hey guys I'm kinda lost on this issue I am trying to sell a butterfly knife and a guy wants it who lives in long island, NY. I know the laws are kinda messy there with knives....but I'm wondering if I sell it to him and ship it to him....is it his responsibility or would it still be mine to know the laws, etc. In other words depending on the laws could this come back and bite me in the ass?
First I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV. If the guy wants this knife he should be responsible for the laws of his state. I send a caveat in an email with a request for acknowledgement saying he assumes all responsibility for the laws of his state. If the knife is confiscated you will not be held financially responsible. Also a butterfly is in the category of a switch or gravity knife. I know they are illegal in NY. Also they are iffy to ship via USPS. If you want to avoid federal problems send it via UPS or Fedex.
Originally Posted By bldsmith:
First I am not a lawyer nor do I play one on TV. If the guy wants this knife he should be responsible for the laws of his state. I send a caveat in an email with a request for acknowledgement saying he assumes all responsibility for the laws of his state. If the knife is confiscated you will not be held financially responsible. Also a butterfly is in the category of a switch or gravity knife. I know they are illegal in NY. Also they are iffy to ship via USPS. If you want to avoid federal problems send it via UPS or Fedex.
Thanks I took your advice and shipped with UPS, but damn thats the last time I use them. 12 bucks to ship a small knife 1 state over! The same package I've sent with USPS for 2 dollars lol. I've never shipped a knife before so I figured I would be careful and did what you said though, so thanks for the help.
Next time, I would not sell to them. Better for you and will keep you out of trouble. NY is a PITA about knives right now and they may send us marshals looking for you just to be a pain.
Originally Posted By GoatHerder:
Next time, I would not sell to them. Better for you and will keep you out of trouble. NY is a PITA about knives right now and they may send us marshals looking for you just to be a pain.
Jeez I didn't think it was that big of deal.....I checked a few knife sites and it looked like they'd ship to new York. I'm not making a business out of this either, that was the first and probably only knife I'll ever sell. I'm just glad I asked because I would have used USPS and I've learned that's a no no for certain things.
