Switchblades will be legal again if governor signs bill that landed on his desk Wednesday

Feb. 09--RICHMOND

Switchblades, the push-button knives inexorably linked to the image of 1950s urban youth gangs and "West Side Story," may be making a comeback in Virginia.

That's if Gov. Terry McAuliffe signs a bill that allows switchblades for legal recreational and work use. The idea passed the House of Delegates earlier this month, and 22-16 in the state Senate on Wednesday.

The bills are HB1432, from Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan, and SB1347, from Sen. Bryce Reeves, R-Spotsylvania.

The knives, hidden in a handle, automatically open with the push of a button.

The device carried a negative connotation for decades and brought plenty of legislation restricting the manufacture and sale of the knives. Now only about a dozen states outlaw them.

Virginia laws say switchblades can't be concealed and, if you're caught doing so, you could be fined up to $250.

A member of the Greater Richmond Knife Club asked for legislation because he was worried his group was technically breaking the law by taking the collectable knives to club meetings.

Supporters say switchblades could be invaluable for police officers who need to cut a seat belt in a burning car but only have one hand available. Others say they also would be helpful in certain industrial jobs.

Some lawmakers and opponents were concerned the bill could open the door to other "dangerous and deadly" weapons like ballistic knives, that can eject a blade at close ranges.

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