# Why on earth are switchblades still illegal? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [December 13, 2011, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008 "2011-12-13T06:42:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/41 "2011-12-14T03:52:59Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > I went to google the scene in Clockwork orange when the gangs get in a fight and one pulls a switchblade and came up with this. > > [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD-aURN\_avk](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fD-aURN_avk) > > And that is just 70-79, virtually all references are about criminals and intimidation. I like the guy at the end who flicks out his switchblade, and _then_ sticks it in his belt. ---
**Author:** ![Kozmik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/8dc957/32.png) [@Kozmik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kozmik)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/42 "2011-12-14T03:55:56Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > I’m guessing it is a holdover of fears of armed gangs in the 50s and 60s. _12 Angry Men_. ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/43 "2011-12-14T04:19:52Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > In what way would a switchblade be even more useful? Outside of having only 2 seconds to cut the red wire(or is it the _blue_ wire?), in what aspect of your life do you need a blade to be available almost instantly? _Need_? Pretty damn rarely. I work with ropes and rigging regularly at my job, and a situation where I need the extra two seconds to avoid death or injury has never occurred but plausibly could; for instance, if my foot were caught in a loop as the rope went up, I might need to cut it very quickly. Still, who cares about need? It’s damned convenient, and I like it, and it does save me time in my daily life. Surely that’s enough reason to carry one? Unless you’re seriously contending that these are weapons of equal public danger and of as little daily use as pistols, why regulate them as strictly? ---
**Author:** ![Starving\_Artist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/aeb1de/32.png) [@Starving\_Artist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starving_Artist)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/44 "2011-12-14T05:28:51Z")
> [@Wesley\_Clark](#): > > I’m guessing it is a holdover of fears of armed gangs in the 50s and 60s. Plenty of kids of the “greaser” type carried switchblades in those days too, it wasn’t just guys in gangs. Where I went to school they also had a fondness for “wedgie” shoes with horseshoe and continental toe taps. If you were unfortunate enough to get into a fight with one of those guys you could suffer some serious damage. Other kids had them too. Some were the greasers’ girlfriends, who carried switchblades in their purses, and others were kids who carried them for what they thought (or hoped) would be self defense against the other kids who carried them. All this resulted in a significant number of kids carrying switchblades, and that in turn created lots of pressure from teachers and parents to get them outlawed. It wasn’t just an overreaction to _West Side Story_. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/45 "2011-12-14T05:57:11Z")
> [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](#): > > Incidentally, if you want something similar, look into assisted-opening knives of the tactical-folder variety. You need only push on the blade a little bit and it snaps open the rest of the way by itself. Even better, it’s perfectly legal. Which, ironically, demonstrates the silliness of switchblade laws because of its legality as [it is spring-loaded and mechanically opened once you get past the regulatory nanny push.](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfP_Xv1AHqE) Are there any you’d recommend? ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [December 14, 2011, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/46 "2011-12-14T18:24:22Z")
I strongly reccommend the SOG Topo Meridian. [http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Knives-Topo-Meridian-Knife/dp/B003YL966Q](http://www.amazon.com/SOG-Knives-Topo-Meridian-Knife/dp/B003YL966Q) Incredibly comfortable, ambidextrous. Can be opened right handed or left handed via pin, or by either thumb by a kicker. Really sharp, strong blade, good balance, good blade shape. Best thirty bucks I ever spent on a pocket knife. I got a deal, you know? It looks a bit techish, but it works pretty well. And, as the video shows, it opens. Now. It has a good lock, too. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/47 "2011-12-15T00:48:13Z")
> [@zoid](#): > > Are there any you’d recommend? I have the SOG Flash II. I have no complaints. However, it does have an ABS plastic handle (at least mine does), and that might be a turnoff. Benchmade starts at about twice that but has a very good reputation. Also check out Kershaw, they have a good selection but are also considerably more expensive than the SOG. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/48 "2011-12-15T02:50:30Z")
> [@Kozmik](#): > > _12 Angry Men_. _Kramer v. Kramer_. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/49 "2011-12-15T05:05:41Z")
The video I linked was the TiNi. It’s smaller. This is the right one. ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/50 "2011-12-15T05:49:52Z")
Nobody has any strong political reason to change the law. That’s the long and the short of it so far as why switchblades are still illegal. If I am a legislature I’m going to be spending my political clout on something a bit more worthwhile than switchblades. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/51 "2011-12-15T06:01:09Z")
Terminology hijack: what’s the difference between a switchblade and any other kind of folding knife? (Dictionaries are of no help here, they translate to _navaja_, which includes all folding knives) ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/52 "2011-12-15T06:20:49Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > Nobody has any strong political reason to change the law. That’s the long and the short of it so far as why switchblades are still illegal. If I am a legislature I’m going to be spending my political clout on something a bit more worthwhile than switchblades. 😕 Actually, it doesn’t seem like it would be hard at all. The federal law appears to have little teeth except on federal property and interstate commerce and such. All a state legislator has to do is introduce a bill that says “such and such” switchblade law from nineteen-fifty- whatever is hereby repealed. What significant group of tools is going to get nuts over that? ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/53 "2011-12-15T06:30:40Z")
> [@Shodan](#): > > It probably is an urban legend, but I read once that one-armed people can legally carry a switchblade. It appears to be the law in [Maine](http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/06/us-maine-switchblades-idUSTRE7356EP20110406). Why someone would choose to carry a knife instead of a gun as a primary defensive weapon is beyond me. Using a knife as a weapon is always going to be considered lethal force. A firearm is a far more effective tool for that use. I carry a knife, but not as a weapon. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/54 "2011-12-15T07:09:27Z")
It should be noted that since the switchblade was made illegal, there has been a significant drop in “chicken” related auto accidents, rumbles, sass-mouth, and Greaserism in general. And NYC’s Hells Kitchen is no longer plagued by roving gangs of violent Italian and Puerto Rican youths (most with 5 years of classical dance and 3 years jazz tap training). Although those stuck-up Socs have started showing their faces around again stirring up trouble! ---
**Author:** ![Odesio](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/odesio/32/20003_2.png) [@Odesio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Odesio)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/55 "2011-12-15T07:24:54Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > 😕 > > Actually, it doesn’t seem like it would be hard at all. The federal law appears to have little teeth except on federal property and interstate commerce and such. All a state legislator has to do is introduce a bill that says “such and such” switchblade law from nineteen-fifty- whatever is hereby repealed. What significant group of tools is going to get nuts over that? It isn’t about people going nuts. As a member of the House what incentive do I have to introduce this bill? What kind of deals do I have to make with other member of the House to support my bill? I’m not going to waste my time introducing the bill and I’m sure not going to waste my political clout trying to get it passed. From that perspective, I see no upside to putting any effort into a bill nobody really cares about. ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/56 "2011-12-15T11:16:25Z")
> [@Nava](#): > > Terminology hijack: what’s the difference between a switchblade and any other kind of folding knife? (Dictionaries are of no help here, they translate to _navaja_, which includes all folding knives) A switchblade pops out when you push the button. Other knives require a manual assist, at least in theory. In practical terms, if the manual assist is aided by a sufficiently strong spring or piston mechanism, there’s not much of a difference. Switchblades, traditionally, are long, narrow stiletto blades. [http://www.wholesaleselfdefense.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=234](http://www.wholesaleselfdefense.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=234) The S shaped microguard also appears to be traditional. It’s not necessary, but that’s the mental image that’ll pop up. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 12:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/57 "2011-12-15T12:17:14Z")
Thanks, **E-Sabbath** ---
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/58 "2011-12-15T12:57:39Z")
Wikipedia has nothing on the utilitarian use of flick-knives. I was told that switchblades were invented for farmers who needed to open a kife while leaving one hand to hold an animal (there’s a scene in _Far From the Madding Crowd_ where the sheep get into a cabbage patch and needed to be punctured to let out gas). Navy boastwain mates may not carry straight handle knives in case they fall on them in heavy seas, so they have clasp knives (in special sheaths that also hold their marlinspike tool). A one-handed opening knife would be handy, but are outlawed for the same moral panic reason as elsewhere. My older brother was in the tail end of the 50’s hood era, so I saw all the toys: switchblades, butterfly knives, stillettos that telescoped the blade out from the handle; even homemade zip guns(!) Nowadays when the world is ankle-deep in handguns, those all seems quaint, like brickbats and shillelaghs ---
**Author:** ![David42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/5f9b8f/32.png) [@David42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David42)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/59 "2011-12-15T15:52:38Z")
> [@pkbites](#): > > It appears to be the law in [Maine](http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/04/06/us-maine-switchblades-idUSTRE7356EP20110406). > > Why someone would choose to carry a knife instead of a gun as a primary defensive weapon is beyond me. Using a knife as a weapon is always going to be considered lethal force. A firearm is a far more effective tool for that use. I carry a knife, but not as a weapon. I agree that firearms are generally better in most situations. However, I can think of many reasons why a knife might be carried as a primary weapon rather than a firearm: Lower cost: Some people can’t afford a gun and nevertheless wish to have some defensive weapon. Legalities: Felons can’t own a gun. many municipalities prohibit loaded guns which makes their use as a defensive weapon idiotic. Those with restraining orders after a hearing cannot own a firearm. Shorter knives may be concealed, although still useful and dangerous, whereby one need not alarm the public. Broader usefulness in different situations: Knives can be employed silently. Knives still work after they get wet. You don’t run out of ammunition with a knife. Fewer serious accidents: It’s far harder to kill yourself accidentally with a knife than a gun. Less maintenance: It only takes a second or two to clean a knife after most uses. Guns require more. no permits and generally far less regulation. Although I’d chose to carry both, and perhaps reach for the firearm more often in threatening situations, I’d still consider the knife the fundamentally more important one. ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [December 15, 2011, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008/60 "2011-12-15T18:38:15Z")
> [@Odesio](#): > > It isn’t about people going nuts. As a member of the House what incentive do I have to introduce this bill? Just attach it onto another bill. Besides, it doesn’t have to be overturned by the feds. It’s the states that need to overturn their laws. > [@David42](#): > > Legalities: Felons can’t own a gun. many municipalities prohibit loaded guns which makes their use as a defensive weapon idiotic. Many states prohibit felons from having any weapons, including knives and even pepper spray. And firearm preemption laws in most states wipe out the loaded gun ordinances. But if someone wishes to carry a knife instead, to each his own. I just hope they don’t forget the old saying about bringing a knife to a gun fight.:smack: [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-on-earth-are-switchblades-still-illegal/606008.md?page=4)