Firefly knifes

[jason1976]

Hey gang, I was wondering if anyone knows what kind of switch blade knife Jayne had in Firefly.

It looks like a classic Stiletto, but they come in a lot of sizes, and I can't quite tell the exact size of his. (it looks pretty big though.) Can anyone tell what the handle is made of? (it looks either pearl or white to me, but what do I know.)

Also, I know these are out-laud in a lot of places. Does anyone know where to get a legal version ("spring assisted", etc.) Or another option?

 

[franz bolo]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Any pics?

FB

 

[GrenadeKing]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Pictures would help yes. Or at least an episode name.

Also, they're not illegal everywhere. They perfectly legal in the state in reside in infact. Might be a good idea to check out your local laws.

 

[Nexus6]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

'War Stories':

 

[pennausamike]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

I thought this stiletto-type Italian switchblade would look cool sticking out of an apple with the caption; "Grenades cost extra".

But, turns out switchblades are illegal to ship across state lines in the US per Federal law.
They are illegal to own in many states.
Lots of good info on this page:
Switchblade - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
with a list of legal status by state at the bottom.

nuts......

Mike

 

[GrenadeKing]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Curiously most online stores will ship to legal states. I'd also be willing to bet that you could find them in local places that carry such things as well.

 

[jason1976]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Hm. Thanks for the link and info guys. A friend in I got in deep doo doo, when I was young over just having a switch blade on our persons. Since then I always though this was one of those states that had out laud them. but according to that site, they are legal here. Very cool.

I don't think I've seen them for saile localy, but most of the local shops are WAY over priced anyways. (I've been collecting knifes for years, just not switch blades.)

Sorry I Don't have screen more screen caps to help idea this knife. but I haven't had the ability to do screen caps for over 6 months now. (I hate windows 7, and it hates my programs. ) It was in War Games. It also shows up in at least on other episodes, but I forget witch onse at the moment.

 

[pennausamike]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

I would say that this one is a match or at least close.
ITALIAN 28CM SWITCHBLADE AUTOMATIC WHITE HANDLE (10-3/4")

BUT, when you add it to your cart, the following disclaimer comes up.

It is the buyer's responsibility, not the seller's, to know and comply with any local, state or Federal laws pertaining to collection, ownership or carry of any of the products we sell.

The only people who can legally buy a switchblade that is shipped across state lines are basically law enforcement or dealers.*

So, if the switchblade purchase attracts law enforcement attention,
the purchaser has committed fraud and mail fraud by claiming they are someone they aren't.

Too scary for me to risk for a display prop.

I did see one alternative,
which is to buy a switchblade comb and put a blade in it in place of the comb.
If I were able to go that route, I'd make an aluminum blade to make it obvious that it is a display piece and not a weapon.

So, basically, local purchase is the best option for those who live in states where switchblades are legal.

Mike

*By placing an order with us, you agree that you meet any or all of the following criteria:

Federal law prohibits shipment of automatic knives across state lines, with the following exceptions:
(1) to civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal Government ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of the Federal Government;
(2) to supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or militia of a state, territory or the District of Columbia ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in the connection with the activities of such organization;
(3) to supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of the District of Columbia or the government of any State or Territory, or any county, city or other political subdivision of a State or Territory;
(4) to manufacturers of such knives or bona fide dealers therein in connection with any shipment made pursuant of an order from any person designated in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).

 

[cayman shen]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Just go to bladeplay.com. I bought a couple switchblades from them (I think that's the site) and they def. have Jayne's style. They're common. As far as the law, online knife stores will ship to you, except CA and MA, I believe. They're illegal in NH, and nobody's ever called me on it. I bought one online and had it shipped to me when I lived in WA as well. It's on your head if you get caught with it is the store's attitude, basically. I can't fathom how you could get caught. It goes in a box, is mailed to you, you open it. Unless you open your box in a squad car, I don't see the big deal. Seriously, I've purchased I think three switchblades by mail over the years. Heck, I even sold one of them in the JY here and shipped it. Buy your knife. You'll be glad you did. Just don't buy from an overseas shop (www.skm.to) or it could be checked by customs and seized. Then you're hosed. But the cops don't open domestic mail, as a rule. It's not like it says "switchblade" on the package.

Jayne's has the bayonette blade, and I think the handle color is "champagne" though it's hard to tell. I'd say it's a 13 inch (I think that's the size it comes in).

 

[pennausamike]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Too busy, too many irons in the fire...
Even so, I'm pushing ahead on wrapping up my Firefly/Serenity collection.

I have been "focusing" on finishing these outstanding projects, and I added one.

The Wash pistol display.
I machined off the Smith & Wesson emblem from the box, built the dummy speed-loader and acquired a checkering tool to finish the grips.

The Yo-Saff-Bridge pistol display.
Cheese-and-em-effin'-crackers, I'm STILL priming and puttying!
This is kinda like those walnut Mal pistol grips;
I'll finish them, but I get burned out on the tedium.

The Dobson Vektor.
I have some puttying and sanding to do here.
I'm having a hard time leaping into that until I finish the Yo-Saff-Bridge pistol.

And the new acquisition and project.
I bought a replica of the Jayne "War Stories" apple spearing knife.
I'm going to display it in a plastic apple with the caption:
Wash, "But, these apples are good and healthsome."
Jayne, "Yeah, grenades cost extra."

Finally, I decided it wouldn't be too big a deal to make the "Jaynestown" knife.
Time will tell whether I got that right or not...
Mike

 

[Russ257]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

If you are concerned you could probably pin the blade and use some silver solder to make the switchblade feature inactive.

 

[pennausamike]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

If you are concerned you could probably pin the blade and use some silver solder to make the switchblade feature inactive.

Legal switchblade ownership is a two step process.

First, it is against Federal law to ship a switchblade across state lines.
That criteria can be satisfied by having the switchblade shipped as a kit or as a switchblade-comb.

Second, the state you live in likely has laws governing switchblade ownership.
Some states ban them outright, some have no restriction; and then there are all manner of regulations in between.
In Pennsylvania, switchblades may be owned as a curio, used in a theatrical production
or in the possession of a person who is turning it over to authorities after finding it or taking it from an attacker.
The burden of proof is on the person in possession of the knife.

A collector can own a Jayne apple-sticker legally with a little research and minimal work...
...oh, and cashy-money helps, too!

 

[jason1976]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Too busy, too many irons in the fire...
Even so, I'm pushing ahead on wrapping up my Firefly/Serenity collection.

I have been "focusing" on finishing these outstanding projects, and I added one.

The Wash pistol display.
I machined off the Smith & Wesson emblem from the box, built the dummy speed-loader and acquired a checkering tool to finish the grips.

The Yo-Saff-Bridge pistol display.
Cheese-and-em-effin'-crackers, I'm STILL priming and puttying!
This is kinda like those walnut Mal pistol grips;
I'll finish them, but I get burned out on the tedium.

The Dobson Vektor.
I have some puttying and sanding to do here.
I'm having a hard time leaping into that until I finish the Yo-Saff-Bridge pistol.

And the new acquisition and project.
I bought a replica of the Jayne "War Stories" apple spearing knife.
I''m going to display it in a plastic apple with the caption:
Wash, "But, these apples are good and healthsome."
Jayne, "Yeah, grenades cost extra."

Finally, I decided it wouldn't be too big a deal to make the "Jaynestown" knife.
Time will tell whether I got that right or not...
Mike

They cool. It's nice to see folks still working on firefly/serenity stuff.

What is a " checkering tol"? (Are they expensive? Are they manual? hard to use?) I know it's off topic but I'm just too curious not to ask.

I love the jaynestown Knife, but other then the screen used ones on Robstyle's site, I have seen no replicas, or an found knives that look exactly like it. (Minus the "rasp" patter that was painted on for the show of course.) If you know something I don't about this. PLEASE let me know, because I would love to do that replica of that knife.

As for the Switchblade. I'm going to have to hold off for a wile. they ended up being WAY more expensive then I had expected. (at least on bladeplay.com they are)

 

[pennausamike]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

They cool. It's nice to see folks still working on firefly/serenity stuff.

Other than Yellowjacket making a bunch of awesome paper props,
not too many folks are still building Firefly/Serenity stuff.
Seems like most folks are saving their money for the official QMx stuff.
Good for QMx, boring for the hobby.

What is a " checkering tol"?
(Are they expensive? Are they manual? hard to use?)
I know it's off topic but I'm just too curious not to ask.

The checkering tool is the wooden-handled whatzit laying on the Wash pistol.
They make the checker pattern in the wood by acting kind of like a file.
I bought a cheap one.
I have no idea how hard it will be to get a nice result.
I'm hoping my first time effort doesn't look too bad...

I love the jaynestown Knife, but other then the screen used ones on Robstyle's site, I have seen no replicas, or an found knives that look exactly like it. (Minus the "rasp" patter that was painted on for the show of course.) If you know something I don't about this. PLEASE let me know, because I would love to do that replica of that knife.

I'm building the Jaynestown knife from scratch.
The blade is done except for polishing and painting.
The six inch scale laying on the end of it shows the size of the handle.
So, like my Dobson Astra machined out of a couple of aluminum blocks,
SerenityMovie.net :: View topic - Firefly/Serenity Weapons Collection
my Jaynestown knife replica will be one-of-a-kind.

As for the Switchblade. I'm going to have to hold off for a wile. they ended up being WAY more expensive then I had expected. (at least on bladeplay.com they are)

I paid about $45 for the knife
13" White Pearlex Classic Italian Stiletto Switchblade Brass Liners ON SALE
and $15 to have it converted to a comb
Are You Kitting Me?
plus shipping.

That fit my budget OK.

Good Luck,
Mike

 

[justanuthercap]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Mike, thanks for the Jayne switchblade info.

Do you need any dimensions on the Jaynestown knife? I have the retractable blade version.

 

[jason1976]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Yes please. I may take a crake at making my own from an aluminum blank as well, and I would love to get iit right. (pics would be nice too. )

I changed the tittle of the thread to let us talk about all the firefly knifes.

 

[pennausamike]

Re: Jayne's firefly switch blade knife.

Mike, thanks for the Jayne switchblade info.

Do you need any dimensions on the Jaynestown knife? I have the retractable blade version.

Sure, I'd love to know the actual size.
I based my sizes off the fact that the Jaynestown knife fit in Binky's sheath.
A photo next to a tape measure is always useful, if that's OK.

Mine has an 8" long blade, 3/4" long black piece with a 3/8" thick brass hilt and a 5 1/4"-ish handle.

I made the blade out of stainless steel and I may end up making the handle out of wood;
carved and painted to look like stag horn.

 

[jason1976]

WOW! stainless steel. Do you do machining professionally, or did you just do it at home? (i.e. with regular tools, anyone might have.)

I have cut, ground, filed, and sanded, some blades from both aluminum, and steel in the past, but it was a ton of work, to do by hand. (I can't find a machine shop locally that will do this kind of thing for me, so I do the best I can, with what ever I have laying around. )

 

[pennausamike]

WOW! stainless steel. Do you do machining professionally, or did you just do it at home? (i.e. with regular tools, anyone might have.)
SNIP

I am a machinist by trade, but most of the work I did on this Jaynestown knife replica can be done at home with a bench vise, a 4" grinder, files and emory cloth/ sandpaper.

Cutting out the original shape was done on a vertical bandsaw.
That could be done with a hand hacksaw,
but that would obviously be more work and much more clean up with the grinder.

I used a grinding wheel to shape the blade and sanding discs to smooth it out.
Harbor Freight is a good source for inexpensive grinders; $15 to $30.

I would note, too, that I burned the tip and made it too thin, so now my 8" blade is 7 3/4".
Just don't tell anybody I messed up

Mike

 

[pennausamike]

A little more progress on the Jaynestown Knife:

The blade is basically done except for painting the grid and a final polish.
The brass hilt is done and the black plastic piece just needs paint.
The "staghorn" grip is very in-process....

Mike