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Post by randomnobody on Mar 25, 2011 15:59:55 GMT
Hmm, one might get away with that, but I think most of those use what knifecenter seems to be referring to as a "collar lock" system, which I've also seen advertised recently as "girolock," where the "collar" of the knife actually rotates to lock/unlock the blade...but hey, that's a debatable system, no?
Can't find the type I'm looking for and am running late to work, so maybe I'll get back later or something. :?
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 25, 2011 16:28:29 GMT
gravity knives or assisted opening knives are generally a confusing thing when it comes to legal or not. most of the folders with these features use a combination of gravity (or flicking of the wrist) to open it partially and then there is often a torsion bar or other type of springing mechanism to open it the rest of the way. some blades slide in and out of the handle while others fold, some have a locking mechanism for both the closed and opened positions some do not.
a regular folder with a thumb stud would normally be considered legal as long as the blade length doesn't exceed legal lengths but if it were loose enough to flick open easily, this might be a concern depending on the particular officer you're dealing with. there was recently a huge bust on many of the sporting goods stores here in the city for selling "gravity knives" but on close inspection (from photos in the paper) of a couple of the models seized , they appeared to be nothing more than folders with studs. it's sketchy for sure but if you want to avoid any possible trouble with the law it's better to carry a simple no frills camping folder or similar. basically, the less mechanics it uses the better.
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 25, 2011 17:54:10 GMT
I am of the same mind as FTB. I used to commute with a Spyderco Serrated Endura (4") that frightened L.A. Airport Security, but not Phoenix side of my return trip back in '95. Today I'm sure the TSA goons would have a hissy fit. (I refuse to fly while these silly regs are in place--another story.) Quality lockback folders, like those produced by Spyderco, Cold Steel and Benchmade, should keep you out of trouble. As FTB advises avoid the "tactical" and "killer raptor talon" models and rather choose a working folder: Scary 3" H1 Tansman CS 7.5" Espada (Insanity) --- Less Scary Spyderco 3" H1 Salt Benchmade 3.45" Griptillian --- The 3" Salt and Delicas do not have enough blade weight for inertial openning, unless you really work at it. The Griptillian is easily openned in this manner, but has enough resistance to prevent the blade from deploying by gravity.
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Post by Larry Jordan on Mar 25, 2011 18:22:38 GMT
I'm confused. What highlighted section are you referring to? Here is a more thorough discussion of the section: www.oregonlaws.org/ors/166.240Over on the right of the above page are citations of case law which you should find encouraging.
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Post by Aaron W on Mar 25, 2011 19:24:11 GMT
"...any knife having a blade that projects or swings into position by force of a spring ..." Sorry, it is hard to see even when I bolded it. The blade I'm looking at uses a spring to assist it's opening, therefore if this spring assisted folder is concealed, it's against the law here in Oregon (at least the way I interpret the law given). You know, I really hate this but unfortunately this general confusion seems to be the case with just about any knife. I've looked over tons of different forums/webpages/articles/laws concerning knives, but they always tend to turn into long debates over what is and what is not legal. The knife laws in general are very vague and dependant on alot of factors that we (the carriers), are not filled in on. As many others have said in this particular post, the way to avoid getting in trouble & having to worry about legal action is to not look like you need to be checked out. Example: Sitting on a bench in the park flicking your folder around is probably not a great idea. The thing you need to be wary of though, is if by some unforseen action (traffic ticket, you actually have to use your knife against another person, ect.) you do happen to be searched by the police for a weapon or are asked to surrender it, you need to make sure it's within your state's laws to carry. Example here: If you're driving along the highway going 85 in a 60 mph area, and get pulled over. Having your 7" fixed blade in it's holster on your leg when the limit in your state is 3", is probably going to get you in trouble, on top of your speeding ticket. This is all my own thoughts concerning this subject. I've reached my own conclusions in regards to knife carry and they are above. Just as a disclaimer, I am not a lawyer. Also, I thank everyone who has added their input to this thread, it's been very helpful .
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Post by 14thforsaken on Mar 26, 2011 3:33:08 GMT
Given that I'm in Texas, if I want to carry a concealed knife, I just stick a fixed blade knife down my boot. Now it might not be totally legal, but unless I draw attention to it by being an idiot, I'm OK. The other option that I have used at night in bad areas is to carry the largest Mag-Lite they make. They are great for self defense. Most people don't consider them a weapon even though they are really an 18" club that can provide light as well.
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Post by frankthebunny on Mar 26, 2011 3:56:06 GMT
it is confusing and I have also reached my own verdict on the subject. I personally feel that it depends greatly on the situation in which the knife in question was found on you or on the mood of the officer or other official is in at that particular moment. if they feel that there is no reasonable purpose for you to be carrying one they can take it away or cause much more of a hassle for you. if it gets as far as you being arrested and it is determined that by law later on that you were allowed to have it you will probably get it back but of course you would have gone through a lot of BS before this happens. if you look sketchy or are openly wielding it in public it is almost a given that it will be confiscated whether it is legal or not. it is ultimately going to be a judgment call of the cop and official laws will have very little to do with it.
like everyone has already said, just follow the local laws as best you can and don't do anything to draw attention to the fact that you're carrying a knife and you should be fine. if the knife is found during a search or pat down, well then you were probably doing something you weren't supposed to be doing to get searched in the first place. good common sense is your best bet here.
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Post by 14thforsaken on Mar 26, 2011 16:34:54 GMT
In case of a pat down, just tell the cops you have a knife and where it is before they start. That goes over a lot better than letting them find it themselves. It also shows that you have nothing to hide.
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Post by John Greybeard on Mar 27, 2011 3:19:26 GMT
This used to be my everyday carry knife - good tool, weapon if necessary: but I switched over to this guy: for all the reasons you've all been discussing. Both have a four inch blade, but the sheepsfoot blade is way less scary looking to the uninitiated, and obviously not meant to be a "stabber" to the officer... And then, of course, theres always "my little friend" who's with me unless I'm asleep:
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Post by Bogus on Mar 27, 2011 4:51:00 GMT
When I was unemployed in CA I regularly carried a cheap ~3 inch folder in my pocket, not so much for self defense but I was doing a lot of volunteer work that required opening boxes and messing around with that stretchy plastic wrap stuff. On site I would usually have it clipped to my belt for obvious reasons. My understanding of CA knife law is folders are okay aside from local restricitons (I think LA regulates the length, and I'm sure SF hippies ban as much as possible), fixed-blade cannot be carried concealed, and balisongs are outright banned due to some stupid court decision.
Personally, if I was worried about self-defense I'd carry a Taser.
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Post by Aaron W on Mar 31, 2011 21:24:02 GMT
So I finally picked up my folder today. I'm pretty pleased with it. Only one thing I'd like removed, the writing on the blade. How do you guys usually go about doing this? Should I just pick up some sandpaper & go over it till it disappears?
Also, on a minorly sidenote, I know there are places where knives are prohibited, but cannot remember the specifics (I think it's schools, airports & state offices). Any heads up I should know about?
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