Generic question about definition of blade length

[Muaddib1116]

Perhaps it differs state to state, but when a law dictates a maximum blade length, does it generally refer to the axial length of the sharpened area of the blade? the radial length of the sharpened edge? the length of blade (regardless of sharpened edge length) along the axis from pivot to tip that is exposed past the handle?

I ask because there are a number of knives that have a certain blade length with a smaller edge length, especially knives with finger choils built into the blade. Does the law see a distinction? or is it whatever the cops/prosecutor decides works best for them?

 

[inheritthefire]

Generally whatever a prosecutor/leo decides works best for their situation.
Legally, I believe it is from the end of the handle to the furthest protruding tip of the blade.

Nobody is going to carry string that they can use to conform to the curvature of a blade and then measure the string.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

Here in Texas, it was "engraved in stone" via a court decision that basically boils down to the distance from the tip of the blade to the front of the guard, or where a guard would be if the knife was to have a guard.

This means any choil distance is included in blade length, as is any ricasso area, even if no choil is present on the blade. I know of no state, county or city that measures along the edge.

 

[OhShoot]

You can pretty much bet your bippy that if state code doesn't have a narrower definition like "sharpened edge" or similar, it's gonna be the whole shebang from tip to grip.

- OS