"they are just as fast to open with a little practice"
Agreed. I think the banning of switchblades just pushed knife manufacturers to innovate, creating opening mechanisms which are just as fast, with fewer moving parts, and are actually easier on the knife[1]. So they follow the letter of the law, but still violate its spirit. Not sure what that spirit is exactly though.
[1] In my experience, switchblades and some auto-openers open so forcefully that over time their locking mechanisms degrade.
Agreed. I think the banning of switchblades just pushed knife manufacturers to innovate, creating opening mechanisms which are just as fast, with fewer moving parts, and are actually easier on the knife[1]. So they follow the letter of the law, but still violate its spirit. Not sure what that spirit is exactly though.
[1] In my experience, switchblades and some auto-openers open so forcefully that over time their locking mechanisms degrade.