A federal law on the possession of switchblades was passed in the 1960s, with states passing their own laws at different times throughout the years.
Indiana passed a law banning the possession of switchblades in 1983, with a revision to the law in 2000.According to the law, it is illegal to possess, display, offer, sell, lend, give away or purchase any knife with a blade that opens automatically or may be propelled, by hand pressure to a button, device containing gas, spring or other device in the handle of the knife.
There is also a law against Chinese throwing stars.
According to the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department, the incidents of people being arrested with switchblades are extremely rare.
Being charged with possession of a switchblade is at the discretion of both the arresting officer and prosecuting attorney.
According to Kirk Johnson, owner of Albertson's in Warsaw, there are three types of knives.
Manual knives, like a Swiss Army Knife, require the user to take the blade out of its compartment completely.
A self-assist knife is one where a lever on the knife brings the blade up but usually requires the user to lock the blade into place.
Then there are switchblades. With the press of a button, a blade comes out on its own and locks into place.
While reputable gun and sport shops sell many knives, they don't carry switchblades
Johnson said that when new federal gun regulations come on the books, they are contacted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms as to what protocols they should use.
That is not the case for switchblades.
KCSD said there have been incidents in the past where switchblades have been sold under the table at gun shows.
Now with the ease and virtual anonymity of the Internet, buying switchblades online seems the way to go. Type "switchblades" into Google and the first three hits are sites to purchase switchblades.
Possessing a switchblade in Indiana is a Class B misdemeanor, which can carry up to 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
