On Mon, 2 Sep 1996, Asgaard wrote:
"James A. Donald" <jamesd@echeque.com>, writes:
I heard on talk.politics.guns somebody say that in Sweden they had banned knives with a sharp point at the end, and were going to ban sharp knives altogether. I think he was just engaging in hyperbole, that he really meant that gun control in Sweden was unreasonably strict, but on reflection I am not sure.
There is a law in Sweden, some 5 years old, against carrying 'dangerous devices' (hunting knives, Ninja stars etc) in 'public places' (unless you are a carpenter, electrician or some such going about your business). It's okay to carry a knife when going fishing/hunting or sitting on your terrace carving totem poles. It's only a misdemeanour and might be punished with a fine, but usually the cops just use the law to disarmour street gangs on the spot. The effects of the law are dubious. Knives have come into fashion among teenagers after this legislation (but not as a consequence of it, I think).
This mirrors D.C.'s concealed weapon law. A screwdriver is a weapon if you are carrying it for that purpose (i.e. if the cop thinks he wants to arrest you) but a tool if you are carrying it for that purpose (i.e., if you are wearing an expensive suit and look non-ethnic).
Asgaard
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