Pocket knife right in the US... sorry to do this

[James Watriss]

Hi all,

I hate to be the guy who posts political action stuff in a public forum, so I apologize to all of you. But it seemed to me that most woodworkers and tradesmen I know do carry knives of one sort or another. And it was recently brought to my attention that this right is now under threat from a piece of legislation proposed by the US Customs agency that would redefine any knife that can be opened with one hand to be considered a switchblade knife... and the wording can be interpreted in other ways to cover even more knives.

More information here:

http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=76&Itemid=150

I'm not a gun nut, I'm not usually a militant anything, but I do use a knife every day, so this really bothers me. I am aware that in other countries, like Great Britain, it's illegal to own even a locking knife. And I'd hate to have that happen here.

Again, I apologize for being "that guy." But if this hits home for any of you, I would ask that you spread the word. I know that pocket knives have a mixed public image, but they're one of the most fundamental tools that we have as humans, and I'd hate to see them taken away.

 

[woodguy7]

Good point, well made.
I also carry & use a knife every day & would be lost without it.  I live in Scotland, UK & do work for the police.  I raised the question with them & they were of the opinion that if i was in my work clothes & not in dress or good clothes then they would turn a blind eye.  I don't know if this is an opinion that is shared with all police officers but if i lived & worked in a big city then i don't think i would take the chance.

I don't know how strict it is in the US but here they take a very dim view on knives.

Makes you wonder what next, no utility knife in the toolbox ??

Cheers, Woodguy.

 

[Brice Burrell]

I thank you for bringing this to our attention. I'm like you guys, I use my pocket knife everyday as a tool. However, this isn't the right place for this type of post. We have a section specifically for these kinds of threads it would have been better post it there.  

 

[richard.selwyn]

To add to what woodguy said, one of the times I was stopped and searched (a regular occurance) by UK customs at the Channel Tunnel, the lady from HM customs opened the glove box of my van.  First thing she saw was a bright yellow utility knife which she wasn't too sure about, then she found a US locking blade "Buck Knife" that an American friend had sent me over to my home in France - in the post! - she was not very impressed with that at all and said it was illegal in the UK and that she should confiscate it. I apologised and told her truthfully that I didn't even know it was in the glove box.  She told me to put it in my bag and forget about it.  If you can rely on the intelligence and discretion of your law inforcement agents there is no problem.  Sadly it is not always the case.  Make a dumb law and get dumber people to enforce it blindly and .....

 

[Vindingo]

I was at Home Depot a couple days ago and pulled out my knife to cut down a ballon for a little girl.  A HD employee came up to me and asked me why I was carrying a knife  ???   

I replied "for work"  and she gave me a snotty "good answer"

I was a bit taken back considering I was in a hardware store in my "work" clothes.  The knife is one of those folding utility knives with a removable blade.  The 1" exposed blade doesn't seem too intimidating to me, but I guess others could be sensative.   

 

[Wim]

Be glad you don't live in Holland. I guess we have the strictest rules on earth regarding weapons of all sorts and sizes. All guns are illegal. To get a permit to own a simple handgun for recreational uses is a hard struggle with the bureaucrats. You need a permit to handle a nailgun that uses blanks. Pocketknives are OK as long as the blade is shorter than about 3". Switchblades and all other single hand operated knives are banned. If you are in public in possesion of a screwdriver longer than 3" and you can't prove you are using it for a legal job, you are in big trouble. So don't forget to remove it from your pocket when you go partying on a Saturday night. Our rules and laws are almost as strict as the rules for airline security.

 

[The Toolman]

Wow!! I never thought is was that bad out there. I have had a pocket knife on me since I was about twelve and would not part with it. I use it all the time. If this is what has become of the world we are not in good shape. A criminal will get and use any weapon he wants easily but a person who uses a knife as a tool is made into a criminal, that's sad.  So much for a "FREE" society. We need to wake up before ALL our rights are gone!!