Switchblade
| Switchblade | |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Weapon type: | knife |
| Designations: | Snap knife, control knife, knifes |
| Use: | civil and military weapon / tool |
| Creation time: | circa 16th century |
| Working time: | until now |
| Region of origin / author: |
Spain |
| Distribution: | worldwide |
| Overall length: | from approx. 20 cm, variable |
| Blade length: | from approx. 10 cm, variable |
| Blade width: | from approx. 2 cm, variable |
| Handle: | Wood, metal, bone, plastic |
| Particularities: | The switchblade is available in all possible blade shapes and sizes |
| Lists on the subject | |
Switchblade knives (also snap knives , in Switzerland and southern Germany also adjustable knives , in Austria also called springers ) are a special type of knife in which the blade is thrown forward in an arc by means of spring force from the handle and locked there. With so-called OTF knives ( out of the front ), the blade comes out of the handle linearlyhurled. In the case of badly or improperly processed specimens, the locking is often unsafe, while it is mostly effective with quality knives. The mechanism of all switchblades is very sensitive to dirt. Switchblades are often misleadingly referred to as “stiletto” or even as a stiletto . However, a stiletto is a dagger with a triangular or square blade.
Legal position
The legal situation regarding switchblades is not uniform internationally. The regulations in some countries of the European Union are strict.
Germany
Switchblades are prohibited items in Germany . This does not apply to switchblade knives that open sideways, the blades of which are not ground on both sides and protrude no more than 85 mm from the handle. With the amendment to the Weapons Act (WaffG) of April 1, 2008, further provisions are no longer applicable. Up until then, the width of the blade had to be at least 20% of the length of the blade, and the knife had to have a continuous back that tapers towards the cutting edge.
This does not affect the last-mentioned switchblade weapons within the meaning of the German Weapons Act, which requires a minimum age of 18 years. Carrying out in public without justification constitutes an administrative offense ( Section 42a WaffG). In contrast, the use of a switchblade is permitted if there is a legitimate interest. This can be, for example, hunting or professional activities, the maintenance of customs or use in sports or at work. However, self-defense is not a legitimate interest.
Although lighter knives meet the definition of a weapon as a switchblade, according to the decision of the BKA they are not considered a weapon. Thus, they are not a prohibited item either.
However, the prerequisites for this are:
- the blade length must not exceed 50 mm,
- the blade width must be at least 20% of the blade length,
- the blade must not be sharpened on both sides.
Rescue knives in the form of a switchblade are another exception , the
- have a straight, continuous back and this tapers towards the cutting edge and
- instead of the tip are rounded and blunt and
- have a hook-shaped cutting edge behind this rounded blade tip in the front part
- have a curved cutting edge, the length of which does not exceed 60% of the length of the blade
- whose cutting edge has a wavy cut in the rear area.
Austria
The acquisition, importation, possession and carrying of weapons (except firearms and prohibited weapons), including all knives, regardless of blade length and width or opening or locking mechanism, are against all persons over 18 years of age the authority has not been allowed to ban weapons. There are no special provisions for switchblades.
Switzerland
In Switzerland, switchblades are considered weapons if the blade length exceeds 5 cm and the total length when open exceeds 12 cm. These may not be acquired, transferred or imported into Swiss territory. An exception is the transfer by inheritance, although weapons can be inherited after a license has been granted.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Annex 2 (list of weapons) , section 1, number 1.4.1 and 1.4.3 WaffG
- ↑ § 1 Paragraph 2 No. 2 Letter b i. V. m. Appendix 1, Section 1, Subsection 2, Number 2.1.1 WaffG
- ↑ Notice of assessment of the BKA, Az.KT 21 / ZV 25 - 5164.01 - Z-22. (PDF; 92 kB) Lighter jump knife. January 20, 2006, accessed March 26, 2015 .
- ↑ § 2 Paragraph 3 in conjunction with Annex 2 Section 1 Number 1.3.1 of the Weapons Act
- ↑ BKA: Classification of so-called "rescue knives" or "rescue tools" from August 28, 2003 . Notice of assessment (published in the Federal Gazette No. 165 of September 4, 2003.)
- ↑ Ordinance on weapons, weapon accessories and ammunition (Weapons Ordinance, WV). Swiss Federal Council, March 15, 2014, accessed on March 26, 2015 .
