Is anyone aware of whether automatic knives are permissible in RSA and Zimbabwe?

I cannot speak for the situation in Zimbabwe. But in South Africa the type of knife that automatically opens and all on their own without any guidance from the original carrier attacks and starts cutting up black South Africans are regarded a definite No-No!

I was told when I was on Zimbabwe that automatic knives are illegal. Called "flick knives" there.

What about a plain old Spyderco with a thumb-hole?

Lane,

A Spyderco requires the manual manipulation of the thumb hole, so by extension, it is not an automatic knife. But I know why you asked. I've carried a Spyderco for approximately 30 years.

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
Lane,

A Spyderco requires the manual manipulation of the thumb hole, so by extension, it is not an automatic knife. But I know why you asked. I've carried a Spyderco for approximately 30 years.

Me too.

You're right. Spydercos aren't auto knives as they still require manual opening, like all the other spring-assisted knives. But who knows how it would be considered in an African country. If it quacks like a duck then...

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:

quote:

Originally posted by LionHunter:
Lane,

A Spyderco requires the manual manipulation of the thumb hole, so by extension, it is not an automatic knife. But I know why you asked. I've carried a Spyderco for approximately 30 years.

Me too.

Me three - I've got a Delica in my pocket at all times.

TMZ-

Spyderco knives do not have a spring assist opening. They are manually operated knives, not automatic knives. What exactly makes you think this question would ever even come up during a customs inspection in Africa? The definition of an automatic knife is most commonly referred to in law as a "push button" knife.

First, for what it's worth (which is very little to me), I did not say Sydercos have spring assists. I said they require manual operation like all the other spring assisted knives, i.e., manual operation - in case this still isn't clear, the point being manual.
Second, are you serious about why ask the question as to their legality? Sorry, won't even answer that one.

FYI Spyderco makes or has made automatic knives, but most of their knives are manual.

I have never seen or heard of a spring-assisted Spydero...but maybe there are/were.

My inquiry is in reference to a purely manual lock blade knife with a thumb-hole.

They do exist, but they certainly aren't what people think of when Spyderco is mentioned.

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C165GBBK/982

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details/C117/687

I carry one of these 12/7/365 (even to Church). Have carried to Uganda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and RSA. But...I am unsure if they are 100% OK.

Any thoughts by anyone?

quote:

Originally posted by ledvm:
I have never seen or heard of a spring-assisted Spydero...but maybe there are/were.

My inquiry is in reference to a purely manual lock blade knife with a thumb-hole.

Lane,
I'm not sure if they've made assisted knives, but I have 2 automatics (switchblades),the Citadel and the Embassy.
Just don't want anyone assuming a knife is legal in RSA because of brand name.
Thanks

Are the ones I pictured above legal?

Technically any locking blade knife is illegal in Zimbabwe, but everyone carries them. I have a Koenig Atrox in my pocket as I type this. As for "automatic", I don't like the spring loaded knives. The Emerson Commander is the solution there.

So any folding knife with a locking blade is "illegal" in Zimbabwe?

Last October I was asked specifically if I had an automatic or flick knife. This happened when they were thinking of counting my money.

On that subject, when they saw my wad of fives and tens they motioned me to put it away
Could only count by hundreds I guess.

Keith

Lots of knives today can be operated by a button or a loop in the steel, they are legal..That said Ive seen only custom switch blades that had good enough metal to use for hunting purposes, most auto knives use lead for blades! just kidding!

Most team or steer ropers today have a knife that can be operated with one hand, that's what started the fad I suspect, hard to open a knife with two hands when your thump is caught between rope and saddle horn..such knives are handy to have for other uses also. my every day pocket knife is such and its been to Africa many times in my luggage and/or gun case, never questioned.

That doesn't mean some interprising needy African custom agents will use his initiative to abscond with your knife, Like I said when in Africa best to put the give-a-s--ter in neutral and just let it go..

There is an accepted process for bribery in Africa, if one is not familiar with that process he could easily end up in a African jail, that's plumb scary...Ive had to resecue a couple of ugly Americans from those jails because they rudely tossed a $20 on the desk..

It just does not work that way. Its way better to engage them in conversation and then suggest that it would be a pleasure on your part to do them a favor because they were so polite and maybe you could do them a favor by buying their mother or wife some tea, if they say that would be nice give them a $50...Ive been there many times..even got a receipt for fifty dollars worth of tea...but that's another funny story.