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CUSTOMS WITHDRAWS KNIFE PROPOSAL
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July 30, 2009
by Ben Sobieck, online editor
Timeline
U.S. Customs Seeks to Prohibit Assisted Opening Knives
Operation Switch Hunt Begins
Would Proposed Ban Really Outlaw One-Handed Knives?
Customs Feeling the Heat
Senate Passes 1958 Switchblade Act Amendment
Customs Mute as Knife Ban Deadline Passes
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Breaking from its usual silence, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Customs) made it clear July 30 it will not pursue further action on a proposed assisted opener ban.
According to Knife Rights, U.S. Representative Kurt Schrader (D-OR) received a letter from Michael J. Yeager, of Customs's Office of Congressional Affairs (click here to read it). Yeager pointed to an amendment to the 1958 Federal Switchblade Act that recently passed the U.S. Sentate as to why Customs is backing off.
"The amendment would effectively obviate the need for CBP's proposed revocations and render the current issue moot," Yeager wrote. "Additionally, due to the numerous comments received in response to the proposed revocation, it is unlikely that CBP will take any further action prior to passage of the Appropriations Act."
If signed into law, the amendment would provide an exception for assisted openers, galvanizing their legality. It will be considered by the U.S. House of Representatives following the August recess.
It does not appear Customs will reignite its proposal if that amendment fails to become law.
"It may not be over until the fat lady sings, and we actually get the Amendment through Conference Committee, but for all practical purposes, we shouldn't have to worry about Customs reaching into your pockets for your pocket knives anytime soon," a release from Knife Rights stated.
The mood at Operation Switch Hunt, the BLADE-sponsored push against Customs, was jubilant. Editor Steve Shackleford called the response to Customs "unprecedented."
"I’ve been in the business for almost a quarter century and never have I seen such a concerted effort by pro-knife rights organizations such as the American Knife & Tool Institute and KnifeRights.org, factory knife company officials, the knife media, and, most important of all, Joe The Plumber knife enthusiasts to all come together and contact their elected officials and demand action – and, it seems, actually get it," Shackleford said.
He noted this does not mean the edgencia should stop pushing for the Switchblade Act amendment.
"I still think the House needs to pass amendment language to the Federal Switchblade Act to ensure that the sneaky back-door antics of U.S. Customs cannot be tried again," Shackleford said. "But, all in all, it appears to be a shining moment for all who love knives."
