Blade length

[jbennett]

Can anyone tell me if there is a standard or commonly accepted measure of blade length for a pocket knife? Tip to handle? Cutting edge? Length of metal piece? Is there any authoritative reference for such a measure? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!
Jim

 

[beherethen]

The law varies widely from area to area, but the common preception (even among many LEOs) is that 3 inches or a bit less than 3 inches is the legal limit. As our country becomes more PC, 3" or sub may very well become not only the perception but also the real law. JM2$

 

[RH]

What's the purpose of your inquiry?

Most jurisdictions would measure what would be considered "stabbing" length, which would include the entire length of the exposed blade, sharpened or not. I've heard stories of people being charged with the entire blade length, including the bolster (the part in the handle that pivots), but I don't see how that would hold up in court.

Check with Bernard Levine's forum for more and better info.

 

[ARtsig1]

Don't know if this address's your question, it does the topic, but I have always been told that those who favor a longer blade length do so because of a Freudian principle. These people are attempting to make up for being "shorted" elsewhere. Myself, I have as my favorite carry a MADD MAXX with a 5.5" blade, so I know that this does not hold true!

Anyway, couldn't resist posting that.


Art

 

[Double Edge Dave]

Welcome to the forums!
You can pretty well count on the fact that, for legal purposes, blade length will be measured from the tip of the blade to the point where the handle starts. I did have one of our crack airport security rent-a-cops try to measure my Random Task from the tip to the pivot bolt center! I immediately set her straight.
David

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NC Custom Knifemakers Guild member
NC Knife Knuts member

[This message has been edited by davidb415 (edited 05-29-2001).]

 

[The General]

In the UK is is defined as the actual cutting edge. Though I am sure they mean the ground edge, wether it is sharp or not, so no you can't blunt the edge on an 18" knife and keep the last 3 sharp

!

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Wayne.
"To strive to seek to find and not to yield"
Tennyson
Ranger motto

A few useful details on UK laws and some nice reviews!
http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/
Certified steel snob!

 

[Erikfsn]

Art,
You've got it backwards dear chum!

The 3" blade wielder, being comfortable with his "other" measurement, has no need for a big blade.

Those who were shorted by nature, make up for it elsewhere.

LOL. Are we having fun yet?

edit: whoops, I didn't read your post very carefully, now did I.

[This message has been edited by Erikfsn (edited 05-29-2001).]

 

[Aphthartos]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">The 3" blade wielder, being comfortable with his "other" measurement, has no need for a big blade.</font>

Makes you pity these poor guys who have Sifu's. Or multiple Sifu's...

I carry a CQC7 with a 3 1/4 inch blade. Believe me, it speaks VOLUMES... heh heh heh.

As for the question of what blade length is legal on a pocket knife, we'd have to know where you live. Under 3 inches is going to be legal in almost all states, 4 inches is what's legal where I live(southwest colorado).

 

[Bugs3x]

Welcome to the forums, jbennett!

I think it could prove to be a serious mistake to make any assumptions about legal knife blade limits anywhere. Virtually all municipal, county, and state governments can and do legally set their own limits. Inquiring in advance before carrying is the only way to be on solid legal footing. I'd also suggest that you not rely on the word of a street LEO. It is entirely possible that you would receive only a personal attitude towards what the limit ought to be, or simply mistaken information. Check with the statutory entity.

If you want to carry a big knife, think in terms of moving to/living in California or Texas. Both states allow 5.5" folders to be carried.

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Asi es la vida

Bugs