"Blade length" identification markings on blade?

[V-1]

Does anyone know of a manufacturer (not custom maker) that marks their blade with the blade length, i.e., 2 7/8" Blade Length or even just 2 7/8"? If not, I wonder why not? I'm curious considering the legal climate we live in now. I now I have bought knifes based on blade length to carry in different regions of the country where the laws on carrying knives are different then my home state. Some areas have no specific limits, others 4" and others 3" where I usually travel. I think that this would be added insurance when dealing with police, security, or other authority figures. It would remove all confusion from the situation. I know from my background in manufacturing and the steel industry that this would add extra costs in terms of time, tooling, etc., but would this also create legal/liability hassles for the company? For example, if their tolerances ran over the length marked on the blade. 2.90" can become 3.10" easily enough. If not, I think that this would be an added sales incentive and show that the company is willing to go that little extra for their customer. Place the blade length next to the manufacturer's name, steel type and country of origin. Any thoughts?



[This message has been edited by V-1 (edited 01-14-2000).]

 

[brian w edginton]

I think that any LEO who was interested in your blade length is going to measure it for himself rather than accept a tang stamp. But, all knife packaging should have details so the purchaser knows what he is buying.

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BrianWE

I had no shoes and wept...until I met a man who had no feet. Cheapest pair of shoes I ever bought.

 

[V-1]

I agree. But I think it would be a help when first talking with the police and, if it came to it later, in court even though ignorance is no excuse in the eyes of the law.

 

[V-1]

I'm sure someone else has an opinion on this. If only to tell me I'm an idiot and I would be adding cost to the knife for no real gain, and the knives cost enough already! Come on, I can take it.

 

[Cougar Allen]

Another problem is there are an amazing number of different ways to measure blade length, all giving different results. Some jurisdictions specify how the legal length is measured but most deliberately avoid that for convenience in selective enforcement. Some examples:

A straight line from point to handle (sometimes called "stabbing depth').

A straight line from point to choil -- can be to the choil at the edge, in line behind the point, or, probably, anywhere else along the plunge cut....

The length of the sharpened edge, measuring along the curve (if any). In the extreme, there is a story that one police department used a fractal computer program to calculate the sharpened edge of a serrated knife to be a ridiculous length....

A straight line from point to pivot of a folding knife (no kidding; I've seen posts about that being claimed to be the length of a blade, though I don't recall in what jurisdiction ... not sure if there have been any convictions based on that standard, either).

There are probably other ways I can't think of at the moment.



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-Cougar Allen :{)
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This post is not merely the author's opinions; it is the trrrrrruth. This post is intended to cause dissension and unrest and upset people, and ultimately drive them mad. Please do not misinterpret my intentions in posting this.

 

[Jake Evans]

Hell Cougar, Illinois even has a clause in the length law that includes overall length. I have to be careful transporting my work, I don't end up with weapons charges.

Jake

 

[V-1]

You raised a good point Cougar Allen.

The small step of marking the blade length would be opening up a manufacturer to major lawsuits. Good knows, I'm sure they fear this enough in our sue happy culture. When you see some of the other lawsuits that have won major settlements, McDonalds for selling "hot" coffee that burned someone or the fortune teller who's CAT scan resulted in her losing her powers to see the future, this one would cost some company big money.

It's a shame that there is not an established industry and legal standard for measuring blade length. I imagine that this would be the prerequisite for companies to start the practice of marking the length on the blade.

As I travel the country it's amazing how many local/municipal/state "laws" I'm breaking by having a small knife in my pocket. The laws seem intentionaly vague in most places. When you actually sit down and read the laws on the books they are far from comprehensive.

Oh well, as with most brainstorming sessions many good points have been raised. I guess the moral of the story is blend, keep your head down and be a good "citizen" and carry what you thinks best. Thanks for the insight guys.