Is it illegal to own a switchblade?

Question

Ony answer if you know for a fact

I live in California

comeon people... is it legal in CA

Answer 1

A common misconception is that switchblades are illegal throughout the entire United States. In actuality, switch blades are usually restricted on a state or local level, the one exception being the Federal Switchblade Act, signed August 12, 1958, which concerns the interstate sale of switchblades, aside from contractors to government agencies. In addition, switchblades are illegal to import into the United States. However, several states freely allow the purchase and/or carry of switchblade knives.


By the way, why do you want a switchblade? Just get a nice spring-assisted opening knife, blade of about 3 inches, and you can take it just about anywhere.

Answer 2

FEDERAL KNIFE LAWS and Switchblade Knives

State and local ordinances are not the only knife laws. The
federal government also has its own knife laws. Federal law
bans interstate commerce in switchblade knives. The only
exemption to this federal ban is direct sale to government
agencies by manufacturers.
Even before Congress banned interstate commerce in
switchblade and gravity knives in 1958, in response to media
frenzy about "juvenile delinquency," several states had
already enacted more or less absolute bans within their own
borders. The first was New Jersey, in 1956, followed quickly
by New York. Today about half the states have outright bans
on switchblade knives, while another dozen or so states ban
carry and/or commerce in switchblades.
Text of the Federal SWITCHBLADE Act
History of the Federal Switchblade Act
Aside from the interstate ban on switchblade knives,
federal knife laws are of relatively narrow application. For
example, an 1860s law bans sailors on U.S. flag merchant
ships from wearing fixed blade sheath knives while aboard
ship. A logical reading of the Constitution would seem to
rule out any federal restriction on "keeping and bearing
arms," but logic plays little part in legislation.
Knives on a Merchant Ship - 1860s
IMPORTANT NOTES:
1) These are abridged extracts ONLY from those state laws
explicitly mentioning knives.
2) Most states have additional laws regarding the use of
weapons in the commission of crimes. The laws collected here
are only those in which possession or carry of a knife is the
only crime.
3) Research was conducted in September 1996; new laws or
amendments may have been passed since then. I have
included later updates and revisions for many states,
but not all. See notes for each state.
4) Some cities or counties may have additional or more
restrictive local laws (e.g. New York City).
5) "None found" means just that. It does not mean that the
state has no knife laws, but only that I cannot find any.


http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/fedswitch.txt

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/swbl-leg.txt

Answer 3

It is illegal to carry a switch blade on your person. I believe you can own and collect them. There is something about crossing state lines with them. Bet you check your local statutes. For the most part it is Federal law you can not carry one.

Answer 4

It is illegal in California. I tried to bring one across from TJ when I was in the Navy and they took it away and broke it in two, saying they are illegal in CA.

Answer 5

Switchblade is classfied as a weapon, and henceforth at places where weapons are baned (i.e. schools, airports, etc) they are illegal. However, owning a switchblade in your own private house is not, as long as your intention is not to stab someone else.

Answer 6

http://www.amatecon.com/switchblade.html

depends on what state.

what's a switchblade? Are they like scissors?

you can own one but not carry it around

Answer 7

its not illegal to own one, just to carry one, it is considered a concealed weapon. i have several in my knife collection.

Answer 8

It's OK to have one but it is illegal to carry one. Leave it at home lol.

Answer 9

no not to own one but it is to carry one.

Answer 10

Concealed weapon. It is in most states.