Knife Rights secured yet another victory — this time for the people of Montana.

A switchblade ban repeal and knife preemption bill was officially signed into law by Montana Governor Steve Bullock this week.

This means that switchblades (also known as automatic knives) are now legal to own and carry in the Treasure State. The knife preemption part of the bill ensures that the law is clear throughout the state. Local knife ordinances no longer apply if they are stricter than the state-wide knife law.

Unlike some bills, HB 155 takes effect immediately, so if you’re in Montana and want to buy an automatic knife, there’s no need to wait.

The legislation was really pushed by bill sponsor Rep. Casey Knudsen who argued that the initial ban was unnecessary. Here’s more from a January story in the Great Falls Tribune:

“There is no good reason they were banned in first place other than 1950s Hollywood movies depicting them as a weapon for delinquents and such,” Knudsen said.

…

Knudsen described switchblades as one “of the safest knives on the market,” adding they can be opened and closed with one hand. He said they are convenient for people with disabilities.

Like most knife bills that get passed, this was also supposed by libertarians and defenders of civil rights, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

It’s always good to see different sides of the aisle unite, especially for knives.

Since Knife Rights started in 2010, 16 states have repealed their bans on automatic knives. Not even 10 years ago, millions of people across the country could not carry a switchblade. Who knows what kind of legislation Knife Rights and American Knife & Tool Institute will help pass in the next 10 years.

My hope is that the limiting Federal Switchblade Ban gets repealed, but I’m not holding my breath.

Donate to Knife Rights and AKTI when you get the chance.