HARRISBURG – The PA General Assembly approved and sent to the governor’s desk legislation to end the state’s prohibition on automatic knives. Automatic knives are commonly used by outdoor enthusiasts like hunters, boaters, and hikers, and by tradespeople like contractors, landscapers, and mechanics. They are legal in 43 states, but not in PA. Current law prohibits individuals from selling, dealing, using or possessing an “offensive weapon.” Included in the definition of an offensive weapon, along with bombs, grenades, and machine guns, is automatic knives. House Bill 1929 would remove automatic knives from that list. However, someone in possession of an automatic knife with the intent to use it criminally would still be in violation of the state’s Crimes Code. The measure received overwhelming bipartisan support in both the PA House and Senate.
