All About Pocket Knives

Bought my first halfway decent auto--the Blackie Collins designed Colonial Knife 210.
My main reasoning was that I don't like carrying a big knife. They're pretty darn bulky, and it's the big knives I can open easily with gloves on, and the Kershaw Chive is a little fiddly. I decided on the Colonial mostly as a winter work knife that would not leave the farm.


I don't know if Colonial will ship here or not. Law is kinda murky, and weirdly written in my state, and I noticed this blurb when I made the order:

Yes, I understand the federal law, but a number of dealers ship autos via UPS between states.

Ordering Switchblade/Automatic Knife: Federal Switchblade law allows the Armed Forces or any member or employee thereof acting in the performance of his duty; Makes it legal for members of the military to distribute switchblades over state lines to other members of the military in accordance with normal equipment issuance (1242), as well as exempts members of the military who are in a non-state US territory, Indian reservation, or special maritime jurisdiction from the restriction on possession in those areas (1243) so long as it is for official duty.

What I don't understand is that, if that's the case, why are autos now basically the only thing they offer? I also had that blurb when I ordered an automatic shackle key with a slip-joint sheepsfoot blade 3-4 years ago. So, it's likely just a boilerplate statement they put with all orders.

In retrospect, maybe I should've ordered a Boker from BladeHQ and avoided the hassle, as I know they ship here. The whole "interstate thing" isn't a problem, as that, while based in Utah, they have a warehouse in Marion, VA.

If I get an email asking for military ID and/or canceling the order, I'll probably just go with the Boker, which I should've done in the first place.

Nice, Cody. I hope it works out, but I have never had any issue buying a Boker auto from Blade HQ. Good backup plan.

Looks nice Cody! Hope it all works out for ya.

Being in California, I am restricted to 2" and under for Automatic carry, however, I can purchase a "Flipper" of any blade length and have it shipped to me with no mail restrictions. Flippers are easier and quicker to activate than most Automatic, most Flippers are also built stronger. You do not have to feel around for a button.
When I observe a Automatic that I can't live without, I have it mailed to Family or friends in "Legal Orange States" and have them forward to Ca.

Strange, I can visit any sporting retail store, purchase and walk out the door with practically any long rifle/shotgun including ammo, with very little paper work, but I am a criminal in California if my Automatic knife is longer than 2 inches.

Below is a current "Auto Knife Law Map" from AKTI.

Dan

One of the few advantages of living in Indiana.

Colonial puts out a good product. You'll be happy with the materials they use as well as their service.

Enjoy.

Best of luck receiving your knife Cody! I know only too well about the frustrations and anxieties involved with getting my hands on automatics. Your Blade HQ plan is a sound one, I just hope you get the knife you wanted one way or the other! The Colonial 210 is a fine looking and useful little knife!

I decided to cancel the order and go with the Boker.

cody6268 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 3:37 pm I decided to cancel the order and go with the Boker.

Which model Boker are you getting?

Samb wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 4:52 pm

cody6268 wrote: ↑Fri Dec 03, 2021 3:37 pm I decided to cancel the order and go with the Boker.

Which model Boker are you getting?

Mini Kalashnikov Warhawk:

You should try one of the larger ones too. Great knives!

Samb wrote: ↑Thu Dec 02, 2021 10:07 pm One of the few advantages of living in Indiana.

I respectfully disagree. Indiana has lots of advantages when you look at other states!!

Born a Hoosier, Boilermaker by the grace of god

Fill me in.