Quote Originally Posted by 1OldGI View Post
Wouldn't such a law prohibit people from bringing large quantities of knives or straights to a public event such as a garage sale or flea market?
Again aren't most straights under 3 inches in blade length? Notwithstanding this, the law and what occurs do not always march hand in hand. Just because there is a law does not mean everyone abides by it and the existence of a law does not preclude people from breaching it per se.

To put the above into context, it is illegal to drive a motor vehicle in certain areas, for instance normal roads in the UK, above 30 mph. People do drive in excess of these speeds and quite often. If they are caught they face fines and other sanctions. But often they are not caught. The same is true of commerce in antique fairs etc. Unless there is a policeman or other going round measuring straights at antique fairs, which of course he would have to find first, here in the UK at least, which I have to tell you is far easier said than done, then people are going to continue doing so.

It would not be feasible to allocate scarce funds at the expense of the British taxpayer towards ensuring that no folding knives above 3 inches in length are in public place, yet alone at antique fairs. The powers of the police to stop and search people are subject to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act and the Codes of Practice thereof. Only under certain circumstances can they be exercised.

My point is, yes technically crimes happen. And far worse ones than selling long straights.