A Crazy world

[Ophidian]

I’ve been lurking around this forum for sometime now so here are just a few observations:

There seems to be this obsession about what we can legally carry as an EDC. I do wonder if people keep pushing the limits as to what they can legally carry (and such cases end up in court), whether the government will change the law so that the only approved EDC is a small Swiss Army Classic and anything else is illegal. That way it would be so much easier for the police to have a clear cut directive as to what is legal and what is not.

It seems ironic that I (as a adult) cannot legally carry the various lock knives etc. that I carried as a 6 year old, often penknives that my parents bought for me :confused: .. I guess there are two options, either carry a girly little SAK and know you are completely legal or continue to carry your old favourite and accept that you carry a risk in doing so (I suspect that there are quite a few people who take the second choice).. How many times have you been stopped and searched in the past?, how likely are you to be now? Of course I’m not advocating that anyone should break the law. : But what if you decide to carry a lock knife as a EDC, some people might reason “if I’m going to get busted for having a lock knife, then I might as well have one of a decent size”, so do you then get busted twice? Once for the lock : and once for over 3” blade. : Well why not carry a fixed blade then? : What about all these small neck knives that you see for sale everywhere? :confused:

All these laws that are brought in to protect people are useless if people don’t abide by them, but who is it that doesn’t observe the laws? Yes the baddies, that is why you have gangsters roaming around with handguns, machine pistols ect.

It’s a crazy world !!!!!

[Ophidian]

Oh And you can Moderate me if you like.

[Ross]

Not too sure if you require moderating, after all you are simply putting your (frustrated) views across. I'm sure you have sympathy (even some from me!) from a proportion of this board but unfortunately that is not the view of the public nor the government - any attempt to weaken 'weapon' laws would surely get them voted out at the next election.
At least you realise that if you carry a locking knife and get searched, there is a high probablilty of being charged.
Bad people dont obey the laws, thats why they're bad and thats also why the cops put the vast majority of their time into getting them and applying charges which stick. I'm not going to get into the gun debate as this is not the right forum.
Cops do not go beserk with CS gas and batons. Having used CS on someone and been sprayed myself (albeit with a weaker concentration) as part of my training I can tell you that it works but the worst it will do is make you vomit and spit for 15 mins. Oh, and you cant see as well.
Could we not get into a debate on 'police brutality' please - not appropriate here.

Strange post ophidian..........

Ross

[Colin KC]

Oh And you can Moderate me if you like.

Moderate such a wunnerful post? No fear matey, I'm gonna watch this

[ugug]

err.r.

they are putting something very illegal into ribena these days as i have no idea what this thread is about.. come on Ophi ..wass it all about :confused:

ugug

[Ophidian]

Sorry Ross, I think I may not have put my point across in the best possible way.
I’ve edited my original post because it is confusing people.

What I was merely trying to point out is that no matter how professional or highly trained a person, there is always going to be an element of risk when giving powers to individuals simply due to the fact that we are talking about human nature. I was not in any way thinking about police brutality. There are bad apples in all sorts of different professions, Doctors misusing their powers and trust (Harold Shipman), Military personnel running amok with battle tanks and lots of other examples.

Oh, and I do have personal experience in the use of cs and pepper spray……working overseas.

My original rambling was just an opportunity to point out a few things that I have observed while reading this forum. I have never personally been in trouble with the law (and have often been called upon to help them out), I don’t expect to be stopped and don’t unduly worry about what I might (not) be carrying……My Brother on the other hand wouldn’t get away with carrying a nail file, he’s been arrested so many times for motoring offences and drugs that he is on first name terms with all the local bobbies in his town.

[Danzo]

One thing that people do forgot is that all of the legislation governing the carrying of knives (and even 'offensive weapons') allows the defence of 'good reason'.

If you have such a good reason you may lawfully carry most items other than the specifically illegal such as autos and balis.

The problem for many people is finding a plausible good reason. Having forgotten the knife in your pocket doesn't count.



Danzo

[ZDP-189]

Do you have any sample good reasons? ;-)

... other than the obligatory - "do you want to hold this bag of snakes while I go find a knife?"

[Danzo]

It might be better for members to volunteer what they have had accepted as good reasons rather than me putting ideas in peoples heads!

:bandit:

Any realistic (or not so ) suggestions people? Don't forget that needing it for work is also a defence under s139 (5) so almost any tradesperson is OK for a start. Ever since a slipjoint folded on me whilst sharpening chalk before a lecture I have needed a locking knife.....don't quote me on that one......but it may get you all thinking!

I gotta admit that 'Will you hold my bag of snakes...........?' is going to take some beating though.

I do wonder whether if you are a knifemaker then anything sharp and pointy in your pocket is simply a trade sample.........



Danzo

[Duncan Mac]

"I have just bought it and am taking it home."

This works very well if you have the receipt from that day...

If you don't - then I am sure you will be frowned at for telling fibs...

[dave750gixer]

I have always carried a SAK but used to carry a short, thick 1" fixed blade to protect my fingers as well. This was as an EDC. Since the law changed I only carry a SAK as an EDC to remain completely legal. My choice just in case. I'd love to carry a lock or fixed blade at all times but dont.

However, I dont let it depress me too much as I carry whatever is needed by the occasion if I have a reason. The police tend to be reasonable especially out of city centres at drinking time. I've chatted to the police a couple of times when obviously wearing/carrying a fixed blade and havent been even asked about it since the reason for carrying it was obvious. once wearing SCUBA gear at a harbour. Once in Edinburgh at the bus station while carrying SCUBA gear (blade in transparent bag holding fins and mask). Other times i've carried a fixed blade and feel justified is blade when climbing for cutting rope in emergency. buck zipper when out shooting.

[PS_Bond]

Don't forget that needing it for work is also a defence under s139 (5) so almost any tradesperson is OK for a start.

That's all very well and good, but if you aren't actually physically engaged in doing the job at the time, then that isn't likely to be a satisfactory defence.