- Joined
- Jul 1, 2001
- Messages
- 1,297
I've been looking at the Dobruski models, but I never seen a price or place to purchase. Can someone give me link?
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Where can I buy a Dobruski Balisong
- Thread starter Bladeswinger
- Start date
- Joined
- May 13, 2001
- Messages
- 113
www.taymo.com Hes got a long backlog though.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 47,472
Bladeswinger,
Don't want to get into a debate about the wisdom of the law since there's nothing I can do about that, but the fact remains that Dobruski balisongs are made outside of the United States and as such can't be imported (legally) into the United States.
Therefore, being involved in the illegal importation of said knife leaves one exposed to fines, penalties or worse. At the least, if your knife is discovered it will be seized at the border.
I guess you just have to decide whether it's worth the risk for yourself.
Those of you who know me know how I feel on the subject, however I cannot recommend that you knowingly break the law.
(As an aside, I am not at all expert in this area of law as it is not one that I work with. However, the last time I inquired of our Inspectors, I was told that the knives are still seized when encountered during an examination. Whether such cases are prosecuted is left up to the United States Attorney's Office in the district in which the infraction occurs.)
Blues
Don't want to get into a debate about the wisdom of the law since there's nothing I can do about that, but the fact remains that Dobruski balisongs are made outside of the United States and as such can't be imported (legally) into the United States.
Therefore, being involved in the illegal importation of said knife leaves one exposed to fines, penalties or worse. At the least, if your knife is discovered it will be seized at the border.
I guess you just have to decide whether it's worth the risk for yourself.
Those of you who know me know how I feel on the subject, however I cannot recommend that you knowingly break the law.
(As an aside, I am not at all expert in this area of law as it is not one that I work with. However, the last time I inquired of our Inspectors, I was told that the knives are still seized when encountered during an examination. Whether such cases are prosecuted is left up to the United States Attorney's Office in the district in which the infraction occurs.)
Blues
Gollnick
Musical Director
- Joined
- Mar 22, 1999
- Messages
- 29,258
It is true that it is illegal to import them and that customs occationally does confiscate such illegal items. But, my understanding is that to actually prosecute the buyer, customs has to prove that you actually ordered the knife, that you are activly "importing" and not just the innocent recepient of an unexpected and unsolicited gift which happens to be illegal. You see, I can't be responsible for what some foreign national might try to mail to me.
Now, I'm no lawyer either. So, take that for what it's worth.
Anyway, I think customs would do a lot more to protect the safety of American citizens if they'd concentrate on the cheapie imports that must flood over the border by the container load full, the recent so-called Chinese Sidewinder being an excellent example of this, instead of picking on the artistry of Mr. Dobruski.
You're much more likely to see a crime committed with one of these $40 cheapies than with a $400 individually-serial-numbered Dobruski.
Importing balisongs into the US is a risk. It's a hit-or-miss chance that you're new knife will be confiscated and sent off for destruction. (Oh, and inasmuchas each Dobruski is individually serial numbered, customs had better be destroying them since if I ever see on that was supposed to have been destroyed on the market I'm gonna see to it that somebody goes to jail.)
Now, I'm no lawyer either. So, take that for what it's worth.
Anyway, I think customs would do a lot more to protect the safety of American citizens if they'd concentrate on the cheapie imports that must flood over the border by the container load full, the recent so-called Chinese Sidewinder being an excellent example of this, instead of picking on the artistry of Mr. Dobruski.
You're much more likely to see a crime committed with one of these $40 cheapies than with a $400 individually-serial-numbered Dobruski.
Importing balisongs into the US is a risk. It's a hit-or-miss chance that you're new knife will be confiscated and sent off for destruction. (Oh, and inasmuchas each Dobruski is individually serial numbered, customs had better be destroying them since if I ever see on that was supposed to have been destroyed on the market I'm gonna see to it that somebody goes to jail.)
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 47,472
Chuck,
The law doesn't differentiate between custom and factory knives.
The Inspectors who seize them and process the seizures don't get to speculate as to whether or not the purpose of the knife's being imported was to support a crime. (I'm being facetious. Fact is they probably realize more than most the anachronism of many standing laws. Nobody asks them their opinion.)
As to the implication of the last paragraph you wrote, I think that's a very remote possiblity but certainly something that can happen as with any segment of society. Seized property is very thoroughly documented and recorded, however. (Unless it's stolen outright.)
I will tell you this. Customs aggressively pursues thieves. If someone thinks your knife is worth his honor, integrity, not to mention his job, I certainly don't want him in my outfit.
As for proving the elements of a crime, there are many ways to go about it. How zealous a prosecutor would want to be in a matter like this is open to speculation. Still, the cost of defending yourself in a litigation can be considerable in more ways than one and again it comes down to what you're willing to risk.
It'd be nice to see the law reversed and I hope AKTI or other lobby helps accomplish that. As I've said, it's no secret how I feel about the regs.
Sorry to rain on anyone's parade. It's not my style to p*$$ in anyone's Wheaties. Consider it a public service bulletin, for what its worth.
Blues
The law doesn't differentiate between custom and factory knives.
The Inspectors who seize them and process the seizures don't get to speculate as to whether or not the purpose of the knife's being imported was to support a crime. (I'm being facetious. Fact is they probably realize more than most the anachronism of many standing laws. Nobody asks them their opinion.)
As to the implication of the last paragraph you wrote, I think that's a very remote possiblity but certainly something that can happen as with any segment of society. Seized property is very thoroughly documented and recorded, however. (Unless it's stolen outright.)
I will tell you this. Customs aggressively pursues thieves. If someone thinks your knife is worth his honor, integrity, not to mention his job, I certainly don't want him in my outfit.
As for proving the elements of a crime, there are many ways to go about it. How zealous a prosecutor would want to be in a matter like this is open to speculation. Still, the cost of defending yourself in a litigation can be considerable in more ways than one and again it comes down to what you're willing to risk.
It'd be nice to see the law reversed and I hope AKTI or other lobby helps accomplish that. As I've said, it's no secret how I feel about the regs.
Sorry to rain on anyone's parade. It's not my style to p*$$ in anyone's Wheaties. Consider it a public service bulletin, for what its worth.
Blues
- Joined
- Oct 8, 1998
- Messages
- 8,917
What continues to confuse me is how Customs can write law.
The FBI does not consider the Balisong Knife a Gravity Knife or a Switchblade and they are not controlled through the Switchblade Act.
SO, I realize that we are dealing with Justice, Commerce and Treasury Departments, but it is still the same Federal Government!
I know all about technicalities and legal wrangling, I also know what the definition of "is" is...and this "is" wrong.
What is a person to do? Vote? No one gives a damn about a Balisong, because everyone thinks a simpleton can pick one up and work one. That is simply not so. The Premier Defender of Knife Rights is not going to do anything about it because the guy is not an American, etc.
So, this just leaves us with a really strong taste left in the mouth, like that of a warm tuna fish sammich with spoiled mayo on it, when dealing with those who are supposed to be "protecting" us, when in fact, they're simply banning things.
I don't need to be "protected" from a Custom Knife of any description and I simply glide back to the fact that the rest of the Federal Government does not consider this knife a Switchblade or Gravity Knife.
It has no spring [which is actually the strength of the knife physically as a folder] and the knife has no button. Gravity Knives have a button or a lever to drop the blade by Gravity, that's why they are called "Gravity" Knives.
No amount of calling an MG Midget a Corvette will make it a Corvette, although I am fully aware that in a Court of Law, an MG Midget can legally be called a Corvette and that passes muster as "Truth and Justice."
I think this was wrong;
I agree with the sentiment expressed as anyone who would steal property and then claim it was destroyed is a piece of garbage.
But posting that after an Agent for U.S. Customs is trying to do everyone a favor and warn them did not taste good. It implied something sinister. The implication is there, regardless of intent.
If it were up to "Blues," I'm sure this incredible stupidity would cease. He does not write the policy and I don't fault him for wanting to make a living.
He is caught in the Classic "Rock and a Hard Place." Like an ATF Agent who is actually an NRA Member [oh, and they DO exist] and despises some things and separates themselves from the glimmer of insanity that some factions of that Agency are known for.
Cut him some slack.
The FBI does not consider the Balisong Knife a Gravity Knife or a Switchblade and they are not controlled through the Switchblade Act.
SO, I realize that we are dealing with Justice, Commerce and Treasury Departments, but it is still the same Federal Government!
I know all about technicalities and legal wrangling, I also know what the definition of "is" is...and this "is" wrong.
What is a person to do? Vote? No one gives a damn about a Balisong, because everyone thinks a simpleton can pick one up and work one. That is simply not so. The Premier Defender of Knife Rights is not going to do anything about it because the guy is not an American, etc.
So, this just leaves us with a really strong taste left in the mouth, like that of a warm tuna fish sammich with spoiled mayo on it, when dealing with those who are supposed to be "protecting" us, when in fact, they're simply banning things.
I don't need to be "protected" from a Custom Knife of any description and I simply glide back to the fact that the rest of the Federal Government does not consider this knife a Switchblade or Gravity Knife.
It has no spring [which is actually the strength of the knife physically as a folder] and the knife has no button. Gravity Knives have a button or a lever to drop the blade by Gravity, that's why they are called "Gravity" Knives.
No amount of calling an MG Midget a Corvette will make it a Corvette, although I am fully aware that in a Court of Law, an MG Midget can legally be called a Corvette and that passes muster as "Truth and Justice."
I think this was wrong;
I agree with the sentiment expressed as anyone who would steal property and then claim it was destroyed is a piece of garbage.
But posting that after an Agent for U.S. Customs is trying to do everyone a favor and warn them did not taste good. It implied something sinister. The implication is there, regardless of intent.
If it were up to "Blues," I'm sure this incredible stupidity would cease. He does not write the policy and I don't fault him for wanting to make a living.
He is caught in the Classic "Rock and a Hard Place." Like an ATF Agent who is actually an NRA Member [oh, and they DO exist] and despises some things and separates themselves from the glimmer of insanity that some factions of that Agency are known for.
Cut him some slack.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 1998
- Messages
- 47,472
Thanks, Don. I appreciate your words.
Chuck and I have met and spoken face to face before and I don't think he meant any insult to me, but I will admit that those words rankled somewhat.
As Chuck and some others know I've already been involved in knife related issues with my agency, and though I came out the victor, the process was nonetheless unpleasant at best.
Thankfully, my investigative area is related to the more mundane issues of narcotics, arms smuggling and anti-terrorism.
Again, thanks, Don. We've known each other a good while now and I know it's not always popular to stand up for an LEO, even when that LEO is on your side. I never had a doubt about your sentiment.
Anyway, I only own one balisong, a BM 44 that I won here on BF a good while back. So I guess I should either get more balis or move along.
Blues
Chuck and I have met and spoken face to face before and I don't think he meant any insult to me, but I will admit that those words rankled somewhat.
As Chuck and some others know I've already been involved in knife related issues with my agency, and though I came out the victor, the process was nonetheless unpleasant at best.
Thankfully, my investigative area is related to the more mundane issues of narcotics, arms smuggling and anti-terrorism.
Again, thanks, Don. We've known each other a good while now and I know it's not always popular to stand up for an LEO, even when that LEO is on your side. I never had a doubt about your sentiment.
Anyway, I only own one balisong, a BM 44 that I won here on BF a good while back. So I guess I should either get more balis or move along.
Blues
- Joined
- Oct 8, 1998
- Messages
- 8,917
Chuck is good dude. You're a good dude. I'm a good dude. Customs as an Agency, whoever started this wackiness, is simply overstepping their bounds. The person that is actually responsible for this is probably not even involved anymore.
Problematic that it still exists though...
You keep flippin' and you'll get where you want to be.
BM44 has an odd feel though.
And yeah, you did get into some crap a while back, and I don't think people understand that or maybe don't know about it. I don't even know the details. But things like that to Law Enforcement Agencies, that run against the grain, are usually Career Ending Events. Luckily, you made it out unscathed.
Problematic that it still exists though...
You keep flippin' and you'll get where you want to be.
BM44 has an odd feel though.
And yeah, you did get into some crap a while back, and I don't think people understand that or maybe don't know about it. I don't even know the details. But things like that to Law Enforcement Agencies, that run against the grain, are usually Career Ending Events. Luckily, you made it out unscathed.