As I sit here typing, I realize that switchblades are legal in Pennsylvania to possess and carry as of January 2, 2023. Pennsylvania is one of the states in which switchblades, also known as automatic knives have been illegal for decades. That didn’t surprise me. The folks at Knife rights made it possible, and PA is the result. Residents are now able to carry and use auto knives with no fear of being arrested by law enforcement.
Are Switchblades Legal?
This brings us to the question: is it legal to own or carry switchblades? Many people still believe they are illegal to possess or carry, which has been true in many cases since the 1950s. Knife Rights is helping to roll back these laws. Doug Ritter, founder of KnifeRights.org, shared more information about the history and current state of automatic knife laws.
The History of the United States’ Switchblade Laws
Let’s start by defining a switchblade. A switchblade is a knife that opens from the handle by pressing a button. These are usually either Out the Side (OTS), where the blades pivot out of the handle like a traditional folding knife, or Out the Front(OTF) models. OTFs have an enclosed handle and the blade opens through the top or front of the handle.
Doug was kind enough to tell me some background information about the US switchblade laws. Here’s what he said.
“Switchblade knives date back to the early-to mid-1800s. They became very popular in this country during the 1920s, 1930s. They were only legalized in many states in the 1950s. In 1950, a sensational article titled The Toy That Kills appeared on Women’s Home Companion. It was the most widely read U.S. periodical of the day.
“The article caused a storm of controversy. It sparked a national campaign by political opportunists. This would eventually lead to state laws restricting the possession or use of switchblades and federal laws criminalizing interstate commerce in automatic-opening knife imports. For more information, please read the article.
“Politicians saw in the switchblade controversy an opportunity to capitalize upon constant negative accounts about switchblades and their association with violence and youth gangs. This coverage included magazine articles as well as highly-popular films of the mid to late 1950s such as Rebel Without a Cause (1955), Crime in the Streets( 1956), 12 Angry Men(57), 12 Angry Men (57), The Delinquents (57), High School Confidential (1958) and West Side Story (1957).
Eventually, half of the states had enacted complete or partial bans against switchblades. In 1958, the Federal Switchblade Act became law.
Changing the Landscape
For decades, the various switchblade laws in the country have largely been unchallenged. Knife Rights was able in 2009 to obtain an exemption to the Federal Switchblade Act. This allowed one hand to be kept and prevented openers being classified as switchblades. This was a major win for knife-using communities.
Take a look at the prevalence of one-hand openers and assisted openers. They are the most popular style of folding knife that you will see today. Knife Rights won an exemption that would have made these knives possible.
Knife Rights began to work on state regulations after the win at federal level. Knife Rights’ first success in New Hampshire was in 2010 when it repealed its switchblade ban. Knife Rights has been leading the repeal of switchblade restrictions in 19 other states, including my state’s win this month. It has also been active at the local level in 150 cities and towns across 25 states.
Doug asked me what were the biggest obstacles to Knife Right’s work. He stated that the 1950’s stigma and West Side Story still have a negative effect on the view many have of switchblades. Many politicians view switchblades as a weapon and not as a tool, because of this stereotype.
This is where education of the legislature, which Knife Rights does, comes in to play. Another factor is the cost of passing legislation. It can take years of lobbying and hard work to get a repeal passed. All of this takes time and money.
What about me?
What does this mean for you? Is it legal to use switchblades in your area? The Knife Rights website is a good place to start your search. They keep an updated list of all the switchblade laws in the country, as well as any restrictions.
You can also download the LegalBlade App for Android and iOS to use while you travel. It is a great resource for information about knife laws in all 50 US states and 40 major US cities. Be aware that certain states still have restrictions on carrying, such as the need for a concealed carry permit.
Doug does not recommend carrying a switchblade if you live in a state that prohibits them.
He says that it is not a problem until it becomes one.
You could face expensive legal fees, jail time, and a criminal history if you are arrested. Knife Rights also has great advice for those who are arrested for carrying an automated knife. It’s worth reading, even if you live in a state where they are legal.
Don’t despair if you are stuck in a state that bans you from carrying or owning a switchblade. I honestly didn’t think I would see the day Pennsylvania legalized switchblades. But, thanks to Knife Rights, we are here.
This is not a cause that politicians will pursue on their own. It is possible with the right education and encouragement. This has been proven again and again by Knife Rights.
Knife Rights is a great way to support their work. You can join Knife Rights, or make a donation at KnifeRights.org.
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The post Are Switchblades Legally Legal to Carry in the United States of America? Personal Defense World was the first to publish this article.
