Length, how is it measured?

L

Luis G.

Joined
Jan 18, 2011
Messages
1,855
In Texas we have a up to 5.5" knife law in effect for legal carry. However, I've read on several places already some state: "Length of blade going past handle, not just sharpened portion" and other places just state "Blade length of 5.5".

So how is it measured? Total length blade+handle, or just the blade past the handle?
 
If the statutory law does not state how the length is measured, and the common law (judicial decisions) have not addressed it, then there is no clear answer. You carry at the whim and subjectivity of law enforcement, the prosecutor and the jury. In such a situation, I would err on the side of compliance by measuring the longest dimension irrespective of the sharpened portion. I have noticed that many or most manufacturers do this, which I assume is to insure compliance.
 
Most places it is measured from the point to the bolster or guard, NOT just the sharpened edge.

Rich
 
AKTI has published a proposed standard method for measuring blade length. Of course, AKTI's method is not law. But, in the absence of a law, following the AKTI standard would give some legal "cover."

AKTI created and documented their method specifically to address the all-to-common problem of disclarity in the law regarding how blade length is measured. It is the hope of AKTI that their method will be codified into law. So, if your city or state does have unclear knife length restrictions, talk to your legislators and encourage them to ammend those laws to specify th AKTI Standar Method.
 
I don't know if this will help you over the pond, but British law states that it is the length of the cutting edge.
 
"Blade length" (max 4") is not specified in TN law either, but more than one LEO on our forum has stated that the policy is to measure whole blade length from handle/haft.

This may be one reason that when only one measurement is given from most manufacturers, it is total blade length from handle, although some give both total and cutting edge specs.

- OS
 
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