La Griffe - might it be considered a "push-dagger" by some?

[Walkabout]

Hello,

My 19 yo son has asked for a La Griffe for Christmas, after seeing my Fred Perrin that arrived a couple of weeks ago. He had done some homework on it, and realized that an Emerson might be a bit more realistic financially than a custom Perrin.

A Canadian on-line dealer expressed concern about being able to get one through customs, but will be looking into it. The concern was that it might be looked at as a "push-knife" or "push-dagger" or "knuckle duster", given the large hole that you slip your finger into, and the series of holes in the handle that give it a street-fighting look.

Ends up that I found a custom Fred Perrin Street La Griffe at Blade Art, which is on its way (They're not yet on the web site... I phoned in my search).

I believe that the Canadian law defines as push dagger as: "Any knife commonly known as a 'push-dagger' that is designed in such a fashion that the handle is placed perpendicular to the main cutting edge of the blade"

The La Griffe design has its handle in line with the blade, not perpendicular.

I am aware that the legalities of knife carrying in Canada leaves much to the discretion of the law enforcement officer with regards to the intended use of the blade (tool vs. weapon), although there are strictly prohibited items such as switchblades, flick knives, push daggers, etc. I believe that even a SAK might be confiscated if the LEO judges that its intended use is as a weapon, and particularly if that's what you say it's for (SD).

Any thoughts or experience here specifically with the La Griffe design? I suspect this isn't a uniquely Canadian consideration, as if an officer considers something to be a push-dagger or knuckle-duster in many (or perhaps most) jurisdictions, it will be confiscated.

Regards,

Mike Harlos
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

 

[EXECUTION STYLE]

I myself would not consider it a push dagger whatsoever. I have a Cold Steel Safe Keeper I myself. 5" blade. That is a push dagger.


But then again, I am not the ones you have to worry about.

I'd say have the boy keep a picture in his wallet of a true push dagger in his wallet to show a LEO just what one truly is.

 

[bob bowie]

Howdy,

Becareful, while I would'nt consider it a push dagger, I'd worry about the knuckle knife angle. I remember a fellow from France got his taken by customs on those grounds.

 

[simko]

push daggers are also defined as a knief, whos blade is perpendicular to the handle.

 

[satin]

I wouldnt call it a push dagger, and I dont believe by definition it is.

(In tactical use you can thrust with it like a push dagger, but it is still not one).

The knuckle duster aspect MAY come into play, especially if the customs officer decides he really likes this cute little knife - but I'd say its worth a try, it might/it might not. I personally would go ahead and try to get it.

Ask in the Knives Wanted forum to see if any fellow canadians have a NIB La Griffe they would sell you, import problem solved.

You and your son have good taste in knives, BTW La Griffes rock.