Legalities - and how the authorities classify the Sgian Dubh

[Aussie_Don]

Here is a link to Victoria police with some info
http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content...ument_id=25574

Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but to me a Sgian Dubh would fit in the
category of Controlled Weapons -- but that doesn't give a lot of
guidance about the when and where/wear of it.

Though, (again maybe a gray hair thing) my experience with the
Victoria Police is that they're generally fairly reasonable, so I'd
sort of figure that if I stuck to the UK rules (even though this is
Australia and not the UK) I'd be OK. And, yes, I do know enough
that, if queried, I wouldn't say, "But it's legal in the UK."

-Don

[Dranoweb]

Maybe I'm reading it wrong, but to me a Sgian Dubh would fit in the
category of Controlled Weapons -- but that doesn't give a lot of
guidance about the when and where/wear of it.

Though, (again maybe a gray hair thing) my experience with the
Victoria Police is that they're generally fairly reasonable, so I'd
sort of figure that if I stuck to the UK rules (even though this is
Australia and not the UK) I'd be OK. And, yes, I do know enough
that, if queried, I wouldn't say, "But it's legal in the UK."

-Don

After reading the full list - I would be inclined to agree with that interpretation:

"Dagger
A sharp pointed stabbing instrument (other than an oyster knife), ordinarily capable of being concealed on the person and having:
(a) a flat blade with cutting edges (whether serrated or not serrated) along the length of both sides; or
(b) a needle-like blade, the cross section of which is elliptical or has three or more sides. This does not include instruments such as swords or bayonets"

so my current design with one sharp side should be perfectly acceptable.

[Dranoweb]

Ok so I think I have some clarification on this.
they appear to be a "controlled" item not a "prohibited item"

and in regard to "controlled" items, Vicpol have the following to say:

"
Controlled weapons are weapons that can be used for legitimate purposes but require regulation because of the possible danger they pose to the community. This category of weapon includes knives that while not considered prohibited weapons, still are a potential danger to the community.
A person must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without lawful excuse. Lawful excuse includes:

a) the pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity
b) participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment, and
c) the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapon.

Lawful excuse does not include for the purpose of self-defence."

[Steve Ashton]

If I may suggest.

Drop into your local police station. Ask them.

You then have a pretty definitive answer.

No one here, unless they are a serving member of your local constabulary, could give you a better answer.

[Dranoweb]

If I may suggest.

Drop into your local police station. Ask them.

You then have a pretty definitive answer.

No one here, unless they are a serving member of your local constabulary, could give you a better answer.

I have done so (earlier today), and they confirm the above is correct.

[Geoff Withnell]

Consulting your local authorities is the best bet. The USA is an incredible patchwork of varying and often contradictory rules. For example, here in Maryland, just about any knife is legal, so long as it is carried openly, not concealed. So sgians are fine. In New York City, pocket knives are ok, but it is illegal to openly carry any knife, even if only a small portion is showing, so sgians are out.

[Dranoweb]

In Australia most laws are meant to be nation wide.
such as the firearm laws, but there are always slight variations from state to state.
generally speaking if you are polite to an officer, you get a little grace for being out of state.

[O'Callaghan]

Reading the UK law that someone posted, it appears there are safe harbours for folding pocket knives with three inch blades, for national dress (should cover the Sgian Dubh and even the Dirk, as long as you are wearing a kilt), religion (e,g, to allow Sikhs to always carry a knife), for work (large machete if you are a landscape gardener??), and for lawful purposes, which seems to be a catchall.

Of course, everywhere has it's own different laws, and it's not safe to assume that a Sgian Dubh is OK everywhere.

[Dranoweb]

Sounds very similar to Australian law - I believe he posted a link:

This might be of some assistance -

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/33

Paragraph 139 - Offence of having article with blade or point in public place is the bit you are interested in.

[Steve Ashton]

I am sorry folks but this thread is right on the edge of violating the part of Rule #10 that states "seeking professional legal, medical or spiritual advice is inappropriate".

It has already gone over the edge of Rule #11 which states,

(for the purpose of this forum, "Weapon" is defined as anything that is designed for, or is used to, injure.)
- The laws governing, and/or the views surrounding, the topics: 1) The 'right to bear arms', 2) The ownership, possession, carry and use of weapons, 3) Hunting, and 4) Self-defense, are specific to each country or region. Any discussion of these topics will be closed or deleted.


Please consider this a 'shot across the bow' before this thread must be closed or deleted.
.