Why isn't the Spyderco Chicago larger?

[Pete2s]

Sal mentioned in another thread that the Chicago was made for the city of Chicago and those who wanted to carry a pocket knife in federal buildings. Chicago and Federal law both allow blades up to 2.5", so why isn't the Chicago larger?

Chicago:
Unlawful to possess switchblades. See, CHICAGO, ILL., MUNICIPAL CODE § 8-24-020 (2005). Concealed carry of dirks, daggers, stilettos, bowie knives, “commando knives”, any knife with blade greater than two and a half inches, ordinary razors, and “other dangerous weapon” prohibited. See, id. Unlawful for person under 18 years of age to carry or possess knife with blade two inches in length or longer. See, id. Carry on person or in vehicle passenger compartment of “utility knife” (e.g., box cutter) by person under 18 years of age prohibited. Certain exceptions apply. See, id. at § 8-24-021.


Federal:
The term “dangerous weapon” means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 21/2 inches in length.

 

[TLR]

Probably because Chicago is known to have people who enforce those laws to their own personal opinions. I have known leo's who measure blade length from the tip of the blade all the way to the end that actually resides in the handle and others that measure it from the tip to the end of the sharpened portion. Notice in the statutes there is no specified way to measure that 2.5" length. If I were them I'd make it shorter and leave room for error as well. I love visiting Chicago but it has some real issues when it comes to many things.

 

[Adamar]

Check out the Spyderco CAT. It is essentially the same knife as the Chicago, but with a blade almost at 2.5 inches.

Maybe the Cat should have been called the Chicago and Vice Versa. The name does not really matter to me, just the specs.

It seems the CAT would meet your needs.