Crapo Introduces Legislation to Reduce Burdensome Regulations on Sales of Automatic Knives

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Idaho Senator Mike Crapo last week introduced the Freedom of Commerce Act, S. 1779, which would allow consumers to purchase an automatic knife legal in their state, regardless of where it was manufactured in the U.S.

“In states allowing the possession of automatic knives, it is imperative that law-abiding citizens and sportsmen have the ability to buy and sell the tools vital to their trade,” said Crapo.  “This measure would remove one of the many federal regulatory burdens that have hindered manufacturing growth, interstate commerce and consumer practices for far too long.”

 Enacted in 1958, the Federal Switchblade Act (FSA) leverages the federal government’s power over interstate commerce to prohibit the purchase, sale and trade of automatic knives between any of the 50 states or U.S. territories.  Current federal law prohibits the interstate sale and importation of switchblades, curtailing states’ rights to legislate the legality of certain tools within their borders. 

Legislation introduced by Crapo would repeal certain provisions of the FSA and allow domestic manufacturers to ship and sell their products to buyers in other states, as well as permit the importation certain knife parts.  Moreover, the bill would not replace or alter any existing state laws regarding switchblades and other automatic knives.  Buck Knives, Inc., a knife manufacturer based in Post Falls, Idaho, supports the legislation. 

"Drafting legislation is always a balance between satisfying an emotional drive to fix something, and finding common sense mechanisms that will truly deliver a solution," said CJ Buck, President of Buck Knives. "In this bill, Senator Crapo has done an exceptional job of striking that balance in a way that will help knife owners and consumers, remove unnecessary federal burdens, and allow states to decide what tools are legal within their jurisdiction – as the Constitution guarantees. We're thrilled to see this legislation introduced, and couldn't be prouder to have Buck Knives' senior senator leading the charge."  

Currently legal in 27 states, automatic knives are defined based on their opening mechanism and are used primarily by professional trades and outdoor recreationalists. 

Pictured above is Senator Crapo receiving a "Common Sense Award from CJ Buck, Chairman and CEO of Buck Knives, Inc., as well as other members of the American Knife & Tool Institute.

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