AKTI Opposes U.S. Customs' attempt to classify assisted-opening
knives and all one-hand opening knives as switchblades.
Customs' proposal will make criminals of 35.6 million Americans
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The definition of a switchblade or automatic knife has been clear and explicit in federal law since
1958. There have been several state court cases in California, Texas, Illiinois and Michigan on the
issue of assisted-opening knives. Every judge in every case has ruled they are not switchblades
because they do not possess an activating button on the handle.
In fact, AKTI' s bill on the Texas governor's desk now clarified their statute, reaffirming the 50-year
old federal definition, and clearly distinguishing one-hand openers and assisted-openers from
knives classified as switchblades or automatics.
Be warned … AKTI fears that all folding knives will be at risk. U.S. Customs’ proposal indicates it is
directed at only the importers of assisted-opening knives. However, the language used in their
revocation document is so broad and uses virtually every term ever applied to any knife that opens
with one hand. We fear that they are attempting to bypass the will of Congress and that once they
succeed in getting assisted-openers defined as switchblades, they could move against all folding
knives. These include multi-tools, traditional pocket knives, one-hand openers, and assisted-
openers.
If you want to view a video of what AKTI fears about this situation and about your being branded a
criminal if you carry a folding knife, go to … http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v5KINtCajwI
AKTI's Knife User Data documents that at least 35.6 million folding knife users would become de
facto criminals if Customs has their way. AKTI's Talking Points tells you in simple language what
Customs is really trying to do. Share these documents with other knife owners and your elected
representatives at the federal and state level. . When you are write letters or emails on this issue,
you can use this data.
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