I know we rarely have to moderate things but that last post (after being warned) by Valkie (and ThisAlarm7 because he had quoted part of that post) was passing the line to much and is now gone This is a thread about knife laws not guns. (Plenty of people on both sides of that argument and we will leave it be at that) We need to keep it in a friendly tone, leaving our personal feelings and politics completely out of the thread or it will be locked.Sorry to have to be harsh but we have had more than a couple of posts to keep this thread on topic
Solution: don't go to Miami.
A 65 year old, limping, old fart, with a walking cane, is considered a danger to the public in Australia.
shakes head in dismay
Well, it happened, I was approached by the police to check me out at a cafe the other day.I had me Victornox pouch on my belt, but I took out the knife and left it in my car, I am still edgy about wearing it in public.The cops saw the bulge in my shirt at the belt and approached me as If I was an axe murderer.One with his hand on his tazer and the other standing behind me.At first, I wondered what they wanted, and then one demanded I stan against a car so he could undertake a concealed weapons check.He asked if I was carrying a knife or weapon, I said no.He then got all official and stated that he could see the knife (not pouch) on my belt.I said he could have a look, it was empty.He checked it, then did a body search and asked why I had the pouch on my belt.I said I usually carry a tool at work, but as I was in public and now that we have draconian laws and SS enforcement, I thought it prudent to remove the tool while I was getting my lunch.He wasn't happy, took my name and said that I shouldn't wear a "sheath" if I didn't want to be arrested.I thought of several comebacks, but sensibly just let it be.No point in giving him a reason to get nasty.Sadly, this wasn't in a major city, or even a big town, just a little town on the outskirts of Newcastle.I don't think anything will come of it, But the fact that he took down my name was concerning.So be warned, A 65 year old, limping, old fart, with a walking cane, is considered a danger to the public in Australia.
Hey Kev - Nice to hear from you - Have not seen any of your posts for a while
So he missed the sword in the cane then? .
Maybe their attitude/aggression was due to the fact they thought they had copped you - But you were totally within the law - So they were pissed off.
With all of the knife restrictions and gun laws, I do believe the state and federal governments in Australia have eliminated all violent crimes in Australia.
Is this your learned opinion, or bait?
Absolutely unbelievable - So it's illegal to carry an empty sheath? - I think that cop needs to check the lawA belt pouch/sheath could be used for anything - Mobile phone, regular screwdriver, non-knife EDC stuff - pens etcAnd sounds like overzealous policing - Maybe their attitude/aggression was due to the fact they thought they had copped you - But you were totally within the law - So they were pissed off.Although I must admit I do avoid wearing a sheath - and pocket carry my SAK every day- Although a few times I have nipped off to Bunnings (≡ Home Depot) on a DIY weekend - and I sometimes have my Spirit on my belt - Better watch out
My God! Why do they even allow you in public?
Most general duties cops have been polite and easy to get on with, although there have been exceptions.I'm putting the whole incident down to "having a bad day" for the cops.But be aware that the cops in Australia seem to be less tolerant, less obliging and less personable than any I have met in just about every other country I have visited.
I'm also of the belief the "fight" is not with the boots on the ground but further up the "ladder".
I have read about cases here in California where people have chose to challenge those boots on the ground ( by carrying a certain knife ) and then taking on the courts and winning. Thats a cost I cannot afford financially. I applaud those who can. Truth is tho, it made little difference in the law written. Not sure how that works tho?