US Customs to re-define Switchblades

[Mike Gleason]

This needs immediate letter writing action.  U.S. Customs officials are trying to sneak this through by allowing a 30 day only comment deadline.  Spring assist and easy open type blades could be outlawed.

http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=81&Itemid=1

Please Act now....

[Matt G]

Heck of a first post Mike.  Welcome to the forums.  However we DO kill the messenger here.

Thanks for the info.

Matt G

[MattCFII]

Note that act now means snail mail by the end of the week to get there before the comment period.  Customs was really doing a snow job on this one!!!

[marsbike]

I've already sent letters from my entire family   This is a really underhanded thing they're trying to do 

[Cade]

eh...they already busted my knife...it's now a felony to carry it in my state.

Spent over five years learning the ins and outs of the balisong, only to have them reclassify it as a switchblade and therefore illegal to carry in my state.

With the custom pins it was faster than any switchblade could ever hope to be.

[ShpDgNwb]

Yes, they were talking about this on a podcast from Tom Greshams Guntalk that I was catching up on, from about two weeks ago.  Said the same thing, take action, they are trying to stealthily take some more rights.

[Mike Gleason]

Call or E-Mail your congressmen and representative to get on this ASAP.  Let's call down the thunder...         

[AJ187]

We need everyone on this.  Carrying knives has always been a significant part of the freedom culture.  Unfortunately there's no NRA equivalent to protect THOSE ARMS. 

[Eric R Shelton]

We need everyone on this.  Carrying knives has always been a significant part of the freedom culture.  Unfortunately there's no NRA equivalent to protect THOSE ARMS. 

Au contrair, mon frere...
http://www.snowflakesinhell.com/2009/06/05/obamas-quiet-war-on-knives/

[AJ187]

I don't think kniferights.org is the Equivalent to the NRA is what I meant.  They only started three years ago.  I'm impressed though. They got some good industry people with their foundation. 

But anyway, their is no extension on the deadline, so the 21st is when they need to be in.   Unfortunately they will not take postmarked mail.  Don't forget to email kniferights about the letters you sent.   

[redvette1960]

Whilst sending letters to the USCBP (United States Customs and Border Patrol), my senators and congressman,  it occurred to me this issue could be attacked from the standpoint that banning one-hand operable knives might somehow violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).  Those who would benefit greatly by being able to operate a pocket knife single-handedly, so to speak, should be at the forefront of our argument to retain our rights.  Undoubtably, a Second Amendment argument will be used at some point, but a pro-ADA argument could be so effective in a rational and emotional sense?  Food for thought.

[NavyBlue99TA]

That is an interesting aspect.  I sent a letter to my Senator and it seems that he's bought their story:

From: Mel_Martinez@martinez.senate.gov
To:
CC:
Subject: Response to your recent comments
Date: Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:35:05 -0400
 
Show Full Headers   Back To [INBOX]
 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Below is a response to the recent comments I received from you:


Dear NavyBlue99TA:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposal on the importation of knives with spring- and release-assisted opening mechanisms. I appreciate hearing from you and would like to respond to your concerns.

Recently, I contacted the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding your concerns. CBP, a division of DHS, has examined samples of knives with spring-assisted opening mechanisms and concluded that the knives are switchblades as defined and prohibited from importation by the Switchblade Knife Act. The decision was made due to health and public safety concerns.

According to CBP, this proposed revocation will not affect knives already in the country, or knives that are made in this country regardless of how they operate. The new proposal will only affect a portion of imported knives. CBP is currently seeking comments from companies and individuals on its proposal to revoke those rulings which allow the admission of knives with spring-and release- assisted opening mechanisms. The comment period is open until June 21, 2009.

Again, thank you for sharing your concerns with me. For more information on issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator


**Note: PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS E-MAIL. If you would like to reply to this message, please contact me through my website at http://martinez.senate.gov.
 
 

[AJ187]

Sounds like a good reason to vote that bum out of office, Navy.   

[NavyBlue99TA]

Yeah, unfortunately he's the better of the two from FL.     Hopefully, the next election will be more than just a "lesser of two evils" choice.

[xmunckx]

Yeah, , I'm thinking I better go buy myself another Smith & Wesson H.R.T. while i can.
The one I have has been a great Home/Work/utility/Emergency knife that if for some reason it ever broke,
I'd be really miffed to not have a replacement. .
And I'm sure this is exactly the type of knife they are talking about.