Automatic knives?

[Adawg38]

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.- 18-12-102. Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon - affirmative defense. (1) As used in this section, the term "dangerous weapon" means a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife. (2) As used in this section, the term "illegal weapon" means a blackjack, gas gun, metallic knuckles, gravity knife, or switchblade knife. (3) A person who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony. Each subsequent violation of this subsection (3) by the same person shall be a class 4 felony.



So correct me if I am wrong here but understanding the definition of Gravity Knife even most knives owned and carried today that are not auto are also illegal for non military or LE. Am I reading this correct? What I am understanding as a Gravity Knife would be pocket knives with a pocket clip that uses your thumb to flip open whether it is assisted or manual.

[OneGuy67]

So correct me if I am wrong here but understanding the definition of Gravity Knife even most knives owned and carried today that are not auto are also illegal for non military or LE. Am I reading this correct? What I am understanding as a Gravity Knife would be pocket knives with a pocket clip that uses your thumb to flip open whether it is assisted or manual.

Gravity knives were popular back in the '40s and issued during WWII to some airborned units. It is a knife that you would hold by the handle end downward and with a push of a button, the blade would slide out and lock into place by gravity. You could use the knife with one hand to cut yourself out of your parachute if necessary. Here is a pretty good Youtube video on them:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZjXuiC8t1E