XM-18 Flipper Model's Legality in Canada

[aznpos531]

I've heard lots of rumors recently about the flipper model of the XM-18 being regarded as illegal in Canada and I would like to clear the air a bit.

Now I'm not a lawyer nor am I an expert on knife laws in Canada. However I have done some research and Section 84 of the Criminal Code of Canada defines prohibited weapons as:

"a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife"

http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-46/page-56.html

As I see it, essentially if you can open the knife without touching the blade, then it's illegal in Canada. This would include autos of all descriptions, balisongs and other gravity knives. To my knowledge, brass knuckles, push daggers and spiked jewellery are also illegal in Canada.

Back to the flipper XM-18 (and all other flipper knives for that matter), the flipper is part of the tang of the blade and is not "a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife" save by the pivot screw. As such, the XM-18 flipper model as well as other flipper knives are legal in Canada.

I ask that those more knowledgeable in this topic chime in. For all I know there may have been some information that I am not aware of that I have overlooked.

I further ask that you don't turn this thread into a debate on how reasonable or rational knife laws are. It will be a never-ending debate and that is not the purpose of this thread.

Thank you.

 

[peter r]

its not illegal i have had many hinderers. however, they could be confiscated if the pivot is either too loose or the retention is not strong enough. if the dealer or shipper will not tighten the pivot down, dont buy one.

 

[aznpos531]

Thanks for pointing that out Peter. I've ordered many knives (flippers and otherwise) from the US and most dealers tighten the pivot screw as you've mentioned.

 

[peter r]

then your fine.

i had a knife confiscated that i got in a sale from the states because the customs official could hold the handles, and without touching the blade ,open the blade by moving his hands. it didnt matter that this knife was sold freely in canada. it only mattered that it could be opened without touching the blade. (zt301)

 

[aznpos531]

Oh that sucks. I find with the CBSA it really depends on who's digging into your package; that is to say they don't seem to have a very clear-cut standard. I had one knife detained once; a Kershaw Leek. Received a letter saying that it was going to be seized or returned to the sender. Contacted them knowing that the knife was fully legal in Canada. Spoke to the agent that dealt with my package and explained everything (the difference between OA and autos). The agent then put me through to his superior who looked at the knife and okay'ed it in all of 2 minutes.