HB60, blade lenght & cutting edge

[Buck119]

GA HB60, as passed

'Weapon' means and includes any pistol, revolver, or any weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind, or any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, any other knife having a blade of two or more inches, ......

The total length of the blade is more than 2", but part of it is, as you can see, is just an extension of the handle. The cutting edge is less than 2". Should this knife be considered a weapon, as defined by GA HB60?

 

[B. Byrd]

It is my understanding that if you have a GWL it doesn't matter. Your knife is covered same as your gun.

I know that isn't what you asked, but most folks on here do have GWL which makes blade length a non issue.

 

[Buck119]

thank you. you are correct (even if technically that would be only for 5" or more). but the definition of weapon is important for places that are off limits with or without a carry permit.

 

[B. Byrd]

I thought about that distinction as I was typing, but proceeded anyway. I ignore it on Dr.'s offices, but I'm sure there are more significant locations to consider.

 

[Retread]

IMHO as a slicer, not a sticker: If you are worried about blade length, consider changing technique. How many people are disabled with box cutters? In my opinion, if someone is out of the fight, that's all you need to worry about. If you can get a good face bleeder across the eyes or forehead, or some good deep arm cuts, most people are going to disengage. In this area of the country where people don't wear really thick coats, the handle is probably more important if you aren't licensed. I think Benchmade makes an urban compliant folder for those living in the Waste Lands". There are various fixed blades like the CRKT Minimalist you could look at as well.

 

[Buck119]

The one above is really a tool that I use every day.
For defense, I prefer to think that I can count on my pistol, or on my legs to run as fast as I can, or my karambit. Not necessarily in that order.

 

[Retread]

A question about that Karambit. If you have your finger in the hole, and you glance off hard bone, aren't you going to get hurt?

 

[GAgunLAWbooklet]

The OP is quoting from 16-11-127.1 the school zone weapons law.
The word "weapon" is much different for that Code section than most other Georgia statutes.
Unless and until the courts recognize HB. 826 as controlling over HB 60 on matters involving schools , it is not legal to carry 2" bladed knives on campus (unless you leave it locked in your vehicle AND you have a carry permit.

i think the non-sharpened part of the blade is still counted as " blade length " for this or any other definition of a weapon.

That little unsharpened area can still allow the point to stab in flesh deeper. It extends the reach of the sharpened part of blade for slashing too.
So the legislative purpose and reason for treating big knives differently from small knives is furthered by counting all of the blade forward of the handle.

 

[howl]

What about counties and towns with their own restrictions? Gwl covers over a certain length, but not under. There were, if not are, localities that restrict over 2".

 

[Buck119]

i think the non-sharpened part of the blade is still counted as " blade length " for this or any other definition of a weapon.

That little unsharpened area can still allow the point to stab in flesh deeper. It extends the reach of the sharpened part of blade for slashing too.
So the legislative purpose and reason for treating big knives differently from small knives is furthered by counting all of the blade forward of the handle.

Thanks!

What about counties and towns with their own restrictions? Gwl covers over a certain length, but not under. There were, if not are, localities that restrict over 2".

Fortunately this risk was eliminated in 2012

http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/en-US/display/20112012/SB/432