern. I can only recall two companies that made them in the U.S.. Most makers probably aren't that expierence with them.
 
Forget what I said, I mixed up "gravity knife" and "ballistic knife" :rolleyes:
I really don't understand the difference between a gravity knife and most liner locks (or frame locks) that I own/handled. Almost all of them can be opended using centrifugal force (you snap them open) and they lock in open postition. :confused:
 
Hi Flava,

Gravity knife is some-what of a loose term.

Gravity knives could be knives that open by centrifugal force. Most though use a latch or button to release tension on the blade, which in turn, allows the blade to slide freely. The WWII German paratroopers knife is an example of these knives.
 
The problem with many gravity knives where the blade is snaped open by flicking your wrist is that after a while they tend to self destruct. Just like an auto that snaps open really hard. You are putting excessive stress on all the parts and something has to give eventually.
 
Actually, if you are talking about knives that can be opened by centripetal force (not centrifugal as is often stated), then just about any folder is a gravity knife. If that is indeed the definition of a gravity knife, then there are plenty of custom gravity knives being made.
 
The only gravity knife I've seen is this one by Jason Williams...the blade is narrow at the spine so you *can't* grab it to open, you have to flick it! :)

williams_gravity.jpg


-Michael
 
Keith Montgomery said:
Actually, if you are talking about knives that can be opened by centripetal force (not centrifugal as is often stated), then just about any folder is a gravity knife. If that is indeed the definition of a gravity knife, then there are plenty of custom gravity knives being made.
Click to expand...

If we want to be exact, we should use the term "inertia". The centrifugal and centripetal forces are just fancy names, the first one for inertia and the second one for the reaction force that must be used to counter inertia in order to create circular (or anything but linear) movement.
Sorry for the drift ;)
 
I think the reason relates to Federal law which bans gravity and ballistic knives. Federal law prohibits the importation of butterflies and autos and it bans interstate commerce in autos, but doesn't outlaw ownership or use. So that means gravity knives and ballistic knives are illegal everywhere in the U.S. while autos and butterflies are not.
 
Talk about waking the dead.....this one was 9 yrs old.
From another new member - it's best to check the dates on threads before you comment.
 
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