So what is a box cutter ?

[yog]

I've heard the phrase used around here a couple times reciently, usually in the context of them being illigal. So what the flip are they ??

[vampyrewolf]

many of us get our knives, for use as "box cutters".

In the actual sense, a box cutter is a knife much like an xacto(sp?) knife. Just a sharp blade to be used...

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[Lt.Hawkins]

NY Law gives this definition:
"(1) "Box cutter" means any knife consisting of a razor blade, retractable, non-retractable, or detachable in segments, attached to or contained within a plastic or metal housing, including utility knives, snap-off knives, and box cart cutters."


source: http://www.council.nyc.ny.us/law95/int567a.htm

thats awfully broad... there are some other relevant laws too... i just don't have the time to dig them up. (again, IANAL)

[yog]

Ok, I know the type.

So why are there so many threads hinting that they are illigal to carry in the US. I would have thought that they were the most work orientated (light duty) knives going ??

Asking is a momments embarrassment.
Not asking is a lifetimes ignorance.


Edited by - yog on 7/3/2001 6:28:20 PM

[Lt.Hawkins]

in NY, its illegal to sell one to a minor. as for possesion of by a minor, i don't know either.

[Jazzman]

They might be refering to one of these maybe???:
http://www.szaboinc.com/index1.html
However, as far as I know, retractable knives aren't illegal. At least here in the midwest....
Matt

[ftkinney]

yog -- what happened in the u.s. is that a small goup of people mostly minors started carring them as if for "work" but in all reality it was as a weapon and when the police started to appened individuals with these who were or belived to be ingaged in illigal activity city counlces etc past ordances. just like in many placeses it is illeagel to sell spray paint to minors or after midnight. pray paint is a tool/supply but it is also connected with a certain "element" rightly or wrongly. if "deliquents" started carring 1/2" (13mm) socket wenches as a possible club only mechanics could have one in the car. i hope this helps

FTK

[Lt.Hawkins]

i'm going to start carrying an overreactive bleeding heart liberal lobbyist for use as a bludgeoning weapon... maybe they'll get banned if the authorities catch me beating up a congress member with him <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[yog]

Interesting. In the rest of the world it is persived as America having very liberal gun / knife laws.

In the UK our laws are both more flexible and far stricter. For knives they have removed the size restriction and have instead deamed any edged or pointed object that could be used as an offensive weapon (i.e. everything) illigal.

I did once see an LEO confiscate a studded wrist band because the owner could not prove to the satisfaction of the LEO that he had a legitamate reason for owning such an "offensive weapon".

[Lt.Hawkins]

broadly speaking:
in america, its the liberals who want more restrictions on weapons, pushing for more and more laws, generally being reactive.

conservatives tend to stand by their constitutional right to bear arms, often pushing for enforcement and punishment for a less restrictive set of weapon laws.

and lets not get into a hardcore policical discussion here <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> if i put the liberal, "Democratic party" viewpoint in a bad light, i'm sorry, just know that i agree with more liberal views, except on this topic <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> (heh. screw party lines <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>)

[clipiteer]

Yog, paraphrasing a BladeForums member: "If you deny someone the ability to defend themself then you are guilty of nothing less than attempted murder". Also, in Australia(Clay, please correct me if I'm wrong) they have already confiscated all the guns, including collectables, antiques, and ones that won't even shoot(!?) in hopes of decreasing the crime rate. Did it work? Of course not. The first year, crime increased 70%. The next year,90%. Why? Because criminals didn't turn in their guns (did you expect them to?) and law-abiding citizens did. Then, robbers, theives and murders knew that their victims had almost no way of defending themselves. The reason that groups like the NRA are protesting stricter gun laws is that if stricter laws are passed, then who knows what's next? Eventually, it would probably lead to what has already happened in Australia, and might even lead to stricter laws on other things.