2.5" Guidelines At Federal Facilities

G

Gadgetman7

Joined
Sep 30, 2001
Messages
932
I've read the applicable US code and understand that the 2.5" limit is not absolute but I have a question about it anyway. Does anyone know of any case law involving how the blade length is measured? Is it incorrectly from the tip of the blade to the handle or the cutting edge? The reason I ask is that if it is from the tip of the blade to the handle, then the Victorinox Super Tinker SAK that I have would be over that limit.

Also, I sent a note to AKTI about this issue but I think that they're tired of hearing from me.
 
This came up on a previous thread and one of our members cited a California case (decided under state law, not federal) in which the court held that the proper measurement was the actual sharpened cutting edge. You may be able to find the reference in the archives. If not, I'll try to locate the copy I printed.

Obviously, a case from the federal courts, preferably in your district (or at least your circuit), would be better. For that you'll probably have to do some legal research with www.findlaw.com or www.romingerlegal.com or one of the other legal search services.
 
Thanks DancesWithKnives but I've checked those sources and couldn't find any case law. I've particiapted in the other threads and no one else seems to be able to find any either. I'm beginning to wonder if anyone has ever been prosecuted for that particular part of the code.
 
Gadgetman,
I did a fair amount of research a year or two ago, but was unable to come up with any case law on the subject. My guess is that it hasn't been at issue in a precedental decision -- I found a case where the Appeals Court ruled that a knife wasn't a dangerous weapon for the purposes of 18 U.S.C. section 930 unless:
a) there was knowledge of the prohibition (hence the warning sign at the entrance to Federal buildings), and
b) there was intent to use the knife for criminal purposes.

Unfortunately, I can't provide a citation at this time.
 
I don't know all of the background to this thread (another thread was referenced), but I thought I'd share that I was recently on a Govt installation (Code Red status, btw, with armed guards). They let me in with my REKAT Pioneer without any hassle whatsoever. Granted, my job *might* require a knife, but it was the only non computer tool I had one me (they checked my laptop more closely, even made me log it in). Another time, I was at a different facility (different bureau) and they made me leave my SAK (smaller blade than the REKAT) at the guard's desk. No problem, just gave me a claim ticket and sent me on my way. No hassle getting it back either. Yet again, I was at a related site in another town with my 3.5" tac folder. I even used it in plain view of govt employees. No problems, no raised eyebrows (our escort was a bomb expert!). So far, I've never seen anyone get in any trouble due to their knives. We all carry tac folders or SAKs with blades running 2.5"-3.5".

Chris
 
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