Technically all assisted openers are legal. Benchamde even states their A/O are legal. But it really depends on the police officer. I've heard of officers that have issues with knives that can simply be opened fast. Which is almost all Benchmade knives. I think if you did get caught with an assisted opener, you could explain to the cop how it works and they'd be alright with it.

But then again seeing how you have the 5000S, I'd probably just go with a 520. I have the 913 Nitrous Stryker. I like it but I'd take my 520 Presidio any day over the 913.

Hi David, WHY do you like the 520 over the 913? Curious to get your input on that.

For me, I love my 520 but carry my 913 a lot more often.

What's your take?

in ohio i think its illegal to buy autos but not to own them.....go figure.....

anyways an officer told me that if its not concealed its not illegal to carry the infidel....

i didn't but mine in ohio.....so that's what the law says...of course some cop could arrest me without knowing the law and then i'll file a lawsuit for violation of my rights lol

quote:

Originally posted by dmc912:
Technically all assisted openers are legal. Benchamde even states their A/O are legal.

I'm curious to see where you saw or heard them make that statement.

Under the warranty in the Benchmade catalogs they Answer the question are assisted openers legal. They explain how the A/O mechanism works, and that the blade has to be engaged 20-30 degrees before it opens. This separates it from the switchblade category.

Hey Joe, I like my 520 over my 913 for a few reasons. I like the overall design of the 520 over the 913. Plus the 520 is built like a tank. The nitrous mechanism is good but I like the axis lock more. I've had my 520 for a lot longer than I've had my 913 so its seen more use, so that could be another reason I favor it.

I would take the D2 steel that the 913 has over the 154CM that the 520 uses.

Thank you. I see the information that you are referring to. Benchmade, just like other companies, uses the assisted opening system in an attempt to bypass definitions of switchblades to get around laws that are created to prohibit them. However, in the paragraph following the statement your refering to Benchmade states:

"Even though the Benchmade assist opener models are not classified as automatics or switchblades, it is still recommended that the user research and verify the legalities in their own specific areas. Knife laws and regulations are subject to local interpretations and may change frequently."

Benchmade is saying that the assisted opening systems that they use are supposed to be alternatives to the switchblades or automatics that some laws prohibit, but the assisted openers may still not be legal in your state, county, or city depending on how codes or ordinances are written. I'm not trying to come across as mean or rude, but just want to make sure that you know Benchmade is not saying that assisted openers are legal for your benefit and others. I'm only stating this so you don't encounter trouble with law enforcement based off a knife design that is an attemptting to be a "legal" alternative to an automatic.

quote:

Originally posted by dmc912:
Hey Joe, I like my 520 over my 913 for a few reasons. I like the overall design of the 520 over the 913. Plus the 520 is built like a tank. The nitrous mechanism is good but I like the axis lock more. I've had my 520 for a lot longer than I've had my 913 so its seen more use, so that could be another reason I favor it.

Thanks David, good perspective.

do you guys REALLY think a cop is going to arrest you for JUST having a switchblade? i mean unless you're committing a crime with it.....don't you think they have more important things to do?

They probably wouldn't arrest you but you'd get a fine, a misdemeanor charge and they'd more than likely take your knife.

quote:

Originally posted by Jedi74:
do you guys REALLY think a cop is going to arrest you for JUST having a switchblade? i mean unless you're committing a crime with it.....don't you think they have more important things to do?

Actually the idea of knowingly breaking the law is more weighing than being caught. However ridiculous I think some of those laws may be, I choose to educate myself in as many avenues as I can so as to uphold the law, protect myself from unnecessary scrutiny, and use any means to ensure that I can still enjoy my hobby. I look at knives as tools necessary to our existence and also as genuine works of art. Am I afraid of being caught for carrying my BM5000, or if I were to find and own a 912-71, and being punished for doing so... no. But why take an unneeded risk in the unlikely event should arise that you must defend yourself or someone you love. Then suddenly you've become the object of scrutiny since you used a means by which has been deemed as illegal. And all this over a little piece of metal that "automatically" opens your knife.

quote:

Originally posted by dmc912:
They probably wouldn't arrest you but you'd get a fine, a misdemeanor charge and they'd more than likely take your knife.

In all probability.. I'd have to agree completely with you David.