Search found 3 matches

by Charles L. Cotton
Tue May 12, 2009 8:09 pm
Forum: 2009 Texas Legislative Session
Topic: URGENT, a Bill on knives could protect your CHL
Replies: 30
Views: 18028

Re: URGENT, a Bill on knives could protect your CHL

AEA wrote:Cool, I think I'll buy one now..... :rules:
Not too fast; it has to pass in the Senate. Surely it will.

Chas.
by Charles L. Cotton
Mon Mar 23, 2009 3:25 pm
Forum: 2009 Texas Legislative Session
Topic: URGENT, a Bill on knives could protect your CHL
Replies: 30
Views: 18028

Re: URGENT, a Bill on knives could protect your CHL

The Annoyed Man wrote:
Charles L. Cotton wrote:These bills are included in the Bill Status Report and they are very good bills.

Chas.
Charles, I'm a little confused. . . . what is the current state of the law at this point? I regularly carry a Kershaw Tanto Blur. This knife has the Kershaw "Speedsafe" feature, which they define thusly on their website:
What is SpeedSafe®?
SpeedSafe® is the patented, assisted-opening system built into many of Kershaw's best-selling Ken Onion knives. SpeedSafe® assists the user to smoothly open the knife with a manual push on the blade's thumb stud or Index-Open system. (Index-Open uses a protruding portion of the blade's finger guard to give the user an alternative to the thumb stud. The user manually pulls back on the protrusion with the index finger to open the blade.)

How does SpeedSafe® work?
The heart of the SpeedSafe® system is its torsion bar. Closed, the torsion bar helps keep the knife closed, preventing it from being opened by "gravity." In order to open the knife, the user must apply manual pressure to the thumb stud to overcome the resistance of the torsion bar. After the blade is out of the handle, the torsion bar moves along its half-moon track and takes over. The blade opens smoothly and locks into position, ready for use.

Is a SpeedSafe® knife a switchblade?
NO!
There are many unique features of SpeedSafe knives that make them quite different than knives that are considered switchblades. Unlike a switchblade, SpeedSafe blades DO NOT deploy with the push of a button in the handle or by gravity alone. Instead, the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance -- using the thumb stud or Index-Open protrusion on the blade itself -- in order to engage the SpeedSafe system. Because the user must manually overcome the torsion bar's resistance, SpeedSafe knives fall fully outside the Federal definition of a switchblade. However, due to the complexity and constantly changing nature of these laws and regulations, it is impossible for Kershaw Knives to be aware of every restriction in every location in which our knives are sold or carried. It is the responsibility of the buyer to investigate and comply with the laws and regulations that apply in his or her specific area. At Kershaw, we are proud to be able to offer this convenient, secure technology.

Who are our SpeedSafe® customers?
SpeedSafe® was specifically designed for sporting and work situations where one-handed opening is preferable and safer. Its safe, efficient opening has made it a popular choice for hunters, fishermen, and those who require the one-hand opening function on the job-site.

How Safe is SpeedSafe®?
Very. SpeedSafe® technology is designed to be safe and secure. The blade opens ONLY when the user manually deploys it using either the thumb stud or Index-Open protrusion. Once deployed, a locking system secures the blade in position so that it cannot close accidentally. When releasing the lock, the blade does not snap shut due to
resistance provided by the torsion bar. This bar also provides a bias towards the closed position (which holds the blade securely closed). New SpeedSafe users can ensure safe use of the technology by practicing to proficiency.
This law is idiotic, if it is true.
I'm not familiar with that particular knife, but reading the description, it would be considered a switchblade knife, based upon the recent Texas case. I know my Kershaw Ken Onion would be a switchblade; at least it was mine until someone borrowed it on a lifetime basis. :totap:

I agree, the opinion is absurd! That's why these bills are necessary.

Chas.
by Charles L. Cotton
Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:54 am
Forum: 2009 Texas Legislative Session
Topic: URGENT, a Bill on knives could protect your CHL
Replies: 30
Views: 18028

Re: URGENT, a Bill on knives could protect your CHL

These bills are included in the Bill Status Report and they are very good bills.

Chas.

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