[PittsburghFrank]

Does anyone know what the law is in PA regarding "spring assist opening" knifes? I know that Automatic opening knives are not legal. I saw a spring assist knife for sale in a local outdoors shop and I was supprised.

Thanks
Frank

[Russ in PA]

I think assisted opening knives, like the Kershaw Scallions & so forth, are legal. Push-button "automatic" knives are legal to own (collect) but illegal to carry or transport. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

[DeadMansLife]

I believe it is a gray area issue. The only straight answer will be from the judge at your hearing.

[Arc Angel]

Basically, Russ has it right!

[BMH]

Hope this helps.

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

[trakker45]

Well, they sell Kershaws at Wal-mart and gun shows all over the place in PA, so that would be my excuse if I ever ended up in court regarding the Kershaw Leek I carry daily.

Just don't flash it in front of a cop. Or take it into an airport or courthouse. Be smart.

Autos are legal to own in PA but not to carry. Personally, I have carried a few smaller autos from time to time but prefer my Kershaw Leek, in all honesty.

Hope this helps.

[murph2127]

I got mistaken for someone the cops were looking for. I had two self assist openers on me at the time.

When they frisked me they took the knives. I was very worried that they would try to open the knives. Not because I was worried about the legality of the knives, but I do know if someone who does not expect a self assist knife opens one, they sometimes don't get out of the way of the blade's opening and get cut by the tip. I witnessed this once when I handed my knife to someone to look at.

They didn't open the knives and I got them back when they checked my ID, but I sure am glad they didn't get hurt on them. I stopped carrying them after that.

A bit off subject, but worth mentioning IMO.

Ted

[g19luvr]

If you're looking for a knife thats easy to open, I'd check out either an Emerson or Spyderco with the "wave" option. I've had my Emerson CQC-7W for several years now and people still are amazed at how fast the knife opens...

Gilk

ps. Oops, I forgot to mention, no strings or springs attached, just pull it from you pocket and it opens right before your eyes...

[25074]

I found this but t is not the complete statute.

When I go to work tomorrow, I will update this post with the entire statute


Pennsylvania - Pa. C.S.A. 18.908. Prohibited offensive
weapons.
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a
misdemeanor of the first degree if, except as authorized
by law, he makes, repairs, sells, or otherwise deals in,
uses, or possesses any offensive weapon.
(b) Exception.--
It is a defense under this section for the defendant to
prove by a preponderance of evidence that he possessed of
dealt with the weapon solely as a curio or in a dramatic
performance, or that he possessed it briefly in
consequence of having found it or taken it from an
aggressor, or under circumstances similarly negativing any
intent or likelihood that the would be used unlawfully.
(c) Definition.--As used in this section "offensive
weapon" means... any... dagger, knife, razor or cutting
instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic
way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or
otherwise...