The Background Of Gravity Knives
May 19th 2020
There's nothing more exciting than adding a new knife to your collection. We all have that one model we've always dreamed of owning, yet it might be difficult to obtain because of its legal status. One special case like this is the Gravity Knife.
The gravity knife is a blade that opens by the force of gravity. This knife is considered a prohibited weapon in some states, with attendant criminal penalties. In this blog, we'll tell you all you need to know before purchasing a gravity knife.
What Is A Gravity Knife?
A gravity knife is a fixed blade that opens its blade using gravity. This opening mechanism fundamentally differs from the switchblade, which uses a spring to deploy its blade.
The gravity knife gets its name from how the blade is deployed; it does not use springs or any other type of energy but relies on gravity's force to open. To open a gravity knife, you hold the handle and then release the blade, which falls into place due to gravity.
The History Behind The Gravity Knife
Gravity knives have been around for centuries and were used as early as the 18th century. These knives were originally designed for German paratroopers during World War II. The original gravity knives had a very simple design. The blade was released by pressing a button on the handle.
The main purpose of the gravity knife was to help German soldiers cut through their parachute cords after landing. However, the knives were also used for other purposes, such as opening ration cans and cutting through barbed wire.
From War Weapon To Everyday Carry On
After the war, many gravity knives were brought back to the United States as souvenirs by American soldiers. These knives then found their way into the hands of civilians, who began using them for purposes other than those they were originally intended for.
As gravity knives became more popular with civilians, the government began to crack down on their use. In 1958, the US Congress passed the Federal Switchblade Act, which made it illegal to manufacture, possess, or sell switchblades and gravity knives in the United States.
Legality Of The Gravity Knife
The legality of the gravity knife is a complex issue. In some states, such as New York, possessing or selling a gravity knife is illegal. However, in other states, such as Florida, there are no laws prohibiting the ownership of gravity knives.
This discrepancy is because the definition of a gravity knife varies from state to state. In New York, a gravity knife is defined as any knife that can be opened with "the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force." This definition is very broad and includes many knives that are not traditionally considered to be gravity knives.
Where Can You Purchase Gravity Knives Nowadays?
EKnives is your answer! We are an online knife store that sells you the best quality knives. We have a huge selection of gravity knives from Microtech, Heretic, Pro-Tech, and Spyderco. We ensure you'll safely receive your knives straight to your doorstep.
If you're looking for a new knife to add to your collection, we highly recommend checking out our wide selection of knives and choosing the best for your pocket!