[marktwain]

The switchblade bans, butterfly knife bans, and nun-chuck bans were all driven by images from fiction.

Switchblade - West Side story.

Nun-chucks - Bruce lee and kung fu fighting movies

Butterfly knives - Hit Girl, Big Trouble in Little China, etc.

[OldGoatCPO]

I think knife bans are silly and a waste of time. My dad carried a sheaf knife on his belt and in his boot for years. Both sharp as hell. One was a utility knife for work and the other could serve only one purpose. Dad could be quickly accessed both for self-defense. Ban one knife another takes its place.

I have owned many Bali songs over the years. Like my dad’s boot knife they serve one purpose for which they are well designed. In Olongapo I was sitting in a bar called the West Forty. We all carried balisongs for self defense. SP or gate guards would confiscate them if we were caught. But a new one costs about $1.50. Sitting with a group of young Marines, we were practicing opening our Butterfly knifes quickly. Pretty Filipina Waitress (seriously not bar girl) comes over laughs and says we are too slow. Reaches into her tight jeans and spins open two knives open at blinding speed. She then explained the knives other purpose and why they are called “butterfly” knives. Despite being pretty not a single Marine was willing to go out with that girl.