Thread: Whats your opinion on automatic weapons?

Well a switch blade is another one of the types of knives classed as a prohibited weapon, you can't legally own one, here under the Criminal Code of Canada and applies nationally. Yea, it is pretty odd that you can strap a pistola on but can't carry certain types of knives. Nobody ever said laws have to make sense.

Bob

Originally Posted by sheajohnw

It seems odd that when it is OK for an individual to carry a firearm, he could be charged for carrying certain arguably less lethal knives under the same circumstances. Someone once told me that it was because the firearm is regarded as a legitimate tool for security under legal theory, but the prohibited knives are regarded as implements for criminal use. I object to the highly confusing mix of arbitrary and capricious legal requirements, especially across jurisdictions, and the potential for picking up serious personally damaging criminal charges while doing nothing harmful through ignorance or misinterpretation.

From what I've read, these laws come from back in the day in the US, pre-civil war, when gentlemen openly carried pistols and of course sturdy walking canes, but riverboat gamblers, footpads, stick-up kids, muggers, and mobsters carried all the nasty weapons like brass knuckles, switchblades, belt-buckle knives, blackjacks/saps, etc. I think the movie "Gangs Of New York" paints a good picture of street life in that era...

Switchblades are not universally illegal across the U.S. Individuals with only one hand or arm are exempted from arrest and prosecution under Federal law.

Figure this: In California an honorably retired LEO can carry a concealed firearm, but not a concealed expandable baton.

Originally Posted by honedright

Figure this: In California an honorably retired LEO can carry a concealed firearm, but not a concealed expandable baton.

That's right. And carrying a loaded gun without a permit (first time offense, no aggravating circumstances) is a still a misdemeanor, while that baton is an automatic felony. Go figure...

Originally Posted by Crotalus

I bought it in Dallas at a gun show. Some laws are not strictly enforced.

You can't buy a switchblade in Ft. Worth. You can in Dallas. You can't carry one anywhere. In San Antonio it is illegal to carry any kind of knife that locks.

You guys have it all wrong. It's not that you can't carry it, it's that you can't get caught.............. just sayin thats all....

I carried a big Old Timer Bear Claw lock blade all around the states. Even into Disneyland. Security failed to pick it up. Good thing too, because I had forgotten I had the thing in my bum bag (fanny pack to all you state-siders). As far as switch blades go, you can, or at least could, get them here under an M class weapon licence, but I think a one handed opening lock blade or an open assist knife would be faster. I can get my one handed opening knife into action faster than either a Mikov or even a De Shivs stiletto from a standing start. As Griz says..."Just sayin' is all"


Mick

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

Switchblades are not universally illegal across the U.S. Individuals with only one hand or arm are exempted from arrest and prosecution under Federal law.

I bought my switchblade in a little shop in Berlin, Germany back in the summer of 2000.
I don't think I've ever carried it around. My assisted open knives open up faster. I think it's sitting in a tool box somewhere.

Originally Posted by Crotalus

Not unless thay have changed the law recently. A double edge knife is called a "dirk". It's illegal to carry one in Texas.

I had a push knife and I was told not to wear it anymore. It is the same knife that was used in Platoon from Cold Steel.

Isn't that a dagger instead of a dirk? I always thought a dirk was more of a weapon purposely for stabbing, whereas a dagger was a double edge knife for general purpose, whether that involved cutting, slashing or stabbing.

Originally Posted by Crotalus

I bought it in Dallas at a gun show. Some laws are not strictly enforced.
.

Like these ones:
Dumb Texas Laws