[jyl]

I read some of the pertinent docs. Appears the issue is with folding knives that have some mechanism to enable one handed opening. E.g. a stud on the blade that can be swung out by the thumb and an internal spring that takes over after the blade has been opened partway and spring-opens the blade to fully open. Customs seems to now think these fit the definition of prohibited switchblade under a 1950s law.

I found no indication that Customs thinks a standard pocket knife with no opening assist mechanism (like the one pwd showed) is prohibited.

Well, I think the whole prohibition of switchblade knives is stupid. I have a switchblade myself, find it pretty handy around the house. Would be nice to get that law repealed. I also think it is doubtful whether most assisted opening knives are switchblades under that law. I guess it may take a legal challenge to resolve that.