Anything with a spring is classed as “spring assist”, which is treated like a switchblade in many states. But there are “flippers” which deploy the blade just as easily without a spring, using a lever you flick with your index finger. Then there is the gravity knife which opens by inertia when you flick the knife itself. These are illegal in Canada even though many knives are unintentionally gravity knives by their loose-blade folding design. The initial detent typically keeps them from unfolding accidentally. I carry one by Benchmade, a small folder but even that would be illegal in California to the south, where any blade over 2 inches is banned.
I carry one by Benchmade, a small folder but even that would be illegal in California to the south, where any blade over 2 inches is banned.