Gilbert, AZ –-(Ammoland.com)- Knife Rights continues to work to eliminate nonsensical state bans on various knives to pass knife law preemption to preclude a conflicting patchwork of local prohibitions more restrictive than state law.
Our record of success is unprecedented; however knife owners still have a long way to go.
Some states, and in particular some cities, are extremely aggressive in enforcing prohibitions again certain “illegal” knives such as automatic (switchblade) knives, daggers, etc. New York and New Jersey are two such locations that have an unfortunate track record in this regard.
The recent arrest of an individual traveling via airline with automatic knives should serve as a cautionary tale for all knife owners, collectors and dealers. For reasons that are irrelevant to the issue, this individual was traveling from JFK airport in New York City with a number of automatic knives in his checked luggage. After screening, which raised questions unrelated to the knives, TSA opened and inspected the contents of the checked luggage and local law enforcement was called and the passenger was arrested on numerous state and local counts. Knife Rights first learned about the incident when called for an attorney referral.
It is immaterial whether or not TSA actually has authority to report state or local level infractions to local law enforcement, this is hardly the first time this has occurred. We are aware of a number of such incidents that have resulted in arrests. In some cases the baggage was simply transiting an airport, not even upon initiating travel.
A prudent knife owner, collector, dealer, or even manufacturer, should think twice before carrying prohibited items in their luggage or into or through a state where they are illegal. The possibility of arrest, heavy duty legal fees and serious penalties, jail and/or long term adverse impact on your life is very high, to say nothing of confiscation of the knife or knives.
The Knife Rights authored Knife Owners’ Protection Act (KOPA) that is currently introduced in Congress would potentially solve these issues when traveling within the U.S. However, until KOPA is passed and signed into law, knife owners, collectors, dealers and even manufacturers need to be very careful to comply with even misguided and irrational local laws when traveling.
Knife Rights Foundations’ LegalBlade App – Knife Laws in America provides guidance at your fingertips to the knife laws of all 50 states as well as over 40 cities and local jurisdictions in the United States. The LegalBlade App is available in the App Store and on Google play.
Included in the LegalBlade App is an article “What To Do if Arrested or Stopped.” This information can also be found on the Knife Rights website. We strongly urge all knife owners to review this information so that you are prepared in case you are arrested, which can still happen even if you are following the law to the letter.
About:
Knife Rights (www.KnifeRights.org) is America’s Grassroots Knife Owners Organization, working towards a Sharper Future for all knife owners. Knife Rights is dedicated to providing knife owners an effective voice in public policy. Become a Knife Rights member and make a contribution to support the fight for your knife rights. Visit www.kniferights.org
Both of those states are cesspools of corruption so these incidents can be expected. just look @ their draconian gun laws
It is amazing how opening a common knife can raise eyebrows. I was working at a car dealership and we received a box of cataloges. I took out a 3 inch buck knife and open it and one co worker said why do I carry such a dangerous weapon. I said I carried that knife for what ever occurs. My knife was a slip joint buck stockman. knife. It is as unassuming as any knife can be. It is not tactical etc.