La Griffe confiscated as a trench knife

H

Henri

Joined
Dec 6, 1998
Messages
19
Hi all,

Trying to import a La Griffe into Australia, it was confiscated by customs and deemed to be a trench knife :confused: :mad:

the relavent part of the law is:

"Trench knives or similar devices that consist of a single-edged or multi-edged blade or spike:
(a) fitted with a handle made of any hard substance that can be fitted over the knuckles of the hand of the user:
(i) to protect the knuckles; and
(ii) to increase the effect of a punch or blow; and
(b) made of any material; whether the device has been manufactured for those purposes or adapted for those purposes."

I called them for more info, and it seems they interprit one loop of metal etc covering one knuckle to be the same as 2, 3, or 4.

This I can "almost" understand.

The part I have a problem with is that standard brass knuckles and trench knives are effective because they transmit the impact of the punch to the recipient over a small area ( the brass bit near the knuckles ) but they spread the impact to the deliverer over a large area, that is padded and in line with the arm ( the meaty part of the palm ). I do not believe the La Griffe can do this.

My problem is that I have never seen or held the knife in real life and so am not in a good position to argue this point.

What would be nice, is if someone could tell me more about if its possible to use the La Griffe in this way, and also, a photo of a La Griffe being held correctly for use may help.

I think I can argue a good case but any ideas, photos, help would be much appreciated

Henri
( who is a bit embarressed at posting so little in so long )
:o

I have also posted this at the Knife Laws forum
 
I would argue along the following lines:
* It can fit over the knuckles but it not designed to protect the knuckles, it is desinged to provide a firm grip.
* It is obvioulsy not designed to increase the effect of a punch or blow as it is a hawksbill blade, ie the sharp bit and point would curve away from the punch.
* If you used it as a knuckle duster you would probably break a finger

Hope this helps. Don't accept a decision from the first person you speak to if it fails, ask to talk to a supervisor and state you case in a reasonable fashion, if it keeps failing appeal higher, if need be call on your local federal member and get them to call customs.

It would probably also help if you have a reason for importing the knife. ie your are a commercial/recreational fisherman and it is for cutting lines/gutting fish in a wet slippery environment.
Regards
Pinpoint
 
Might be helpful to get an expert such as Bernard Levine to give his expert opinion on the subject.
 
I'm sorry I can't provode you any pictures, but in my medium size hand (R or L) the LAGRIFFE will not work as "brass knuckles". The finger hole, and the curve of the grip just do not allow it. I think if you send a e mail to Emerson I bet they could provide you with the technical mumbo jumbo explaining why this knife will not work as "brass Knuckles". Good Luck
 
You might try doing one of those para cord grip wraps so the holes dont look like obvious finger holes then try to get it in again.
 
Thanks for the comments so far, they have been a help. I will be writting a letter to them and asking for a written reply. Depending on the reply, I will try to escalate it higher in customs or go to my local Member of Parliment.

As for the cord wrap...good idea but I ordered via post and they already have it.

Henri
 
I don't think it even comes close to the definition. It is a great utility design. The finger hole makes it safer to use, providing a more secure grip in wet/slippery conditions.
 
I don't know if I would use that article on my Website to attempt to get them to release your knife and send it on to you.

What I am in the process of doing now, is as always. I write between 4 - 6 articles for the site at a time, that way I don't get burned out writing on one thing.

I am currently writing an article for the site; "Brass Knuckles, a legitimate Martial Arts Weapon?"

And that one, if you print it out with a letter explaining why they are wrong and using that article which will inform these stupid A-holes why they are totally incorrect...might get your knife back.

Then again, please realize, these laws are designed to be stupid because their intent is to ban EVERYTHING.

So, in the end, I doubt if you will get your knife back at all, sadly.

But you can try. If you are interested, let me know.

BTW, the reason this article I'm writing might be helpful is, part of writing about Knuckles involves a somewhat in-depth analysis of Knuckle Knives, a/k/a Trench Knives.
 
yep.....pictures are good.

Don's website is good but agree that its probably not the sort of info they are interested in :rolleyes:

made up a scale mockup in cardboard to play with and get the info in my letter right.

Letter went off today via registered post. It was fairly detailed with pictures and 5 pages long.

Will have to see what happens.

Its unfortunate in these cases that the people making the decisions don't care about our hobby or the uses ( safety / rescue ) that we intend to put them to.

Ultimately tho' it is our duty to ensure that they are informed and if they still wish to make a bad decision for whatever agenda they have, then so be it. Just make sure they know they are streatching the law and that we are not happy about it.

Henri
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top