NOTE: Progress is being made on this issue. For the very latest news please click here for more information.
U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has proposed revoking earlier rulings that assisted opening knives are not switchblades. The proposed new rule would not only outlaw assisted opening knives, its broad definition of a switchblade would also include all one-handed opening knives and could be easily interpreted to cover most other pocket knives, even simple old-fashioned slip-joints.
Please note that CBP’s interpretation of the Federal Switchblade Act forms the basis for national, state and even local law and judicial rulings in many cases. This effects bof this ruling by CBP is NOT limited to just imports. This WILL affect virtually everyone who carries a pocket knife, no matter the type!
Knife Rights sent a letter to CBP requesting an extension to the ridiculously short 30-day comment period. CBP denied that request, along with the requests from other organizations. The denial seems to be a clear indication that they do not intend to act in a fair and reasonable manner on this issue and have already made their decision to go ahead. The June 21st deadline for comments has now passed and you can review our Comment here
These Comments explain how Customs wrongly interprets federal law in a way that would prohibit the importation of many of the sporting and utility knives that 35.6 million Americans use and enjoy everyday. It shows how their overly broad and novel new interpretation of what a Switchblade is could make you a felon for carrying a simple pocket knife. Additionally, they review how the economic impact of the ruling would be severe. Pocket knives utilizing assisted or one hand opening technology are the dominant share of the market, and prohibiting the use of the technology would force significant job losses, and the potential loss of entire businesses. Read the Comments to understand the issues.
The fight now moves to Congress. If you want to be free to carry your pocket knives in the future, you need to write your Senators and Representative TODAY!
Click here for a Model Letter you can send to Members of Congress. (No Longer Necessary at this point)
NOTE: Progress is being made on this issue. For the very latest news please click here for more information.
Knife Rights was formed three years ago because we knew it was only a matter of time before something like this would happen that would threaten to take away our right to own and carry our knives. Well, that time is now and we’re working to help keep our essential tools and essential rights. We cannot do it without your help. Knife Rights is only as powerful as the forces we can bring to bear. You are the only truly effective weapon we have. Policitcans only listen to voters. NOW IS YOUR TIME TO ACT!
Because you are likely sending emails via Members’ web forms, we won’t know you did it unless you let us know. It is critical that we be able to know how many have responded, so please click here to send us an email (customs@Kniferights.org) to let us know you’ve sent the letter and emails.
Knife Rights on Twitter
Knife Rights is now on Twitter and we’ll issue critical updates and notices on Twitter as this issue evolves: http://twitter.com/KnifeRights
Copyright 2009, Knife Rights, Inc.
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