NRA Article

[UnclePhilthy]

The latest issue of American Rifleman mag arrived today with a pretty nice spread of articles devoted to the personal-carry knife. Particular interest in the TF's, a good word or two regarding BM's TF's, but alas, nothing said anywhere regarding our beloved little knuckle-biters.

Chuck, Don, it's my humble opinion, that you guys form a commitee and make some form of official contact with the NRA. If they didn't care about edged weapons, they sure wouldn't have devoted a bunch of space to them in their latest publication.

I can't say if 'legally', blades are 2nd Amdt protected, as the the term "arms", might hold in a court, to only include 'firearms', and not blades. But I would think if they are, then any ban on any blade is a breach of the 2nd.

Phil

 

[Don Rearic]

In answer to a question if the Second Amendment only covered firearms, in The Political Forum, I composed this;

<font color=red>"Who are the militia? are they not ourselves. Is it feared, then, that we shall turn our arms each man against his own bosom. Congress have no power to disarm the militia. Their swords, and every other terrible implement of the soldier, are the birthright of an American. What clause in the state or federal constitution hath given away that important right.... The unlimited power of the sword is not in the hands of either the federal or state governments, but where I trust in God it will ever remain, in the hands of the people." ~Tench Coxe, Personal Friend of Madison, "The Father of The Second Amendment."</font>

<font color=blue>"The Department of Defense, by contrast, pusillanimously endorsed the ban, but only on condition that it be declared exempt itself. It was, as were all other local, state, and federal government agencies." ~Levine on the Congressional Debates on the 1958 Federal Switchblade Law</font>

I think this settles the matter as to someone having the "Right" to own a Switchblade under The Second Amendment. Since the Switchblade is the centerpiece of banning Gravity Knives, Balisongs and any other pocketknife capable of being opened with one hand, this is a no-brainer.

If the Department of Defense sought the exemption, that tells the tale that a Switchblade had a Military Application as an "Arm" or a Tool.

For those that say, "No, the Military uses them for Emergency Tools ONLY and NOT as WEAPONS..."

That makes no difference, further, it is not entirely true. The OSS Issued British Copies of German Luftwaffe Gravity Knives for use and with the addition of a Marlin Spike, were taught to kill. [Source, Melton and Stephens]

There is no doubt in my mind whatsoever that something like a Microtech L-UDT or LCC D/A would have been utilized by the American OSS and the British SOE had they been available.