In basic terms, a switchblade is a knife featuring a blade that springs out of the handle when a button is pressed. When fully closed, the tension is separated from the knife by a button. When the button is pressed, the tension of the spring is released back onto the blade and it flicks open without any effort.

There is no federal restriction on ownership, possession or carrying of a switchblade knife. The majority of states allow auto-open knives. There is no Federal restriction on the sale of auto-open knives within the 50 states.

Contrary to folding knives which are operated manually, OTF knives are automatic and when activated the blade springs open through the front and locks into place. There is usually a button or slide switch that activates the internal mechanism to allow the blade to eject.

Racism. The switchblade was seen as a “gang” weapon, used by “spicks” and “waps”. So, make it illegal and you control those undesirables. Texas 2013 Legislation Removes Switchbade Restrictions – American Knife and Tool Institute Looks like the law changed in Texas since I last lived there.

According to legend, “If you press an OTF switchblade against someone’s back and push the button, you can stab them without even moving your arm!” Unfortunately, this is completely untrue.

In the State of California, there is no maximum length for knives in general. However, the maximum legal length for a switchblade knife is 2 inches. Additionally, it is illegal to carry daggers or dirks concealed, and also illegal to carry many types of knives which are designed for concealment.

Minors cannot carry concealed knives except for regular pocketknives. Along with complex state laws, major cities have their own knife laws. California doesn’t have age-related restrictions, but limits types of knives and blade-lengths for everyone.

Lock knives are not classed as folding knives and are illegal to carry in public without good reason. Lock knives: have blades that can be locked and refolded only by pressing a button. can include multi-tool knives – tools that also contain other devices such as a screwdriver or can opener.

There is no age restriction, but there are laws that govern carrying a knife. A common pocketknife that is under four inches is legal to carry, provided its not a fixed blade. Anything larger is illegal and considered carrying a concealed weapon…

A good general age range for supervised knife use is somewhere between 5 and 7 years old. Buy a first time knife, explain how to properly use a knife, and only let them use the knife while you are instructing and watching carefully.

Generally speaking, 10 is a good age to introduce them to their first blade. You must ensure that your child comprehends the gravity of the responsibility you have given them. Furthermore, proper knife handling instruction must be given and retained.

In California, balisong/switchblade knives are legal to own, buy, sell, and transport if the length of the blade is not more than 2 inches. If the length of the blade is more than 2 inches they are illegal to buy, sell, transfer, or possess in public although it is legal to possess one if kept at home.

Under federal law, you can carry a knife that is 3 inches or shorter that has a practical use. Since a karambit knife meets those requirements, it is not illegal to own it under federal regulations. You should also check your state and local laws to ensure that carrying one of these knives won’t put you in violation.

Why Are Butterfly Knives Illegal? Butterfly knives are illegal in many places because of their potential for use as a threatening weapon. Some states classify butterfly knives as switchblades, daggers, or gravity knives, making them illegal to possess in those areas.

It is stated that the purpose of the earliest butterfly knife was utility as well as self defense. The style and features of this knife allowed a quick knife deployment; whereas, it could be used single-handedly and with efficacy as well.

They are no more dangerous to somebody in the recieving end than any other knife, if you are talking about crime or combat. They can be noticeably more dangerous for the user though. The method of deployment can look flash in the hands of someone who is well trained and proficient.

There is nothing illegal under California state law about buying or ordering a switchblade.

Although carrying an actual balisong is illegal in California, making this an even more useless skill than others I’ve picked up such as lock picking or leathercraft, balisong flipping is definitely a hobby I will keep around.

A balisong is a folding pocketknife that features two counter-rotating handles around the tang, or base, of the blade. Also known as a butterfly knife, fan knife, or Batangas knife.

Real Butterfly knives are very dangerous. However, messing around with fake knives can be a lot of fun. Flipping the knife open is a fun test of dexterity and skill that can improve your hand eye coordination.

Knife Center offers hundreds of balisongs, also called butterfly knives, you can buy on line. Butterfly knives (also known as balisong knives) have handles that rotate around the tang of the knife and conceal the blade when they’re closed.

The combination of US mandated labor and parts with limited areas to sell them means higher prices. If it were legal to sell balisongs in all 50 states,or/and legal to import balisongs from overseas youd see more variety and lower costs.

Any butterfly knife is illegal in California. It does not matter whether the blade is sharp or dull.

Benchmade

As long as you’re holding on, the knife isn’t going to close. Blade wiggle on good quality balisongs are non existent due to the design. Weighting is decent.

A Note On Legality

• Bradley Kimura Butterfly Balisong.
• Kershaw Lucha Balisong Butterfly Knife.
• Gerber Doubledown QuadLock Machete.
• Terrain 365 Mini-Butterfly Böhler M390.
• Benchmade 51 Morpho Balisong Butterfly Knife.
• Hinderer Knives Nieves v2 Balisong Butterfly Knife.
• Benchmade 87 Ti Bali-Song Butterfly Knife.

It is lightweight, strong, takes up very little space in the pocket, and tackles any EDC task you will typically encounter. It’s also fun to play with and is a snappy flipper. I was eyeing the 87 ever since it came out and decided to give it a go. The blade shape and milled titanium is what caught my eye.

Benchmade 87 Ti Balisong Butterfly 4.5″ CPM-S30V Wharncliffe Blade, Titanium Handles, Magnetic Latch – KnifeCenter – Discontinued.

181g is 6.38oz. That’s fairly heavy, so you’ll probably want something around the 4.5oz (128g), mainly so that fatigue sets in less whilst learning. In saying that, balance or weight distribution is considered more important.