Washington state signed into law last week pro-knife legislation that clarifies the definition of switchblades and allows certain government employees to carry spring blade knives.

HB 2347, touted as a job creator among other things, allows spring blade knives to be made in the state and used by law enforcement, military personnel and fire and rescue workers.

According to a House Republicans of Washington state press release, it was a gross misdemeanor to manufacture, sell or have a spring blade knife in the state before this new legislation. Sometimes the army issues spring blade knives and that meant active military personnel were subject to violation of the state law. This new law changes all of that.

Here’s a quote about the effectiveness of the bill from one of the bill’s supporters Bruce Dammeier:

“This bill is good for two reasons. First, it will provide our ‘save-and-serve’ personnel with a better tool as they protect our communities. Secondly, it will allow a local manufacturer to expand its operations and not be forced to relocate to another state,” said Dammeier, R-Puyallup. “This is an example of how a small bill can make a big difference when it comes to job creation in our communities – at no cost to taxpayers.”

By allowing companies to manufacture spring blade knives, officials are hoping it prevents companies from moving to more lenient states and enables current knife manufacturers to hire more people to work making spring blade knives.

Although knife groups think this is a step in the right direction, Knife Rights said it still does not believe there should be a distinction between citizens and government employees.

As more states continue to pass these bills, it will be interesting to see what sort of impact it has on a national level.