Why Play by the rules?
Why Play by the rules?
It's a little early over here so forgive me if this comes off as scatterbrained. I was wondering. As long as I've been reading this forum I've noticed that a lot of you are very stringent on playing by what ever rules of carry that apply to the area you're living in. In all honesty I've never looked up my local laws concerning personal carry. Not for blades, or guns, or impact weapons. I think what really irritates me is the feeling that how in the heck does my state legeslature know what I feel comfortable carrying for self defence? They lay down laws that only constrict the ones that plan to obey them, the actuall bad guys think it's funny as ****. This drives me bonkers. So I'm only allowed to carry a 3.5" non serrated, friendly colored civilian light blue guarenteed non agressive pocket knife whilst the average BG is toting around a machete. I'm sorry if I'm ranting here guys some one at my work last night got stabbed twice in the lower back with an icepick. Apparently it was over a backpack. I'm just irritated that someone else can regulate what I choose to carry. Dammit I know what I'm happy carrying and I really don't care what you think I should be happy with.
Ok, to try and put a concise point on this rant. I will carry what ever in the **** I feel like carrying. I believe I am willing to face what ever consequinces the courts may deal out should I ever have to use something not sheeple approved for selfdefence. (this is one area I could use a little advice in. How bad could it really get?) I beleive in being better prepared than the next guy. I believe in Training. I also believe that the average BG can and will tote around anything and everything short of field artillery rounds to harm me with and I don't see why I can't play that way too.
In short guys I guess I'm just irritated that I feel like I can't buy this or that knife because it's .003 over the limit or I hope my ASP isn't accidentally covered by my shirt tail so it's not concealed. Maybe I just had a bad night and woke up irratable. forgive me guys If I went overboard here.
oxxxxxx{------------------------
Ok, to try and put a concise point on this rant. I will carry what ever in the **** I feel like carrying. I believe I am willing to face what ever consequinces the courts may deal out should I ever have to use something not sheeple approved for selfdefence. (this is one area I could use a little advice in. How bad could it really get?) I beleive in being better prepared than the next guy. I believe in Training. I also believe that the average BG can and will tote around anything and everything short of field artillery rounds to harm me with and I don't see why I can't play that way too.
In short guys I guess I'm just irritated that I feel like I can't buy this or that knife because it's .003 over the limit or I hope my ASP isn't accidentally covered by my shirt tail so it's not concealed. Maybe I just had a bad night and woke up irratable. forgive me guys If I went overboard here.
oxxxxxx{------------------------
Its better to be tried by twelve than be carried by six, right? I DON'T THINK SO! You said you believe in training and being better prepared, this is the key. If you break whatever laws you're subject to, you're no better than the criminals you're ranting against. You hear about cops with "common sense" who "look the other way," or just "slap your wrist." DON'T COUNT ON IT. If you're wrong, you're wrong, period. If you ever do have to defend yourself with whatever weapon you choose to carry, you will more than likely go to court. Beware the prosecutor trying to make a name for himself at your expense. Your illegal weaponry will be used against you in court. There are many problems with our legal system. Why not try to change your laws rather than break them. Do something constructive, help yourself and everyone in your same situation.
Remember what you said earlier: training, preparation! You, and your mind, are the most important factor in any confrontation, not your weapon.
Pachucks, stepping off his soap-box...
Edited by - pachucko on 3/4/2002 1:02:50 PM
Remember what you said earlier: training, preparation! You, and your mind, are the most important factor in any confrontation, not your weapon.
Pachucks, stepping off his soap-box...
Edited by - pachucko on 3/4/2002 1:02:50 PM
Ah, difficult topic. I only speak for myself in the following, so it might sound dumb/wrong/inappropriate for you; whatever, in the end YOU decide about stepping over the boundaries of the law, no one else.
I for my part have decided to play by the rules. Here´s why: I have the chance to take over my parent´s business, which is lotsa bucks with lotsa spare time, but only if I have no felony convictions. So my choice of weapons directly affects my future wellbeing. I accept the risk of not having superior weaponry in the (rare) case of emergency for assuring my professional career. For example, it would be easy for me to get a blackmarket ASP, Tokarev, or Skorpion or AK-47. ASPs are completely illegal, automatic weapons as well, and concealed carry permits for handguns are extremely hard to get in Austria. So I stick with knives (as my most lethal means of defense), OC spray and other legal tools/weapons.
My rules, concerning knives/edged weapons, is Austrian law, that´s basically "you can carry what you want, concealed or not". The only knives that are illegal to possess (and carry) are knives/swords that are concealed as everyday items (swordcanes, beltbuckle knives etc.). My ten bucks Martindale machete concealed in the pool queue shoulder bag on my back is completely legal.
The only time I´d consider stepping over Austrian arms law is if I´d got serious, recent and real threats to my or my families´ wellbeing (and that´s not the drunk guy in the bar yelling "I´m gonna kill ya!"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>.
I for my part have decided to play by the rules. Here´s why: I have the chance to take over my parent´s business, which is lotsa bucks with lotsa spare time, but only if I have no felony convictions. So my choice of weapons directly affects my future wellbeing. I accept the risk of not having superior weaponry in the (rare) case of emergency for assuring my professional career. For example, it would be easy for me to get a blackmarket ASP, Tokarev, or Skorpion or AK-47. ASPs are completely illegal, automatic weapons as well, and concealed carry permits for handguns are extremely hard to get in Austria. So I stick with knives (as my most lethal means of defense), OC spray and other legal tools/weapons.
My rules, concerning knives/edged weapons, is Austrian law, that´s basically "you can carry what you want, concealed or not". The only knives that are illegal to possess (and carry) are knives/swords that are concealed as everyday items (swordcanes, beltbuckle knives etc.). My ten bucks Martindale machete concealed in the pool queue shoulder bag on my back is completely legal.
The only time I´d consider stepping over Austrian arms law is if I´d got serious, recent and real threats to my or my families´ wellbeing (and that´s not the drunk guy in the bar yelling "I´m gonna kill ya!"<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>.
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Michael Janich
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Dear Chambers:
I certainly understand how you feel. I've been there and have also, in the past, carried what I felt I needed to be prepared -- regardless of the laws against it. That was a personal choice that involved personal risk. At the time, I decided that my ability to protect myself was more important than playing by the rules. Since I'm not in your shoes (or anyone else's), I can't make decisions for you. I respect your ability to decide for yourself -- as long as you're also willing to accept the consequences of your actions.
As Jeff Cooper teaches, there are two problems in self-defense: Problem 1 - staying alive, and Problem 2 - Everything else that comes as a result of solving Problem 1. Obviously, if you fail at the first one, the second issue doesn't apply. What it takes for you to solve Problem 1 will always be a matter of personal choice.
The bottom line is that the closer we adhere to the letter of the law, the better our chances of defending our actions if we ever have to use our tools. We need to remember that we are the good guys. We are also the SMART guys. With a little research and effort, we can operate within the rules and still keep ourselves well protected.
Stay safe,
mike j
I certainly understand how you feel. I've been there and have also, in the past, carried what I felt I needed to be prepared -- regardless of the laws against it. That was a personal choice that involved personal risk. At the time, I decided that my ability to protect myself was more important than playing by the rules. Since I'm not in your shoes (or anyone else's), I can't make decisions for you. I respect your ability to decide for yourself -- as long as you're also willing to accept the consequences of your actions.
As Jeff Cooper teaches, there are two problems in self-defense: Problem 1 - staying alive, and Problem 2 - Everything else that comes as a result of solving Problem 1. Obviously, if you fail at the first one, the second issue doesn't apply. What it takes for you to solve Problem 1 will always be a matter of personal choice.
The bottom line is that the closer we adhere to the letter of the law, the better our chances of defending our actions if we ever have to use our tools. We need to remember that we are the good guys. We are also the SMART guys. With a little research and effort, we can operate within the rules and still keep ourselves well protected.
Stay safe,
mike j
Chambers:
you're correct..The BG's do whatever they want..carry what they want...and it would be cool to carry and use whatever we want as well. Except I guess its not practical..Why? because one can't use an illegal tool legally..
and the BG mentallity is not for me.
I find survial @ the cost of living in jail forever an unacceptable choice..But thats personal.
When I was much youger I carried what I personally felt I needed to ensure I went home and the BG didn't..period.
My choice..
I had no concern over anything else..Of course I thought hard on IF I didn't survive nothing else mattered..
Life is different now..my perspective different..
I don't want to survive by being as bad as the bad guy..nor do I want to live in the prison community..
So I train to survive within the rules..
That means I learn to cheat by using my tools in unusual and original ways that help balance out the inequities of the BG to me..
Greater firepower equalized by better technology..
Of course this sounds like Mr Mikes response.. which I agree with..
be safe..
Only you can decide what's the correct response for you,,and the consequences of that action might not be as pleasing as the results you seek...
you're correct..The BG's do whatever they want..carry what they want...and it would be cool to carry and use whatever we want as well. Except I guess its not practical..Why? because one can't use an illegal tool legally..
and the BG mentallity is not for me.
I find survial @ the cost of living in jail forever an unacceptable choice..But thats personal.
When I was much youger I carried what I personally felt I needed to ensure I went home and the BG didn't..period.
My choice..
I had no concern over anything else..Of course I thought hard on IF I didn't survive nothing else mattered..
Life is different now..my perspective different..
I don't want to survive by being as bad as the bad guy..nor do I want to live in the prison community..
So I train to survive within the rules..
That means I learn to cheat by using my tools in unusual and original ways that help balance out the inequities of the BG to me..
Greater firepower equalized by better technology..
Of course this sounds like Mr Mikes response.. which I agree with..
be safe..
Only you can decide what's the correct response for you,,and the consequences of that action might not be as pleasing as the results you seek...
Penalties for violation of legal carry limits varies depending on the state and how far over the limit you are. Here on a Texas college campus, I regularly carry knives that do not fit the 2" campus blade limit, but the Texas state limit is 5.5", so the worst that could happen would be a charge of carrying a concealed weapon on federal grounds. This would still be bad. Worst case, I'd be expelled and be forced to pay a fine. Since I'm in foodservice, I am allowed to carry knives larger than the campus limit for work purposes, but it's similar to exceptions made for fishing and hunting: only while traveling directly to, from, or actually at work would the exception stick, and the police can still be asses about it. I haven't run into any problems yet, though.
Actually use an illegal knife to fight with, whether you're the aggressor or defender, multiples the penalty. You're now in felony territory. Worst case is murder two, best case is carry of an illegal weapon. Most likely, you'd get assault with a deadly weapon no matter who pulled a weapon first. 9 times out of ten, a jury will find you guilty of the worst offense the prosecution can prove, and that usually means you're going to prison.
You may think that a concealed folder that's over the blade limit is alright as long as nobody sees it, but what if you commit another crime, such as a drunk and disorderly? If the officer deems it necessary, they'll pat you down, find the knife, and you now have a second charge on the rap sheet. In a situation like this, a judge is not likely to be lenient. You'd also be a poster boy for the anti-knife campaigns.
Final thought: If you're the only one who can walk away from a knife fight alive, you're the only one who can be tried. No jurisdiction has yet gone through the farce of trying a dead man. You're alive, you have to prove that your actions were solely in defense of yourself or another person being attacked. That illegal carry is Exhibit A against you. The prosecution will avoid bringing up what the BGs carried, and your defense lawyer bringing it to light won't mitigate things a lot, unless your knife is a LOT smaller than what the BG had.
Just think about it.
Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!
Edited by - liko on 3/4/2002 9:59:06 PM
Actually use an illegal knife to fight with, whether you're the aggressor or defender, multiples the penalty. You're now in felony territory. Worst case is murder two, best case is carry of an illegal weapon. Most likely, you'd get assault with a deadly weapon no matter who pulled a weapon first. 9 times out of ten, a jury will find you guilty of the worst offense the prosecution can prove, and that usually means you're going to prison.
You may think that a concealed folder that's over the blade limit is alright as long as nobody sees it, but what if you commit another crime, such as a drunk and disorderly? If the officer deems it necessary, they'll pat you down, find the knife, and you now have a second charge on the rap sheet. In a situation like this, a judge is not likely to be lenient. You'd also be a poster boy for the anti-knife campaigns.
Final thought: If you're the only one who can walk away from a knife fight alive, you're the only one who can be tried. No jurisdiction has yet gone through the farce of trying a dead man. You're alive, you have to prove that your actions were solely in defense of yourself or another person being attacked. That illegal carry is Exhibit A against you. The prosecution will avoid bringing up what the BGs carried, and your defense lawyer bringing it to light won't mitigate things a lot, unless your knife is a LOT smaller than what the BG had.
Just think about it.
Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!
Edited by - liko on 3/4/2002 9:59:06 PM
Ok a few things here. First. I think I really woke up grumpy yesterday morning when I posted that tirade. It still annoys the **** out of me that we're forced to play fair when it's our lives on the line. I want to address a few points brought up. Pachucko. Personally I'd still rather face the justice system no matter how buggered up than die because I wasn't allowed to carry anything. I agree with the legal aspects that you all brought up. I agree that often times the victim of any attack can be royally screwed by said system. But personally better than dead. I agree with your assertion that I do something constructive and hereby vow to look into AKAT membership.
Judge, I appreciate your perspective and input as well.
Mr Janich. I actually enjoyed your entire post. I especially agree with the suggestion of researching first so you know how to play within the rules instead of just blowing them off entirely which I've been guilty of. Will look into it.
Bram, As with Pachucko I have to disagree, survival at any cost is worth it to me. Maybe maturity will bring a different attitude to me with time but for now. Better living and breathing. However I love the idea of Training to survive within the rules. you're so far the first person to nail it out for me in a way that makes sence. I know I once authored a post saying I didn't understand or like the gunting design but I'm coming around on that one so you may yet see me at one of your seminars. Janich, same for you on that one. I'd love to train with you in CO.
Liko thank you for the excelent legal advice, it was very well thought out.
I think over all Guys it just galls me that we have to play by the rules when those who put us in jeapordy don't. So far I'd gather that it's pretty much the same with all of you. I want to thank all of you for your input. And just so you know I'm not the sort of psychopath who carries around 30 blades and a bazooka just incase. I just like the idea of strapping on my Szabo Keruuk when ever I feel like it and not having to worry bout loosing it just cause I had to brandish it at some idiot who thought he wanted my wallet. Thanks again.
oxxxxxx{------------------------
Judge, I appreciate your perspective and input as well.
Mr Janich. I actually enjoyed your entire post. I especially agree with the suggestion of researching first so you know how to play within the rules instead of just blowing them off entirely which I've been guilty of. Will look into it.
Bram, As with Pachucko I have to disagree, survival at any cost is worth it to me. Maybe maturity will bring a different attitude to me with time but for now. Better living and breathing. However I love the idea of Training to survive within the rules. you're so far the first person to nail it out for me in a way that makes sence. I know I once authored a post saying I didn't understand or like the gunting design but I'm coming around on that one so you may yet see me at one of your seminars. Janich, same for you on that one. I'd love to train with you in CO.
Liko thank you for the excelent legal advice, it was very well thought out.
I think over all Guys it just galls me that we have to play by the rules when those who put us in jeapordy don't. So far I'd gather that it's pretty much the same with all of you. I want to thank all of you for your input. And just so you know I'm not the sort of psychopath who carries around 30 blades and a bazooka just incase. I just like the idea of strapping on my Szabo Keruuk when ever I feel like it and not having to worry bout loosing it just cause I had to brandish it at some idiot who thought he wanted my wallet. Thanks again.
oxxxxxx{------------------------
Hello folks,
I am a newbie here and a big spyderco fan.
Your post made me react on one thing :
The problem is far before the confrontation. To me it is more a matter of anticipation than of respecting or not the law. Talking on personal defense of course.
As it has been told, respecting the law doesn't mean being stupid. There are plenty possible use of common tools, materials, objects, such as a pen, a rope, a lighter, a chair, whatever. Knowing your environment, opening your mind, anticipating and avoiding troubles is to me better than dealing with your life, others life and law.
this was my 2 cents tought.
Take care
I am a newbie here and a big spyderco fan.
Your post made me react on one thing :
The problem is far before the confrontation. To me it is more a matter of anticipation than of respecting or not the law. Talking on personal defense of course.
As it has been told, respecting the law doesn't mean being stupid. There are plenty possible use of common tools, materials, objects, such as a pen, a rope, a lighter, a chair, whatever. Knowing your environment, opening your mind, anticipating and avoiding troubles is to me better than dealing with your life, others life and law.
this was my 2 cents tought.
Take care
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Blade Santa Cruz
- Member
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: USA
It's Morality vs Legality. No, the two are NOT the same. Morally, I sympathize totally with Chambers on this. Once someone decides to violate the rights of others and initiate extreme violence, they forfeit all their own rights; their intended victim is morally justified in taking them apart, piece by piece.
But are they legally justified? Here Pachucks is telling it exactly like it is. Is a scum-bag worth ruining the rest of your life for? Of course not.
That's why the best advice is to leave at maximum speed when a situation starts to develop. And it's also why, if you have no way of escaping, you must stop your counter-attack when your opponent can't continue. That's the law, even if it's not justice. And it is a case of legality, which all too often has little to do with morality.
But are they legally justified? Here Pachucks is telling it exactly like it is. Is a scum-bag worth ruining the rest of your life for? Of course not.
That's why the best advice is to leave at maximum speed when a situation starts to develop. And it's also why, if you have no way of escaping, you must stop your counter-attack when your opponent can't continue. That's the law, even if it's not justice. And it is a case of legality, which all too often has little to do with morality.
My father and I have had many talks about this. For years he refused to get a CHL (Concealed Handgun License) because he said that we, as American citizens, had the right to carry arms.
For whatever reason -- I don't know if it was my influence or not -- he finally went and became "legal."
But in a recent conversation Dad told me that , if he were rich, he would not have bothered with getting licensed and, if arrested, would have fought it to the Supreme Court.
In my heart I feel that my father is correct. A free person has the right to defend himself (or herself!). I hate the way our personal freedom is constantly being taken away from us, a little at a time.
But if you look at the overall odds of having to use lethal force -vs- the odds of being seriously hassled by the system for violating a weapons law...it's hard to justify carrying something that is not legal. (At least, that is my perception...your mileage may vary.)
Speaking only for myself I would say to carry whatever you felt was necessary. But think about it carefully.
--gordon
For whatever reason -- I don't know if it was my influence or not -- he finally went and became "legal."
But in a recent conversation Dad told me that , if he were rich, he would not have bothered with getting licensed and, if arrested, would have fought it to the Supreme Court.
In my heart I feel that my father is correct. A free person has the right to defend himself (or herself!). I hate the way our personal freedom is constantly being taken away from us, a little at a time.
But if you look at the overall odds of having to use lethal force -vs- the odds of being seriously hassled by the system for violating a weapons law...it's hard to justify carrying something that is not legal. (At least, that is my perception...your mileage may vary.)
Speaking only for myself I would say to carry whatever you felt was necessary. But think about it carefully.
--gordon
Dear All,
This is one of those situations where there is no real answer. You are damned if you do and may very well be damned if you don't. However, how's this for a thought?
By preventing you from carrying a meaningful weapon for selfdefense, the government is ipso facto assuming responsibility for your safety. If you are injured because no cops were around to save your ***, shouldn't you be able to sue the government for damages,including the stress of being assaulted? I'd love to see that one played out all the way to the High Court! Of course, you'd need to be Ross Perot to accomplish anything, but still, ....
This is one of those situations where there is no real answer. You are damned if you do and may very well be damned if you don't. However, how's this for a thought?
By preventing you from carrying a meaningful weapon for selfdefense, the government is ipso facto assuming responsibility for your safety. If you are injured because no cops were around to save your ***, shouldn't you be able to sue the government for damages,including the stress of being assaulted? I'd love to see that one played out all the way to the High Court! Of course, you'd need to be Ross Perot to accomplish anything, but still, ....
First of all, Neophyte, the US Government and State governments cannot be sued unless they agree to be sued. They can refuse such a lawsuit as the one you described and that's it.
Also, the police, though charged with keeping the peace, cannot be held responsible for failing to prevent individual instances of violence. It's a catch-22: you cannot commit a crime in order to be prepared to prevent a crime, but not preventing the crime can have worse consequences. Committing a crime to prevent the crime as it happens is many times viewed as self-defense, defense of property, or defense of others. Thus, if you kill your attacker during the attack, if that was what was necessary, it is many times viewed as self-defense. Carrying an illegal weapon in order to do so means you were breaking the law before you were attacked, and courts will be "biased" against you due to that fact. Maybe biased isn't the right word, but they won't be as accepting of the fact that you broke the law simply for self-defense.
Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!
Also, the police, though charged with keeping the peace, cannot be held responsible for failing to prevent individual instances of violence. It's a catch-22: you cannot commit a crime in order to be prepared to prevent a crime, but not preventing the crime can have worse consequences. Committing a crime to prevent the crime as it happens is many times viewed as self-defense, defense of property, or defense of others. Thus, if you kill your attacker during the attack, if that was what was necessary, it is many times viewed as self-defense. Carrying an illegal weapon in order to do so means you were breaking the law before you were attacked, and courts will be "biased" against you due to that fact. Maybe biased isn't the right word, but they won't be as accepting of the fact that you broke the law simply for self-defense.
Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!
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delipsycho
- Member
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
- Location: USA
great discussion guys! question, though...with all that has been said regarding your opinions on the law, what DO you carry on a daily basis? for me it is a SE delica, front pocket. i live in Maryland and based on my interpretation of the law, it should be OK (but again, that's my interpretation.)
You will own a spyderco, resistance is futile.
You will own a spyderco, resistance is futile.
I usually carry either a Calypso Jr. Lightweight or an Endura Lwt. in my front pocket, sometimes my Salsa, and then I carry my Native Lwt CE in my right-side waistband. All of these are within state length and type limits (Texas basics: 5.5" folder blade limit, no concealed fixed blades, and no Bowies in public), but campus regs put a 2" limit on any knife's blade length. My Salsa probably wouldn't be given a second look, but any of my others would probably cause trouble should I get into trouble while carrying them.
Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!
Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!
Interesting thread. Different opinions always challenge my own views on self reliance.
I carry a Gunting daily. Easy to keep out of sight and fast deployment when carried tip-up (removed the clip, going to replace it the other way around). I´ve always been one of the "Better tried by twelve than carried by six" and "use any means possible to survive", lawful or not.
In my opinon if someone attacks you he (she) has crossed a line and will reap what he (she) saws. Smack, whack, cut or bang; depending on how I´m armed.
It´s always easy to make laws about stuff you never have to engage in (like physical encounters) if you live in a nice condo in a gated community with two or three BMW:s on the driveway. Does it ring a bell? The "common" man should be deprived of any weapon so that the power can stay with... those in power.
I used to work in a prison with the worst of the worst. Lost causes everyone of them. Those are people who later is released to the streets and if you meet one of them you will pray that you are carrying the biggest gun you can afford and a couple of x:tra mags to make sure he is dead after the encounter.
I don´t know what kind of experiences you have had with human garbage (they are). But make sure you are properly armed and that you are ready to go for the jugular if you ever meet these kind of people. Trust me on this one. I´m no superman or Kung-fu master. I am just a normal polite and nice guy (at least that´s what other people say) AND a person who have seen, talked and (with help) taken down these people.
I see no reason for social constructions (laws) to be a hinderance for what kind of weapons I carry. I´ve met the trash and I´m ready to take care of me and my loved ones.
I can´t change anyones mind but the decision lies within yourself and if you think I´m exaggerating call a prison close to you and ask for a tour, you might get lucky. And please don´t back down just because you have to sign a piece of paper stating that if you are taken hostage you are clear that you came and visited on your own free will. BTW if you think it´s too far to travel to the prison there is a reason - they usually are dangerous people and hostage situations are tricky.
You choose, I´ve already decided...
No hard feelings, whishing everyone a great weekend.
/Colinz
I carry a Gunting daily. Easy to keep out of sight and fast deployment when carried tip-up (removed the clip, going to replace it the other way around). I´ve always been one of the "Better tried by twelve than carried by six" and "use any means possible to survive", lawful or not.
In my opinon if someone attacks you he (she) has crossed a line and will reap what he (she) saws. Smack, whack, cut or bang; depending on how I´m armed.
It´s always easy to make laws about stuff you never have to engage in (like physical encounters) if you live in a nice condo in a gated community with two or three BMW:s on the driveway. Does it ring a bell? The "common" man should be deprived of any weapon so that the power can stay with... those in power.
I used to work in a prison with the worst of the worst. Lost causes everyone of them. Those are people who later is released to the streets and if you meet one of them you will pray that you are carrying the biggest gun you can afford and a couple of x:tra mags to make sure he is dead after the encounter.
I don´t know what kind of experiences you have had with human garbage (they are). But make sure you are properly armed and that you are ready to go for the jugular if you ever meet these kind of people. Trust me on this one. I´m no superman or Kung-fu master. I am just a normal polite and nice guy (at least that´s what other people say) AND a person who have seen, talked and (with help) taken down these people.
I see no reason for social constructions (laws) to be a hinderance for what kind of weapons I carry. I´ve met the trash and I´m ready to take care of me and my loved ones.
I can´t change anyones mind but the decision lies within yourself and if you think I´m exaggerating call a prison close to you and ask for a tour, you might get lucky. And please don´t back down just because you have to sign a piece of paper stating that if you are taken hostage you are clear that you came and visited on your own free will. BTW if you think it´s too far to travel to the prison there is a reason - they usually are dangerous people and hostage situations are tricky.
You choose, I´ve already decided...
No hard feelings, whishing everyone a great weekend.
/Colinz
Hmmm... I guess you were right... I looked over Ch. 46, and it doesn't say anything about concealed blades. OK, so the basics are, 5.5" blade limit on all knives, no bladed throwing weapons (Bowies count; a true Bowie is balanced to be thrown), and no switchblade, spring-blade, or other automatic knife. The didn't specifically mention flick or gravity knives, but I'd say they fall under illegal automatics.
Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!
Wise man say, forgiveness is divine. Remember that when your <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=0> bites you!