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Anybody know if we can carry auto knives on duty in mass? And if yes, where is it written in the law?
Define automatic.
Definition of Automatic knife: A spring operated blade, either front or side opening, which mechanically extends from the handle via manipulation of a button or a lever. A switchblade.
I saw that exception sentence too, but where does it list these exceptions in the law, I have yet been able to find.
Not sure if you're getting a ****ing attitude with me, but if you're on the job you should know the law. No. That would be illegal. You can carry an assisted open knife like anyone else. Its not automatic, but some officers might not understand it. There is no law exempting you from it.
Not that it makes any difference. Any tac folder with a thumb screw can be opened so fast, sheep think its a switchblade.
I got attitude off that post as well. If you're going to ask a question, do it in a nice manner to get a better response. I'd stay away from switchblades and just use a spring assisted knife like a Buck Impulse.
Pepper spray and / or a Glock? Never bring a knife to a gun fight. Not understanding the knife thing..
I wasn't trying to be an a-hole, I just though the "auto" explained it. I've talked to a few fellow officers who say differently. According to them cops and active duty military are exempt from these restrictions. I also spoke to Microtech and they confirmed that police officers can carry an automatic knife on duty in most states, they just weren't sure if Massachusetts was one of them. That's why I'm looking for something in writing that covers this in the MGL law books. BTW, I'm an 18 year veteran and a sergeant, and I'll be the first to tell you that cops are the worst people to ask about definition of laws. I don't know how many times every officer I know has had to pull out their law books to find which charges apply to an arrest they just made.
Nothing deploys as fast as a fixed blade; it's already out. What about one of the Ka-Bar TDI knives? They were invented for the very purpose you stated above.
Nothing deploys as fast as a fixed blade; it's already out. What about one of the Ka-Bar TDI knives? They were invented for the very purpose you stated above.
Pepper spray and / or a Glock? Never bring a knife to a gun fight. Not understanding the knife thing..
It all comes down to one simple question: Is it worth the hassle? As LenS stated, you might come across a trooper (90% are a**h***s) who will get a kick out of jamming you up for something as stupid as carrying a switchblade. He will also probably run right to the nearest computer in the station and post about it on trashcops.com just to get his BJ from the dispatchers and guards that frequent that site.
Aside from the cool factor, there is really no benefit to an auto. Most quality folders are just as easy to open and are stronger.
Read MGL C. 269 S. 10 (b)...
...
(b) Whoever, except as provided by law, carries on his person, or carries on his person or under his control in a vehicle, any stiletto, dagger or a device or case which enables a knife with a locking blade to be drawn at a locked position, any ballistic knife, or any knife with a detachable blade capable of being propelled by any mechanism, dirk knife, any knife having a double-edged blade, or a switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which the blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches, or a slung shot, blowgun, blackjack, metallic knuckles or knuckles of any substance which could be put to the same use with the same or similar effect as metallic knuckles, nunchaku, zoobow, also known as klackers or kung fu sticks, or any similar weapon consisting of two sticks of wood, plastic or metal connected at one end by a length of rope, chain, wire or leather, a shuriken or any similar pointed starlike object intended to injure a person when thrown, or any armband, made with leather which has metallic spikes, points or studs or any similar device made from any other substance or a cestus or similar material weighted with metal or other substance and worn on the hand, or a manrikigusari or similar length of chain having weighted ends; or whoever, when arrested upon a warrant for an alleged crime, or when arrested while committing a breach or disturbance of the public peace, is armed with or has on his person, or has on his person or under his control in a vehicle, a billy or other dangerous weapon other than those herein mentioned and those mentioned in paragraph (a), shall be punished by imprisonment for not less than two and one-half years nor more than five years in the state prison, or for not less than six months nor more than two and one-half years in a jail or house of correction, except that, if the court finds that the defendant has not been previously convicted of a felony, he may be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years in a jail or house of correction.
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<http://www.malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIV/TitleI/Chapter269/Section10>
Fair enough Sarge. Sorry to snap. 6 beers deep and a bad day.
Like I said, I think there are enough quality spring assist knives out there that are more than adequate. Just stick with those. If the idea is to be able to open one handed. It does the trick.