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The mind boggles...
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:18 pm
by Gob
CONWAY, Massachusetts (Reuters) - Maine lawmakers on Wednesday approved legalizing switchblades for people with one arm, moving close to becoming the first state to make such an exception to laws that ban use of the spring-action knives.
Backers of the measure say legalizing switchblades would eliminate a need for one-armed people to be forced to open folding knives with their teeth in emergencies.
The bill to allow amputees and other one-armed people to carry the quick-opening knives cleared Maine's Senate on Wednesday after passing the House on Tuesday, Senate officials said.
Until now, Maine banned the use of switchblades by anyone.
In most states, carrying switchblades is illegal in most circumstances, though owning the knives may be allowed in some states.
Federal law allows their use by a person with one arm only on federal property if the blade is shorter than three inches.
The Maine bill requires that the knives have a blade that is three inches or shorter.
Governor Paul LePage is expected to sign the measure into law in the next couple of days, said spokeswoman Adrienne Bennett.
http://ca.news.yahoo.com/maine-legalizi ... 3QD;_ylv=3
Re: The mind boggles...
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:27 pm
by Scooter
Record high unemployment, three wars, battered spouses, sexually abused children, and THIS is what the legislature of the state of Maine decided in its wisdom was THE issue they were compelled to take up?
I despair for the future of the human race.
Re: The mind boggles...
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:51 pm
by Big RR
I see your point scooter and gob, but when one can own a gun (and perhaps carry it, I don't know the laws in Maine), what possible rationale is there for banning spring operated knives?
Re: The mind boggles...
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:19 pm
by Gob
Can't one armed people carry guns?
Re: The mind boggles...
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:32 pm
by Big RR
It might be tough to load a gun with one arm, especially a revolver.
eta: On second thought it's the right to bear arms, not arm, so maybe they can't.
Re: The mind boggles...
Posted: Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:42 pm
by Gob
LOL!!
Re: The mind boggles...
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2011 1:57 am
by loCAtek
With their teeth!? Where's Jarlaxle? No wait, even I can answer this; you use the 'quick release button'
or 'thumb hole'
There's a whole friggin' industry of one-handed blades for work, recreation and defense.
DUH! 
Re: The mind boggles...
Posted: Fri Apr 15, 2011 1:38 am
by oldr_n_wsr
As loCAtek showed in her post, switchblades are not hte only knives that require less than one hand to open. And I do believe that one can openly carry a Bowie knife (or something similar) in a sheath on ones belt in Maine. Gun laws are pretty liberal (unless you have a hunting accident) so I would suspect knife laws are too. I never see, "Will not ship to Maine" on any of my gun/knife/alternative weapon catalogs like I do with shipping to NY.