Federal Knife Laws

All fifty states including local jurisdictions have enacted knife laws. Although laws concerning knives are mostly a state issue, federal law restricts the sale and transportation of knives. The federal law prohibits interstate trade of switchblade knives; with the sole exception of direct sale to government agencies by manufacturers.

For instance travelers are prohibited from bringing knives, razor blades, or utility blades onto an airplane by the Transportation Security Administration. Local air travelers are permitted to pack knives in checked baggage, on condition that the knife is sheathed or securely covered.

Changes to Federal Switchblade Act

On October 28, 2009, the President signed an amendment to the Federal Switchblade Act which is known as Homeland Security Appropriations Bill (H.R. 2892) for FY 2010 and states all assisted opening knives are excluded from prohibition. This covers a permanent legality of assisted openers in order that any folding knife with a bias toward closure cannot be declared a switchblade by U.S. Customs.

The significance of the amendment is the protection of the local knife industry and the security of millions of people who are owners of folding knives in the United States that could have been otherwise endangered by Customs.

Knife Dangers

A knife is primarily used as a tool or a utensil, but oftentimes it is made into a weapon. All knives are designed to cut and slice, and they can cause deep lacerations and stab wounds. Knife injuries can be severe and fatal. Common injuries related to knife wounds could be internal and external bleeding, punctured organs, and severed muscle tissues.

Your Legal Rights

Knife owners and people must understand and comply with state and federal knife laws. A person charged with possession of a knife, or has been a victim of a knife related crime should get in touch with a lawyer immediately to discuss legal options.

A lawyer can assist an individual with being charged with violating state’s knife law. The lawyer can also evaluate elements of the crime and potential defenses. The lawyer can help a person assess the kinds of knives the state permits, and any restrictions or limitations on the kind of knife one can own and/or carry. If a person is victim of knife violence, the lawyer can determine whether it is possible to recover damages from the assailants and/or their employers.