New York legal term
Gravity knife in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Gravity knife” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Gravity knife” mean in New York criminal law?
"Gravity knife" means any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device. 5-a. (N.Y. Penal Law § 265.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.