Which is correct for blade length?

J

JMO

Joined
Jul 1, 2001
Messages
40
from the tip to the end of the bolster or to the pivot pin?
thanks,
John
 
It really depends on who you talk too. Unless your locality specifically states how a blade is to be measured, you may run into any number of answers. Frankly, it irks me that some LEOs measure blades from the tip to the pivot pin. That really smacks of trying to to get some one into trouble. IMHO if a cop has to stretch it that hard to arrest someone, he needs to get off his duff and investigate the suspect better or the leave person alone. My advice, which has no legal value, is to measure from the tip to point where the blade meets the handle or the bolster. Count all of the blade in measuring, both the sharpened portion and the choil, if any. I suspect that with a good lawyer, such a definition of blade length will work in court, should the need ever arise.
 
Originally posted by anthony cheeseboro
My advice, which has no legal value, is to measure from the tip to point where the blade meets the handle or the bolster. Count all of the blade in measuring, both the sharpened portion and the choil, if any. I suspect that with a good lawyer, such a definition of blade length will work in court, should the need ever arise.
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I agree, to be on the safe side you should measure bolster to tip. Common sense would say that only the sharpened part would be the part to measure but no one ever associate common sense with a law.
 
I gotta agree with Zen..., & Cheese..., but if it's a production blade with printed specs I'ld go with the mnfgs. spec sheet.

But then again if it's the LEO that your concerned with, I'ld stick with the cmost conservitive length blade.

Remember they can arrest you for anything it's up to you,(unfortunately) to prove your within your legal rights. :mad:
 
Yup.., tip to bolster is safest if you are asking for legal considerations...



"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Wouldn't tip to pivot pin be "more conservative," seeing as it adds a fair bit to a blade length?

Regardless of what's safer -- who the heck measures to the pivot pin?
 
Most every manufacturer measures tip to bolster. That is how I would measure. If you are seriously worried about whether you are going to get in trouble if they measure it to the pin you are probably doing something you should not anyway. A good lawyer will show the knife to the jury and a jury of your peers should have a pretty easy time seeing that a blade is only effective to the bolster.
 
my vote: tip to bolster... I feel kind of luck... here in Blaine, WA, I have had the border patrol and a sheriff ask to see the knife in my pocket... all they did was flick it open and say "nice knife" If you are found with an auto here, though.... it's not a pretty scene, I have heard.

-Dave
 
Very interesting - although there are lawful lengths for knife "blades" in UK laws, I can find no actual definition of "blade" or how you would measure it to check it's lawful edge length.
Obviously, in the spirit of the law, it should refer to the sharpened cutting edge. But how would that affect something like the SpyderEdge? Do you count the entire sharpened surface within all the serrations?
At the end of the day I hope common sense would prevail.
 
From everything I've heard or read about, tip-to-bolster seems to be the most accepted measure of blade length. This may vary by state or locality. In some areas, it's the sharpened edge. If you are really concerned, I'd ask local law enforcement. If they are approached in an open and honest, good-faith manner, most will be very helpful.
 
Zenghost, and others, if common sense prevailed in writing laws on edged weapon carry, there would be no restrictions on blade length, none on action type, and none on the nature of the knife or sword, for that matter. The same thing would apply to carry method.
 
I find it very interesting how laws vary from state to state, and country to country.. Zardoz.. isn't it illegal for citizens to carry guns in London?

Here in Washington state, I can carry my .44 magnum or .454 Casull concealed (with a VERY easy to get license)... but OOOHH! that REALLY DANGEROUS AUTO KNIFE is Totally Illegal, in fact a FELONY offense in some cities to carry.

It just weirds me out.. we need to start punishing the people who use tools/weapons in the wrong way, rather than the tools/weapons themselves!

-Dave
 
Originally posted by Iverson
It just weirds me out.. we need to start punishing the people who use tools/weapons in the wrong way, rather than the tools/weapons themselves!
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Amen to that.

- Pete
 
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