What Happens if Knife Laws go overboard? (USA)

[Minibear453]

I'm wondering, in light of the new Australian import restrictions, and the New York knife laws. If the knife laws get too strict... would the second amendment kick in? I mean, look at New York. Those laws are still there.

[Sequimite]

As a matter of common sense one would suppose there would be some protection but legally I've never heard of the 2nd amendment being stretched to include knives in a court decision.

As a practical matter if the knife industry was as big as the gun industry then the lobbying muscle would be there to pass reasonable knife laws.

[jakemex]

What happens WHEN knife laws go overboard? Not a matter of if but when.

[Dr. Snubnose]

Not suggesting you do this, but I really think if it came to really restrictive knife laws, law abiding citizens contemplating a means to protect themselves from the criminal element which prey upon innocent people, would probably resort to carrying $20 and under throwaway knives. box cutters etc..........Doc

[Slash]

Then, I may just have to sell most of my knives on the black market at a premium. Only to buy it all back when the dust settles at a fraction of the price.

[The Deacon]

Truth is, "knife crime" is not the hot-button issue in the USA that it is in other countries. We can probably thank the "gun crime" issue for that. Whatever the reason, it means there's less incentive in the USA to come up with illogical and unworkable solutions to knife related violence. So I don't see much chance of highly restrictive laws here, outside of New York City and possibly a handful of other large cities, at least not in my potential lifetime. The last attempt at more restrictive Federal laws got turned back. The rest of New York State has shown zero interest in adopting Mr. Vance's private vendetta against folding knives. Nor, AFAIK, have any other states or cities. Restricting private imports by individuals, or even banning them outright, would have far less impact here than on countries where significant savings can be achieved that way. At the worst, more states and municipalities my adopt blade length and/or open carry restrictions.

[O,just,O]

This is what happens
& that does not express my true feelings.
We lack the emoticons to do that.
o.

[Adriaan]

I just ignore them. In Europe those socialist treehuggers exaggerate. I refuse to obey to strict knife laws. I have a clean record, so what are they going to do? Trow me in jail? Yeah sure... I you commit a crime with a sentence under 3 years, then you will get an alternative "punishment" because there is not enough place in jail. LOL

That being said. I keep my spyderco in my pocket, illegal or legal.

[Blerv]

I'm with Deacon. A solution to a problem that doesn't exist is just poking a pack of dogs with a stick.

We may be pushed to 2-handed opening Slipits (total worst case), but Spyderco will keep pumping out awesome stuff.

[Left Hand Path]

Knife Rights is making a difference in the USA. I am a member and I would encourage anyone who likes knives to join.

Restrictive knife laws are not a matter of 'when' in this country, unless we fail to act. 'When' will be 'never' if we are successful in our efforts to stand up for our rights and educate others.

Little things like calling and emailing public officials to let them know your thoughts when there is knife-related legislation is important. Knife Rights is working on knife law preemption in my state of Pennsylvania right now. Positive knife laws and preemption have been passed in some states, like NH, Arizona, Utah, and there will be more to come if we work on it.

[Minibear453]

I'm joining knife rights right now.

[SolidState]

I just ignore them. In Europe those socialist treehuggers exaggerate. I refuse to obey to strict knife laws. I have a clean record, so what are they going to do? Trow me in jail? Yeah sure... I you commit a crime with a sentence under 3 years, then you will get an alternative "punishment" because there is not enough place in jail. LOL

That being said. I keep my spyderco in my pocket, illegal or legal.

Civil disobedience is the true way to disagree with laws. Show that a civilized person can operate responsibly outside the confines of the unjust law, and become the example of why the law is ludicrous.

In the immortal words of Thoreau:
"Under a government which imprisons any unjustly, the true place for a just man is also a prison.… where the State places those who are not with her, but against her,– the only house in a slave State in which a free man can abide with honor.… Cast your whole vote, not a strip of paper merely, but your whole influence. A minority is powerless while it conforms to the majority; it is not even a minority then; but it is irresistible when it clogs by its whole weight. If the alternative is to keep all just men in prison, or give up war and slavery, the State will not hesitate which to choose. If a thousand men were not to pay their tax bills this year, that would not be a violent and bloody measure, as it would be to pay them, and enable the State to commit violence and shed innocent blood. This is, in fact, the definition of a peaceable revolution, if any such is possible."

[Left Hand Path]

I'm joining knife rights right now.

That's great! Doug Ritter is a good guy and the list of knife companies that support Knife Rights is good company.

[Evil D]

Just like gun laws, knife laws only effect the law abiding. You really think these laws prevent criminals from carrying and using knives? Part of being a criminal is ignoring the laws, it's not like they say "oh crap, they passed that knife law, i guess i won't take my mall ninja knife to the armed robbery tonight".

Think about all the things that are already 100% illegal to do/have/sell/buy, like drugs for example. Do those laws against them actually prevent anything? This crap is just another way to make revenue and get votes by ignorant scared people who can't see the big picture.

[Left Hand Path]

Evil D you are exactly right.

[Blerv]

There are organized intelligent ways to cope with such laws. Doug Ritter and Knife Rights are doing a great job.

Simply defying the laws will only accomplish getting you charged legally. Regardless of your rational mindset at the time, a weapons charge sticks to someone for a while. Perhaps preventing certain employment.

[2cha]

The 2nd A. should cover knife laws, and I think it is just a matter of time. The 2nd A didn't even create an individual right to bear arms until 2008 and that right was not incorporated against the states until 2010. I'm contemplating bringing a 2nd A suit against the City of Philadelphia which has, as far as I know, the most restrictive knife laws imaginable--NO CUTTING INSTRUMENTS unless of type customarily used in your trade or profession AND you're about the business of your trade or profession.

[Minibear453]

Right! But it's not. I hope you guys win the case. Set down some ground rules at the very least. Otherwise, we'll be forced to carry popsicle sticks everywhere. Except... has there ever been a court case about such knife laws? If there is, it'd at least protect some rights.