Fancy a little bit of edge in your accessory game? How about a good dose of bad boy or girl? Well, you might just want to leave it to the switchblade. Yes, these weapons of personal utility may have once formed integral parts of the wardrobes of generations gone by, but they’ve been phasing in and out of style for decades-often being deemed illegal to carry in many states and territories. Lest we conflate weapons with stylistic trend(s), let’s take a brief look at what’s going on with switchblades and their ability to accentuate your wardrobe.
The beginning of the end of the switchblade: the 1950s If we’re being honest, the retro vibe of switchblades didn’t actually go out of style in the mid-60s-they just became illegal to carry in many states, territories, and countries. For example, back in the 1950s, switchblades were all the rage. Largely made from plastic and steel, these push-button knives were often seen sticking out of the back pockets of greaser boys and bad girls. They even made their way into film, appearing time and time again in various films with rebellious youth themes. Then, somewhere between West Side Story (1961) and Rebel Without a Cause (1955), the U.S., along with other countries, enacted laws to ban or limit the carrying, sale, and manufacturing of switchblades. Fast forward to today and you’ll find that while stylish, switchblades can only be carried legally in about half of the U.S. and in countries like Japan. Over there, switchblade knives are so rare that people seem to stare as if they’re seeing a unicorn for the first time.
How switchblades affect your style and confidence Sure, are switchblades legal in georgia, but that doesn’t make them any less interesting or appealing. Many fashion suitors might argue that this edgy accessory gives its wearer an ego boost, and they wouldn’t be wrong. Often crafted with oversized styling, switchblades become the perfect accessory for a dangerous yet alluring style. The thing is, this powerful combination of style and confidence that a switchblade can create tends to translate to the clothing you wear or how you act in public-you feel more confident, powerful, and even alluring. In other words, treating the switchblade like the accessory it is and wearing your look with pride will only accentuate your confidence.
But what about its legality? Q&A on switchblade legality in Georgia Q: Are switchblades legal in Georgia? A: No. Any person who carries, sells, or manufactures a switchblade knife is breaking Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 16-11-127. Q: What’s considered a switchblade? A: For one, a switchblade is a folding knife, which means that its blade is kept open by a spring-loaded mechanism and retracts once a button is pressed. A switchblade is by definition a stabbing weapon; therefore, Georgia law prohibits people from carrying, selling, and manufacturing switchblades within the state. Q: What about it being a “weapon”? A: The thing about switchblades-not to mention the fact that they’re illegal in Georgia-is that they’re considered a concealed weapon. That means if authorities catch you with a knife like this on your person or in your car, you’re getting arrested and likely charged with a felony or misdemeanor, resulting in some pretty hefty fines. Although, if you can show that you intended to carry a switchblade for personal utility purposes, such as protection from attacking dogs, you might have a fight on your hands to prove yourself not guilty.
Modern style + the switchblade: Dressing for confidence We’ve talked about local laws regarding switchblades-they’re not something you should take lightly. Even though this style of switchblade is illegal in Georgia, it’s worth noting that there are plenty of other options that will make for a great addition to your retro, punk, grunge, urban, emo, or whatever-your-style-is look. Some alternatives include: Less scary and less illegal than a switchblade, oversized rings and oversized belts completely transform a bland outfit into something stylish-and at the same time, they’re just about the most low-maintenance accessories you’re ever going to get. It’s all about adding a bit of edge to your outfit without drawing attention to a weapon on your person, right? Amnazone knows style and saving However, when it comes to outfitting with confidence, it’s also about ensuring you have all of the pieces you need to make a perfect, stylish fit while avoiding breaks in year-long contracts.
For more information on knife laws, you can visit Wikipedia’s page on knife legislation.
