Are automatic knives legal to own in TN

[ThreeHeadedDog]

Just curious as I think I read somewhere that automatic open(switchblade) knives were illigal to carry in TN. I had heard that in some states there were legal to own but not to carry, but wasnt sure if TN was one of them.

[johnharris]

You can own them (see 39-17-1301 to 39-17-1308). I know many law enforcement, EMTS, firemen and others who find the one hand automatics to be a reasonable compliment to their daily assortment of equipment.

The law says that you cannot carry them and there is no exception for law enforcement or others.

[ThreeHeadedDog]

[bobsguns]

"Collectors" are allowed to own automatic knives by state law.

As for threeheadeddog, there are plenty of "assisted opening" knives that aren't considered an automatic that you can carry.

[johnharris]

The trick is the "collector" issue. I have several in my desk that I collected and use occasionally for speaking engagements and to open letters.

[redbarron06]

Just out of curiosity, what about members of the military. I have heard that military members are legal to have and use automatic knives when in uniform. I have one that I have carried for about 3 years now. The company that I bought it from would not ship to certain states (I assume that this is because some state like NY ban them completely). I know of at least one manufature that will ship directly to you if you can provide a copy of military/police ID.

[bobsguns]

[johnharris]

[medic1502]

I carry a Benchmade auto opening knife. When I purchased it. the store required a copy of my work ID to sell it. According to them, they are legal for EMS, Fire, Law Enforcement, and active duty Military personnel. I don't know if they are correct, but tht's what they follow when selling them.

[johnharris]

See the above statute regarding EMT.