Where did the 5CM length rule originate?

[DGG]

Anyone know where this goody Ebay/Calif. rule came from. I have a a hunch someone just pulled it out of ...thin air. I would be interested to hear the history.

 

[bama_lou]

Pure, unadulterated bull feces. The state of California has no blade limit whatsoever.

 

[divebuddydave]

Actually, I believe California has a 2 inch blade limit on automatic knives. That converts to 5.08 cm and I am fairly certain that is why ebay has the 5 cm limit.

 

[Planterz]

Correct.

California's law actually states that switchblades (balisongs are classified as switchblades) of 2" or longer are prohibited for sale. Thus, a switchblade with a 2" blade is technically illegal. "CA Autos" will usually be slightly less than 2" because of this. For example, the Benchmade 3100 Benchmite is advertised with a 1.95" blade length, and the Protech Stinger has a 1.9375" blade.

Ebay is centered in California, so they have to abide by CA's laws.

People like to complain about this, but instead I think we should be grateful that ebay lets switchblades be sold at all. Besides, all it takes to sell a switchblade or balisong that isn't less than 2" is to simply say that it is.

 

[divebuddydave]

"People like to complain about this, but instead I think we should be grateful that ebay lets switchblades be sold at all. Besides, all it takes to sell a switchblade or balisong that isn't less than 2" is to simply say that it is."

This is a fact. It is obvious to any KnifeKnut that many of the auto knives advertised on ebay are in fact significantly longer than 2" (5 cm) even though they are advertised as being California Legal (under 2").