Spring assisted knives

[bside303]

Can anybody confirm that all spring assisted knives are illegal in Colorado?

[ray1970]

I hope not. I carry one every day.

[spleify]

Only out the front knives are illegal

Standard spring "assist" side swing knives are legal

[bside303]

Yeah, wasnt sure if they considered "spring swings" as a ballistic knife. I've heard, yes they are legal as long as they are 3". Then the guys at MGT told me that all spring assisted knives are illegal.

[Teufelhund]

I hope not. I carry one every day.

^This. I asked the same question when I bought the knife I currently carry (CRKT Ignitor) and was told as long as you have to open it manually a little bit before the spring takes over (about 1/4" in the case of this knife), it's legal. Maybe one of our resident LEOs will chime in.

[bside303]

It is whomever can define Criminal Code Section 18-12-101 and how spring assisted knives fit in. Anybody know a laywer they can call?

Colorado - Criminal Code Section 18-12-101. Definitions...
(e) "Gravity knife" means any knife that has a blade
released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of
gravity or the application of centrifugal force, that when
released is locked into place by means of a button,
spring, lever, or other device... (f) "Knife" means any
dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3-1/2
inches in length, or any other dangerous instrument
capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing
wounds, but does not include a hunting or fishing knife
carried for sports use. The issue that a knife is a
hunting or fishing knife must be raised as an affirmative
defense. (j) "Switchblade knife" means any knife, the
blade of which opens automatically by hand pressure
applied to a button, spring, or other device in its
handle... (a.3) "Ballistic knife" means any knife that has
a blade which is forcefully projected from the handle by
means of a spring-loaded device or explosive charge.

[kwando]

That defination is for OTF knives. You should be good

[bside303]

I will ask a DPO and post his reply.

[bside303]

The Denver police officer i talked to, said yes they are illegal. Spyderco factory outlet in Golden, said it depends on interpetation and would say yes illegal to carry.
I called criminal laywers and they never had a case with a spring assisted knife.

The "End All" call, which i just made but got hung up on would be a call to your local police dept and talk to the Watch Commander in charge. I was just about to talk to him when he put me on hold. Sounded like he was in the bathroom peeing and the phone disconnected. I will call again later.

[Teufelhund]

I suppose if you have to open your knife in front of a cop, do it with two hands.