Things have changed a lot from when I was 50 years younger. Not everywhere but the majority of states have lenient rules about what was called a 'switchblade knife'.
I recall visiting one of those Mexican border cities and bringing one back in my sock. It wasn't noticed and I didn't hit the bucket for this illegal act. I really have no memory of what I did with it. It was cheaply made and most likely it broke and I tossed it out.
A bit over a year ago I was reading a Joseph Finder novel called "Judgment" where the 'good guy' used a similar knife to get out of a bad situation.
The brand name was mentioned and I look it up online and found it pretty expensive for a knife, $279, but it was advertised as having 'free shipping' and really who can resist getting a deal that has free shipping.
Recalling from my earlier days that switchblades were illegal I followed up with the local Police here in Georgia and got a comprehensive answer saying that our state has very lenient knife laws and this latter day switchblade was legal to carry.
Seems that the term these days is either 'automatic knife' or OTF, this latter term meaning 'out the front' as when the knife deploys it just pops out the front and using the same sliding control it also retracts.
So I sent off my $279 and in ten days my new Microtech Ultratech OTF arrived.
It is exactly as advertised and the only adverse comment I have is that using the sliding control to open and close it requires a considerable effort. I do understand that this is needed to avoid it springing open in your pocket or purse but still it is a bit annoying.
I find it easier to just drop my 7 shot .380 into my front pocket.
Below you will find the results of my research into the legality of carrying the knife.
To save readers time it is 'illegal' in 9 states and DC, so if you live in any of these you can stop reading now:
Delaware, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and the District of Columbia.
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Definitions FYI:
Balisong knife - is the Filipino term used to describe a folding pocket knife, better known as a “butterfly knife”. The knife is equipped with two handles that rotate in such a way as to conceal the blade or flip it out rapidly.
FOID card - is a Firearm Owners Identification Card – and residents need one to legally possess or purchase firearms or ammunition in that state.
