Legislative Update

The Senate Commerce Committee today reported problematic S.542 the Interstate Transport Act of 2019, out of committee. Sponsored by Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY) with primary co-sponsor Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), S.1092 attempts to protect knife owners traveling interstate with knives. This bill is a weaker and problematic version of Knife Rights’ Knife Owners’ Protection Act (KOPA – H.R. 88). S.542 would theoretically provide safe harbor to someone traveling with knives where it is lawful for the knives to be possessed at both the points of origin and destination, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ bill to repeal Louisiana’s antiquated ban on the possession of switchblade knives, HB 892, was unanimously passed by the House today by a vote of 83-0. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Thanks to all of you who called and wrote your representative to ask them to support the bill. This unanimous vote in the House is testament to the hard work by Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, … Continued... Read More

LET’S GET THIS DONE! Regardless of your personal views of Governor Cuomo or his politics on any other issue, if you live, work or travel in New York, or plan to, please CALL Governor Cuomo TODAY and simply deliver the message that you are “calling to respectfully request that Governor Cuomo please sign S6483-A/A9042-A,” and then thank him. Please be POLITE and RESPECTFUL and REMAIN ON POINT. This is not the time to berate the Governor about... Read More

We have assembled an incredible array of prizes for this Ultimate Steel™ Spectacular with over $200,000 in custom, limited edition and production knives, celebrity signed knives, guns and more. Every prize has been generously donated, so 100% of the proceeds supports Knife Rights’ pro-knife legislative initiatives. Knife Rights is the One Getting it Done™ – Rewriting Knife Law in America™ WITH YOUR HELP!... Read More

The Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office, as a result of a Public Information Act request from WBAL TV-11 in Baltimore, finally released the evidence photos of the knife for which Freddie Gray was arrested, leading to his subsequent death while in custody. This knife was repeatedly mentioned at the trials of the officers charged and then acquitted in Gray's death, but until Monday, the public had never seen the knife in question.... Read More

As a nonpartisan organization with members and supporters of all political persuasions we have made it our policy not to endorse candidates, but we still have an interest in politicians being friendly to knives and our interests. Shortly, one of the most critical presidential elections in our lifetimes will be held. The outcome could affect knife owners on many levels. As such, I think I owe it to our members and supporters that we review the two major party presidential candidates' stances on two issues that will likely impact many Americans' knife rights. Regardless of who wins the election, Knife Rights will continue to fight for a Sharper Future™ for all Americans. And, I realize that for many of you reading this neither candidate is a particularly appealing choice, but this election is too important to sit out. One of these two candidates is going to be the next president. Whoever is your choice, however reluctant that choice may be, be sure to vote. Your future, and because the next president will appoint two or three Supreme Court Justices, that of future generations is at stake. These stances may or may not weigh into your decision, but you deserve to understand where they stand in this regard and what are, in my opinion, the potential consequences for knife owners. I will state the facts regarding these issues as I know and understand them, knowing all too well that some folks will take offense, regardless. If you really feel the need to vent, just send an email to me at: vent@kniferights.org. I will endeavor to promptly answer your emails.... Read More

What are the candidates’ views on your knife rights? As a nonpartisan organization with members and supporters of all political persuasions we have made it our policy not to endorse candidates, but we still have an interest in politicians being friendly to knives and our interests. Shortly, one of the most critical presidential elections in our lifetimes will be held. The outcome could affect knife owners on many levels. … Continued... Read More

May 21, 2016 – Louisville, KY: Knife Rights was proud to be able to assist 2,600 knife-carrying NRA members at the NRA Annual Meeting by providing a Free Knife Check for those attending Friday’s NRA-ILA Leadership Forum. Because the event featured presumptive Republican Presidential Nominee Donald Trump, the Secret Service instituted security checks for all who attended, including metal detector screening.   In cooperation with NRA and with the able assistance of Leaders and Scouts from the Lincoln Heritage Council, … Continued... Read More

October 12, 2016: The New York Civil Liberties Union, the state's ACLU affiliate, and the NAACP's Legal Defense and Education Fund have sent New York Governor Cuomo letters in support of Knife Rights' Gravity Knife and Switchblade Reform Bill, S6483-A/A9042-A. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter said, "this is a terrific example of how organizations across the political spectrum can collaborate for criminal justice reform and secure basic fairness for all people." Click for letters: NYCLU - NAACP LDF NYCLU and NAACP LDF join the Legal Aid Society, Brooklyn Defender Services; the Office of Court Administration, a number of unions, the NRA, as well as the New York Times Editorial Board, in support of this bill.... Read More

Rewriting Knife Law In America™2010-2016 Click map for larger image 21 PRO-KNIFE BILLS PASSED IN 15 STATES! Alaska ● Arizona ● Georgia ● Indiana ● Kansas ● Maine ● Missouri ● Nevada New Hampshire ● Oklahoma ● Tennessee ● Texas ● Utah ● Washington ● Wisconsin 8 ANTI-KNIFE BILLS STOPPED! Florida ● Maryland ● … Continued... Read More

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10 Years Ago Wall Street Journal Article Ignited Knife Owners’ Civil Rights Movement July 25, 2016: Knife Rights was born ten years ago today after I read an outrageous and highly inflammatory article headlining the Wall Street Journal, entitled “How New, Deadly Pocketknives Became a $1 Billion Business” demonizing so-called “tactical knives.” A discredit to the Journal, the overwrought and sensationalist article was filled with distortions, … Continued... Read More

TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2006   B1 How New, Deadly Pocketknives Became a $1 Billion Business By Mark Fritz (Click here to view a PDF of the original article printed in the Wall Street Journal) A decade ago, Jim Ray brought together a champion martial artist, a former Navy Seal and a police-weapons specialist to draft designs for what he hoped would be the perfect pocketknife. … Continued... Read More

TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2006   B1 How New, Deadly Pocketknives Became a $1 Billion Business By Mark Fritz (Click here to view a PDF of the original article printed in the Wall Street Journal)   A decade ago, Jim Ray brought together a champion martial artist, a former Navy Seal and a police-weapons specialist to draft designs for what he hoped would be the perfect pocketknife. … Continued... Read More

After five years, Knife Rights finally got its day in court in its Federal Civil Rights lawsuit against New York City and District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. Last Thursday’s oral argument wrapped up the actual trial in our long-running battle against New York City’s unconstitutional enforcement of the state’s gravity knife law against owners of common folding knives. This was likely the first time a federal judge ever handled a true gravity knife (a German paratrooper knife) in any federal courtroom. … Continued... Read More

Attending BLADE Show? Knife Rights invites you to The SMOKE PIT to celebrate a decade of Knife Rights Rewriting Knife Law in America! Sponsored by Benchmade Knife Co. and KnifeWorks – Friday & Saturday 7:00 – 11:00 PM. Cigars and Accessories sponsored by Arturo Fuente, Asylum, La Flor Dominicana & Xikar – CASH BAR – Same prices as The Pit! Free Admission ONLY with BLADE Show ID/Pass … Continued... Read More

May 12, 2016: The Legal Aid Society, the oldest and largest private non-profit legal services agency in the nation and New York's primary public defender, yesterday filed an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) Brief in support of Knife Rights' long-running Civil Rights Lawsuit against New York City and District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Jr. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter said, "The Legal Aid Society's well-reasoned and eloquently written brief compellingly tells the stories of individuals who have fallen victim to defendants' unconstitutional practices and ties directly into the key elements of the defendants' continued sordid prosecutions of innocent knife owners. The Society has succeeded in adding additional human faces to the injustice these prosecutions have visited on tens of thousands of law-abiding knife owners, highlighting the serious constitutional issues at stake here."... Read More

May 10, 2016: The Illinois House Judiciary - Criminal Committee passed the Knife Rights supported switchblade ban repeal bill, SB2294, out of the committee with a unanimous "Do Pass" recommendation. The bill has already been passed by the Senate. Knife Rights is working closely with our friends on the ground in Springfield to keep the bill moving in the House. The City of Chicago is working to stop the bill from moving to the floor, to nobody's surprise. In the coming days we may ask you to contact members of the Illinois House. Please pay attention to our alerts in case we need your help!... Read More

Stock Photo April 1, 2016: Nearly a year ago, Knife Rights and the Second Amendment Foundation filed a "friend of the court" (amicus) brief in a case that asks the California Supreme Court to rule that common, non-locking Swiss Army Knives and similar pocketknives are not illegal "dirks" or "daggers" when carried concealed with the blade open. This coming Wednesday the attorney who wrote the brief, George M. Lee, a partner at the San Francisco law firm of Seiler Epstein Ziegler & Applegate, will join the Defendant and Appellant's attorney, Raymond Mark DiGuiseppe, in arguing the case in front of the California Supreme Court. Attorney DiGuiseppe offered to share some of his limited time in front of the Justices to our attorney in view of the exceptional merit of our arguments included in our amicus brief. We are certainly appreciative of this opportunity to defend the rights of knife owners in California.... Read More

March 30, 2016: Louisiana Senator Gary Smith has introduced SB 97 which would allow the possession and carry of switchblade knives by concealed carry handgun permit holders. Knife Rights has been working closely with Sen. Smith’s staff to improve the bill by removing the ban on the possession of switchblades altogether, which is exactly what we did in Wisconsin earlier this year. While many state legislatures are already wrapping up their sessions, … Continued... Read More

Click for the 2016 Ultimate Steel™ … Continued... Read More

Lady Liberty’s Steel™ – Fires of Perseverance™Work In Progress Photos Master Smith Audra Draper Work in Progress Photos by Mike Draper. Scroll down to view all images. The purchaser of Lady Liberty’s Steel™ – Fires of Perseverance™ will receive a USB Drive with all the Work in Progress photos, plus the Eric Eggly studio photographs of the finished knife.This is just a sampling of these fascinating WIP photos. … Continued... Read More

Lady Liberty’s Steel™ – Freedom’s Flame™Knife Rights’ Extraordinary Custom DaggerSupporting NRA Women’s Leadership Forum A One-of-a-Kind Custom KnifeCrafted by Audra Draper, the World’s First Woman Master Smith (Click images and links for higher resolution photographs.) Knife Rights has donated Lady Liberty’s Steel™ – Freedom’s Flame™ … Continued... Read More

March 4, 2016: On Friday in Maryland the “Weapon-Free Higher Education Zones” bill, HB 1002, was passed out of the House Appropriations Committee with a favorable recommendation, but with an amendment that stripped “Knives” from the bill. The original bill would have prohibited the carry or possession of ANY and ALL knives, as well as guns and deadly weapons, anywhere on the property of public institutions of higher education in Maryland. … Continued... Read More

February 19, 2016: Georgia State Senator Bill Heath has introduced Knife Rights’ Georgia Knife Law Reform bill, SB 405, that would increase the legal carry length of a knife blade in the state from 5.5 inches to 12 inches. Sen. Heath was the sponsor of Knife Rights’ Georgia Knife Law Preemption bill that was enacted in 2012. Efforts to completely eliminate the carry length limit have been stymied due to the manner in which a knife is defined in Georgia Law. … Continued... Read More

March 6, 2016: Governor Tomblin's veto of the Knife Rights supported West Virginia Permitless (Constitutional) Carry bill, HB 4145, that was vetoed by the governor was overridden by the legislature this past weekend. According to guidance provided by West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the new law is effective May 24, 2016. The new law allows West Virginians 21 years old and older, who are not prohibited persons, to carry a concealed "deadly weapon," including knives, without a permit. That includes switchblades (automatics), balisongs and gravity knives. However, knife carriers may still face local restrictions on their right to carry a knife. West Virginia's existing preemption law protects firearms owners only. WARNING: Persons 18 years old but less than 21 years old may obtain a license to carry a concealed handgun BUT that license DOES NOT include concealed carry of a knife or any other "dangerous weapon." The penalties for anyone under 21 carrying a concealed knife illegally have been made far tougher. It is now a felony! Anyone who is younger than 21 should be very careful to abide by West Virginia's 3.5-inch concealed carry limit and the total prohibition on concealed carry of switchblades (automatics), balisongs and gravity knives. Knife Rights will be working in West Virginia next year to try and fix this absurd change in the law that adversely impacts those under age 21. With all the oxygen sucked out of the state capitol by HB 4145, it will be a challenge to get Knife Rights' bipartisan West Virginia Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 4541, passed this year in the remaining days left in the session. HB 4541 would ensure that knife carriers don't face local restrictions on their right to carry a knife under HB 4145.... Read More

Mar. 2, 2016: Knife Rights' Mississippi Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 1294 that is sponsored by Rep. Herb Frierson has been passed by the House on a vote of 101-16. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Knife Law Preemption repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere in a state. Knife Rights passed the nation's first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010 and has since passed preemption bills in Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.... Read More

Mar. 2, 2016: Knife Rights' bipartisan Maryland Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 653 has been heard by the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee. No vote was held at the time, that is the next step. If you live, work or travel in Maryland, please CALL or EMAIL the Committee Members TODAY and ask them to please vote Yes on SB 653.  That's all you need to do, keep it simple and polite. CONTACTS for the Judicial Proceedings Committee after the break.... Read More

ALL KNIVES MATTER! Dana Loesch talks about knives, Knife Rights and the Second Amendment with Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter at SHOT Show 2016. … Continued... Read More

Oct. 31, 2016: Knife Rights' Oklahoma Knife Law Reform bill, SB 1159, becomes effective November 1st. SB 1159 removes dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife and sword cane from the items prohibited from carry in Oklahoma, and finishes the job Knife Rights began last year with the repeal of the ban on carrying switchblade (automatic) knives and with the passage of Knife Law Preemption in Oklahoma. Since Knife Law Preemption is already the law in Oklahoma, the revised law will be immediately effective statewide on November 1st This represents the culmination of three years of effort by Knife Rights in Oklahoma so that knife owners there can enjoy the freedom to own and carry the knife they choose. Oklahoma's knife law reform is more proof that Knife Rights is the one getting it done™ for knife owners in America. Getting it done means having the perseverance to come back to a state's legislature as many times as necessary to finish the job. We can now count 21 pro-knife bills passed in 15 states in six years. No other organization even comes close to that record.... Read More

WARNING:  Knife Rights Foundation provides this summary for informational purposes only and cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information. Knife Rights Foundation does not offer legal advice. You should not rely on the information provided in this summary as an alternative to legal advice from a licensed attorney. Generally (below):  Illegal to import, sell, offer for sale, purchase, barter or possess with the intent to sell – Generally interpreted to also include working on or with ivory including knifemaking and scrimshaw or repairs using ivory (including mammoth ivory where indicated) California (legislative AB96) Effective: July 1, … Continued... Read More

January 24, 2016: Kentucky state Senator Robin Webb has introduced a Knife Law Preemption nd Knife Ban Repeal bill, S 112. This bill is the result of months of work by Knife Rights and Senator Webb and her staff. To accomplish Knife Law Preemption, the bill simply adds knives to the existing proven Kentucky firearms preemption statute. The bill will also remove "any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife" from Kentucky's definition of a "Deadly Weapon" which limits concealed carry to CCW holders. That phrase, "ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife," has been, and could in the future be, subject to abuse from adverse interpretations by law enforcement, prosecutors and judges. In a 2003 appeals court decision (Stout v. Commonwealth), the judge held that a 5-inch "locked-blade" folding knife was NOT an "ordinary pocket knife," even though the vast majority of pocket knives sold then and now have locking blades and knives with blades 5-inches and longer are not unusual.... Read More

Washington, D.C. – December 16, 2015: Today HumaneWatch.org released a new report showing the Humane Society of the United States shockingly shortchanges pet shelters in New Jersey. In 2014, HSUS raised over $100 million from Americans and yet only gave 1% of this money to local pet shelters—and didn’t operate a single pet shelter itself—despite having fundraising appeals full of cats and dogs. In New Jersey, … Continued... Read More

December 14, 2015: Congratulations to our mates down under as new Australian customs regulations go into effect that removes “flipper knives” from the list of knives (in Schedule 13 – table item 14)) that are banned from import into the country. This was the regulation cited in recent years by Customs inspectors to prohibit many one-hand opening knives from being imported into Australia. While “assisted opening” knives remain banned, … Continued... Read More

November 25, 2015: Applying the Second Amendment to knives as arms and the groundbreaking Heller U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals reversed a lower court decision that it was illegal for someone to possess a switchblade (automatic) knife in their home. The court concluded that the Second Amendment protects knives as well as guns, one of Knife Rights' foundational principles. You can read the court's decision here: http://www.wicourts.gov/ca/opinion/DisplayDocument.pdf?content=pdf&seqNo=155961 As such, this decision, albeit narrow as was required by Wisconsin law, held that at least with regards to switchblades at home, Wisconsin's ban is unconstitutional. Knife Rights believes such bans are entirely unconstitutional. Having said that, Knife Rights Wisconsin Knife Law Reform bill, AB 142, would remove this prohibition altogether, as well as enact Knife Law Preemption, resolving the issue entirely. AB 142 has passed the House and awaits a vote in the Senate. The case arose when Cory Herrmann, the defendant, was injured in his home. Showing his switchblade knife to a friend, Herrmann dropped the knife and cut his femoral artery. After 911 was called, officers responding to the scene seized the switchblade and subsequently Herrmann was charged with illegal possession.... Read More

TO: SenAddiego@njleg.org, SenAllen@njleg.org,SenBarnes@njleg.org, SenBateman@njleg.org, SenBeach@njleg.org, SenBeck@njleg.org, SenBucco@njleg.org, SenCardinale@njleg.org, SenCodey@njleg.org, SenConnors@njleg.org, SenCruzPerez@njleg.org, SenCunningham@njleg.org, SenDoherty@njleg.org, SenGill@njleg.org, SenGordon@njleg.org, SenGreenstein@njleg.org, SenHolzapfel@njleg.org, SenKean@njleg.org, SenKyrillos@njleg.org, SenMadden@njleg.org, SenOroho@njleg.org, SenOToole@njleg.org, SenPennacchio@njleg.org, SenPou@njleg.org, SenRice@njleg.org, SenRuiz@njleg.org, SenSacco@njleg.org, SenScutari@njleg.org, SenSinger@njleg.org, SenSmith@njleg.org, SenStack@njleg.org, SenSweeney@njleg.org, SenThompson@njleg.org, SenTurner@njleg.org, SenVanDrew@njleg.org, SenVitale@njleg.org, SenWeinberg@njleg.org, SenWhelan@njleg.org SUBJECT: Please Vote NO on S3416 Copy and Paste the text below into the body of the email. Dear Senator, Please vote “NO” on S3416. S3416 has severe unintended consequences on the general public and New Jersey. … Continued... Read More

January 19, 2016: Two draconian bills that would have dramatically harmed knifemakers and knife owners were vetoed by New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on January 19. The two closely related bills, S3146/A3773 and S3416/A4808, would have outlawed, with extraordinarily tough civil and felony criminal penalties, mere possession or transportation via New Jersey of parts or products from over 1,200 species of threatened and endangered species. Elephant, stingray, gator, mollusks (mother of pearl) and many other species whose parts have traditionally been used by knifemakers would have been included, putting makers and collectors in legal jeopardy. Knife Rights worked tirelessly for months to lead the opposition to these bills with our good friends at the Elephant Protection Association and with support from a number of hunting organizations. While testimony and position papers were provided at legislative hearings, resulting in the bills being amended down from over 12,000 species to 1,200 species (see below), there was never any question that these still appalling bills would pass the Democratic controlled New Jersey legislature where freedom and common sense go to die. Our only hope for defeating these bills was that Governor Christie would recognize them for the terrible bills they were, both for New Jersey and its citizens, and for the country as a whole. Our legislative lobbying efforts set the stage for Governor Christie's veto, with most Republican legislators voting "no" or abstaining. Knife Rights is also grateful to numerous friends and organization leaders from around the country who participated in the effort to defeat these outrageous and draconian measures. As a result of the team effort, New Jersey will not become the poster child for the nation's most radical anti-hunting advocates who would have dealt a serious blow to law-abiding knifemakers and knife owners as collateral damage. Click here to read our position papers opposing S3146/A3773 and S3416/A4808.... Read More

ACTION ALERT – HEARING Monday! “Big 5 Ban” Bill Will Make Felons of Hundreds of Thousands of New Jerseyans Who Own Items With Ivory, Mother of Pearl, Exotic Leather and Much More! A hearing is being held Monday, November 9, at 1:00 PM in Trenton on S3416, an outrageous and draconian bill that bans mere POSSESSION of not only ivory, but also anything made from over 11,000 species of wildlife! … Continued... Read More

Purchase Knife Laws of the U.S.: Loopholes, Pitfalls & Secrets by Evan Nappen via Amazon. A portion of the proceeds is paid to Knife Rights. … Continued... Read More

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Sept. 29, 2015: Knife Rights' comment opposing the irrational and abusive federal Ivory Ban was submitted yesterday. Click here to read the comment with its attachments. Thanks to everyone who submitted a comment to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opposing the Ivory Ban. The Introduction and the Conclusion (Click "Read More>>>>" below) sums up the serious federal law violations and other practical issues with this proposed Ivory Ban rule. Knife Rights abhors the poaching of all species. The proven solution is to attack poaching at the source and in the primary destinations for the illegal ivory, not punish lawful ivory owners in the U.S. who cannot have any effect on poaching in Africa. Successful anti-poaching programs in Africa have demonstrated that an integrated comprehensive approach that support law-enforcement in the field and encourages the locals to fight poaching does work to save elephants. Illegally stealing the investments of millions of Americans will not save a single elephant in Africa. To read the Introduction and the Conclusion of Knife Rights' comment AND what YOU can do NOW to hell stop the ban, click on "Read More>>>>" below.... Read More

Sept. 26, 2015: A Knife Rights representative attended the August 24 meeting of the Federal Advisory Council on Wildlife Trafficking in Washington, DC to speak out against the Council's continued support for the Administration's irrational proposed ivory ban rule that will hurt many knifemakers, collectors and millions of Americans. Knife Rights abhors poaching of all species and supports science-based conservation efforts that have succeeded in posting significant GAINS in some elephant populations in recent years. We support practical efforts to defend elephants in the field that have resulted in MARKED DECLINES IN POACHING in recent years, as well as lawful enforcement activities that directly target illegal black-market trade in ivory. We support targeting poachers, not abusing law-abiding Americans in violation of long-held American principles. A key point we make is to note that the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) published a study, "Monitoring the Illegal Killing of Elephants (MIKE) UPDATE ON ELEPHANT POACHING TRENDS IN AFRICA TO 31 DECEMBER 2014" that evaluates relative poaching levels based on the Proportion of Illegally Killed Elephants (PIKE). The latest report published last year clearly shows that the illegal killing of elephants peaked back in 2011 and declines and levels off thereafter. The report also notes that illegal killing of elephants in Eastern Africa has dropped for the last four years and these populations are now at sustainable levels. Southern Africa herds have been at sustainable levels for all the years monitored, 2002 -2014. Where elephant herds in Africa are protected from poaching, the herds are proven to be sustainable.... Read More

Aug. 27, 2015: Dr. Daniel Stiles, an internationally acknowledged expert on African Elephants and the illegal ivory trade, has rebuked the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service for misrepresenting his research and misleading the American public about illegal ivory in America, submitting a stinging opposition comment in response to its proposed ivory ban. Click here to read Dr. Stiles' Comment. This misrepresentation is a serious violation of the 1946 Administrative Procedure Act (APA) because the proposed rule is "arbitrary and capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with law" (5 U.S.C. 706(2)(A)) and FWS has not articulated a reasonable basis supported by reliable and accurate data for its decision to promulgate this rule, as well as the 2001 Federal Data Quality Act (AKA Information Quality Act) because the data upon which FWS has based its decision to promulgate this rule is either entirely nonexistent, or in the alternative, has been seriously misconstrued. FWS' clear violation of these laws and regulations in misrepresenting Dr. Stiles work means that the proposed rule is inherently flawed and should be withdrawn. PLEASE SUBMIT A COMMENT TODAY asking that this proposed rule be withdrawn. Knife Rights abhors poaching of all species and supports science-based conservation efforts that have succeeded in posting significant GAINS in some elephant populations in recent years. We support practical efforts to defend elephants in the field that have resulted in MARKED DECLINES IN POACHING in recent years, as well as lawful enforcement activities that directly target illegal black-market trade in ivory. We support targeting poachers, not abusing law-abiding Americans in violation of long-held American principles. For details on Dr. Stiles' rebuke of FWS, a link to submit a comment and a Model Comment to submit, click on "Read More>>>>" below.... Read More

July 29, 2015: After over a year's delay, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's proposed regulation that would virtually ban the interstate trade in ivory, including knives with ivory handles and embellishments, has been published in the Federal Register. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter explained, "Knife owners, knifemakers, scrimshaw artists and suppliers will all be hit hard if the rule is allowed to go into effect as it is proposed. While there are some exceptions allowed in this proposed ivory ban, they are very narrow and the overall impact is as bad as expected for honest owners of decades-old legal ivory." A 60-day comment period is provided. Knife Rights abhors the poaching of all species. The proven solution is to attack poaching at the source, not punish lawful ivory owners in the U.S. who cannot have any effect on poaching in Africa. Successful anti-poaching programs have demonstrated that an integrated comprehensive approach that encourages the locals to fight poaching does work. This is the sort of solution that should be expanded and encouraged by the U.S. and by all who really want to end poaching. Knife Rights is working with our partners in the many organizations opposed to this rule to develop effective, well-reasoned and coherent arguments against this rule that we'll ask you to submit as comments over the next two months. That will take some time to put together.   The most important thing concerned citizens can do right now is to contact your U.S. Representative and Senators to ask them to co-sponsor the African Elephant Conservation and Legal Ivory Possession Act of 2015 which would protect honest U.S. ivory owners while providing for additional conservation and anti-poaching efforts in Africa. Click for more information. For additional details on this proposed Federal Ivory Ban, click on Read More >>>>... Read More

June 23, 2015: With the adjournment of the New York legislature, the Machete Ban bill, S. 3199, has failed to pass this year after a strong lobbying effort by Knife Rights. It was initially passed by the Republican led Senate without proper consideration, but was never voted out of committee in the Democratic controlled Assembly. The bill would have added "Machete" to the same list of outlawed "Deadly Weapons" in which you will find Switchblades, Daggers and the like. Potential penalties for violations would be up to a year behind bars. A machete, like a kitchen knife, or any other knife, is simply a common tool used daily by many New Yorkers at home, work and recreation. It is the height of insanity to try and blame the tool for a criminal's misuse of that tool to commit a violent crime. Use of any inanimate object, tool or otherwise, to commit violence on another person is already a crime in New York. Knife Rights is pleased we were able to work with our friends in the Assembly to successfully stop this absurd bill from passing.... Read More

June 23, 2015: The most extreme and draconian effort to date to punish honest, law-abiding ivory owners, including owners of ivory handled knives, New York Senate Bill 4686, failed today with the adjournment of the New York legislature after a strong lobbying effort by Knife Rights and our alliance of organizations from across the political spectrum opposed to the ivory bans. This bill would have banned the mere POSSESSION and TRANSPORTATION, … Continued... Read More

June 23, 2015: With the adjournment of the New York Legislature, Knife Rights and knife owners can chalk up two wins and one disappointing loss. Both the proposed Machete Ban and the Draconian Ivory Possession and Transportation Ban were defeated. The “fix” to the gravity knife statute that would end bogus New York City knife arrests did not pass when Senate Republicans refused to vote on the bill already passed overwhelmingly by the Democratic controlled Assembly (for the second year in a row). … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights' Knife Owners' Protection Act, S. 1315 (KOPA), passed a critical hurdle yesterday when it was voted out of the the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. Passage by the Commerce Committee sets the measure up for consideration by the full Senate.  KOPA protects travelers from a patchwork of conflicting state knife laws.     The result of five years of effort, Knife Rights conceived, drafted and developed the Knife Owners' Protection Act as the first proactive pro-knife federal legislation introduced in the nation's history.  The Senate version of the bill is sponsored by Senators Mike Enzi (R-UT) with co-sposnors Senators. Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mike Lee (R-UT), Joe Manchin (D-WV), John Thune (R-SD) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM).  Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter noted, "This legislation will solve a real and growing problem that faces every knife owner traveling throughout America--the threat of arrest and prosecution under misguided local laws merely for possessing knives during lawful travel."  KOPA will protect law-abiding knife owners traveling throughout the U.S. from a patchwork of restrictive state and local laws. As long as possession of the particular knife is legal where the journey starts and ends, and provided the knife is secured in accordance with KOPA, a knife owner would no longer be threatened with arrest simply for traveling from one place to another.... Read More

President Obama Declared Freddie Gray’s Knife NOT a Switchblade in 2009 by Knife Rights’ Doug Ritter with Evan F. Nappen, Esq. May 7, 2015 – Gilbert, AZ: Freddie Gray was charged by Officer G. Miller with violating Baltimore’s “Switch-blade knives” City Code which was originally passed in 1950. Freddie Gray’s knife was described by the officer, under penalty of perjury, as “…found to be a spring assisted, … Continued... Read More

May 7, 2015 – Gilbert, AZ: Freddie Gray was charged by Officer G. Miller with violating Baltimore’s “Switch-blade knives” City Code which was originally passed in 1950. Freddie Gray’s knife was described by the officer, under penalty of perjury, as “…found to be a spring assisted, one hand operated knife…” (link to Charging Document) In other words, the officer swore that it was a spring-assisted knife. In response to Customs’ … Continued... Read More

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - May 1, 2015 - Gilbert, AZ: In the case of the arrest on a knife charge and subsequent death of Freddie Gray in Baltimore, Baltimore City State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby charged that Freddie Gray was falsely arrested and that the knife in his pocket was not an illegal switchblade. Mosby is filing murder charges against one officer while others are being charged with crimes including manslaughter and assault.... Read More

April 27, 2015: Patrik Jonsson, a writer for the Christian Science Monitor, asked a very insightful question in an April 22 story on the recent questionable death of Freddie Gray while in custody of the Baltimore police: "Should it really be illegal to carry a knife in the city?" It should come as no surprise that Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter's response is, "no, it should not be illegal to carry any knife, only actual use of a knife for criminal purposes should be illegal." Doug is quoted several times in the article that explores the absurdity of knife bans and the adverse consequences that often result. Click here to read the article. UPDATE 5/1/2015: State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby has indicated that Freddie Gray was falsely arrested and that the knife in his pocket was not illegal. Mosby said she will file murder charges against one officer and manslaughter and other charges against others. According to news reports, Freddie Gray was arrested after a police officer supposedly found a "switchblade" in his pocket. But, the court documents reveal something else: "The officer noticed a knife clipped to the inside of his front right pants pocket. The defendant was arrested without force or incident," the documents say. "The knife was recovered by this officer and found to be a spring-assisted, one-hand-operated knife." (Emphasis added.) Note that the officer did not refer to the knife as a "switchblade." Click "Read More >>>>" below for additional details on the arrest and differences between a legal assisted-opening knife and a switchblade.... Read More

Thank Your For Supporting Knife Rightsand A Sharper Future™ PRINT OUT YOUR EMAILED PAYPAL RECEIPT – YOU MUST PRESENT YOUR RECEIPT FOR ENTRY. A physical ticket will not be sent to you. Please check in at the registration table upon arrival. Breakfast starts PROMPTLY at 7:30 AM and will be done no later than 8:45, before the show opens at 9:00. Breakfast location is the Waverly Renaissance Hotel, 2450 Galleria Parkway, … Continued... Read More

June 9, 2015: Knife Rights' Michigan Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 305, has been passed by the Senate 27-10. It now moves over to the House for consideration, most likely not until after the Summer break. Knife Law Preemption repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere in a state. We will advise when it is time to contact your Representative about this bill.... Read More

February 8, 2016: Knife Rights' Wisconsin Knife Law Reform Bill including Knife Law Preemption, AB 142, was signed on February 6th by Governor Scott Walker. Wisconsin is the eleventh state in which Knife Rights has repealed a switchblade ban and the ninth in which we have passed Knife Law Preemption. The new law was enacted when it was officially published on February 7, 2016. The signing ceremony was held during the annual meeting of Wisconsin FORCE, the state NRA affiliate. Wisconsin FORCE and Executive Director Jeff Nass played a critical role in passage of the bill and Knife Rights is appreciative of their support for our efforts to forge a Sharper Future for all Americans. At the signing, Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter presented Governor Walker with a Pro-Tech TR-4 automatic (switchblade) knife specially engraved with the state seal and his name and dedication during the signing ceremony (photo after the break).... Read More

Subject: VOTE NO on SB 398 Dear Senator _________________________, I am writing to respectfully request that you please VOTE NO on SB 398, the Ivory Ban Bill. I, like all Americans, find the out-of-control poaching of African elephants appalling. Unfortunately, instead of going after poachers, smugglers and traders of illicit ivory, this bill only attacks innocent Nevada residents and visitors by passing an absurd Ivory Ban that will not save a single living elephant. … Continued... Read More

Subject: VOTE NO on HB 6955 Dear Representative _________________________, I am writing to respectfully request that you please VOTE NO on HB 6955, the revised Ivory Ban Bill. I, like all Americans, find the out-of-control poaching of African elephants appalling. Unfortunately, instead of going after poachers, smugglers and traders of illicit ivory, this bill only attacks innocent Connecticut residents by passing an absurd Ivory Ban that will not save a single living elephant. … Continued... Read More

March 28, 2015: The Illinois Senate Environment and Conservation Committee defeated Senate Bill 1858 by a 6-4 vote. SB 1858 was a draconian bill that would have banned the sale or purchase of any ivory, including mammoth ivory, in the state with no exceptions whatsoever. This is the fourth ivory ban bill defeated so far this year (Maryland, Virginia and Washington previously). The defeat came after an alliance of organizations opposed to the bill, … Continued... Read More

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Knife Rights 2016 Ultimate Steel Spectacular!. … Continued... Read More

March 17, 2015: A hearing on an Oregon bill that would ban the sale or purchase of any ivory in the state, including 10,000-year-old mammoth ivory, SB 913, is scheduled for hearing before the Senate Committee on Judiciary on March 24th at 8:00 am. This draconian legislation includes a ban on mammoth ivory, contains no commercial use exemptions for knives, firearms, musical instruments, antiques or other items and criminalizes "possesses with intent to sell," a phrase that is easily abused by prosecutors. If you are an Oregon resident or travel or work in Oregon, we encourage you to attend and testify against this bill that will only serve to punish law-abiding citizens of Oregon and which won't save a single living elephant. If you cannot attend the hearing, please email or call the members of the Judiciary Committee. Click on "Read More>>>>" for a model letter and contacts for the committee members.... Read More

Subject: OPPOSE SB 913 Dear Senator _________________________, I am writing to respectfully request that you please OPPOSE SB 913, the Ivory Ban Bill that will be heard in Juciary on March 24, 2015. I, like all Americans, find the out-of-control poaching of African elephants appalling. Unfortunately, instead of going after poachers, smugglers and traders of illicit ivory, this bill only attacks innocent Oregonians by passing an absurd Ivory Ban that will not save a single living elephant. … Continued... Read More

Sept. 1, 2015: Today is the effective date for Knife Rights' signature Knife Law Preemption bill in Texas. Several Texas cities will see their restrictive knife laws voided today. The new law invalidates all municipal and county knife ordinances more restrictive than state law, creating uniform knife laws throughout the Lone Star State. The new law also ensues that Knife Rights' repeal of the state's ban on switchblade (automatic) knives that was passed in 2013 will now have effect throughout the state. The two Texas cities that made Knife Rights' "10 Worst Anti-Knife Cities in America" list for 2014, San Antonio at number four and Corpus Christi at number nine, have now been removed. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter said, "Removing two of the nation's worst anti-knife cities from our list in a single act is an example of what can be done when we all work together towards greater freedom in America."... Read More

Freedom’s Steel™ Damascus Pistol Re-Discovering the Lost Art of the Damascus Barrel Crafted by Master Bladesmith & Master Gunsmith Steve Culver Work in Progress Photos by Steve Culver Scroll down to view all images. The purchaser of Freedom’s Steel™ Damascus Pistol will receive a USB Drive with hundreds of Work in Progress photos, plus the studio photographs of the finished knife., plus videos, including vidoe of the test firing. This is just a sampling of these facinating WIP photos. … Continued... Read More

Freedom’s Steel™ Damascus Pistol Re-Discovering the Lost Art of the Damascus BarrelSupporting NRA-ILA and the Second Amendment! A One-of-a-Kind Custom Percussion Damascus Barrel PistolCrafted by Master Bladesmith & Master Gunsmith Steve Culver Incorporating Historically Significant Materials (Click images for higher resolution photographs.) Knife Rights has donated Freedom’s Steel™ … Continued... Read More

Freedom’s Steel™ IV – The Jefferson Bowie™ Knife Rights’ Extraordinary Custom Collaboration Knife Supporting NRA-ILA and the Second Amendment! A One-of-a-Kind Custom Knife Crafted by Acclaimed Artisans Incorporating Historically Significant Materials (Click images and links for higher resolution photographs.) Knife Rights has donated Freedom’s Steel™ IV – The Jefferson Bowie, … Continued... Read More

Freedom’s Steel™ III – Shall Not Be Infringed™ Knife Rights’ Extraordinary Custom Collaboration Knife Supporting NRA-ILA and the Second Amendment!   SOLD for $33,000! A One-of-a-Kind Custom Knife Crafted by Acclaimed Artisans Incorporating Historically Significant Materials (Click images and links for higher resolution photographs.) Knife Rights has donated Freedom’s Steel™ III – … Continued... Read More

March 17, 2015: Knife Rights' Idaho Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 1092, was passed by the Senate 25-10. SB 1092 now moves the House. SB 1092 would repeal all existing local knife regulations and prohibit any future knife regulations, making state knife law supreme over the entire state. Our research discovered numerous local ordinances that restrict knives in Idaho, but we were especially taken aback by the prohibition on concealed carry (without a permit) of a "buck knife" in Twin Falls (Chapter 2, 6-2-1(B)). That’s particularly ironic given that Buck Knives is headquartered in Idaho. If you live, work or travel in Idaho, please contact your state Representative or the Representative where you work or travel and ask them to please support SB 1092. CLICK HERE to find your Idaho Representative.... Read More

March 2, 2015: Another irrational state Ivory Ban effort has failed, this time in Washington State. Once a bright light was shone on the lies and deceit of the Ivory- banners, the bills (HB 1131 and SB 5241) proved unable to move forward by legislative deadlines Washington now joins Virginia this year in rejecting the emotionally charged, but factually deficient arguments put forth by promoters of these Ivory Ban bills. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter said, "Knife Rights and all who we represent abhor the poaching of elephants in Africa. However, these ivory ban bills won't save a single living elephant, while taking hundreds of millions of dollars from millions of honest law-abiding Americans. It makes no sense to unfairly penalize Americans for the illegal and immoral activities that continue to threaten elephants, and which these proposed ivory bans do nothing to ameliorate. These ivory ban bills are 'Feel Good - Do Bad' legislation at its worst."... Read More

Lady Liberty’s Steel™ – Freedom’s Flame™Work In Progress Photos Master Smith Audra Draper Work in Progress Photos by Mike Draper. Scroll down to view all images. The purchaser of Lady Liberty’s Steel™ – Freedom’s Flame™ will receive a USB Drive with 598 Work in Progress photos, plus the Terrill Hoffman studio photographs of the finished knife.This is just a sampling of these facinating WIP photos. … Continued... Read More

Lady Liberty’s Steel™ II – Fires of Perseverance™Knife Rights’ Extraordinary Custom DaggerSupporting NRA Women’s Leadership Forum A One-of-a-Kind Custom KnifeCrafted by Audra Draper, the World’s First Woman Master Smith (Click images and links for higher resolution photographs.) Knife Rights has donated Lady Liberty’s Steel™ … Continued... Read More

Feb 25, 2015: Indiana Representative Peggy Mayfield has introduced Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 1635. The bill has been assigned to the House Committee on Public Policy where the Committee Chairman, Rep. Thomas Dermody (R-20), has indicated that he is not been inclined to hear the bill. Your help is needed to convince the Chairman to hear the bill. If you live, … Continued... Read More

June 2, 2015: Knife Rights' Nevada Knife Law Reform Bill, SB 176, was signed by Governor Sandoval on June 1st. This act repeals existing bans on switchblade knives (longer than 2-inches), dirks, daggers and belt buckle knives and becomes effective on July 1, 2015. Unfortunately, because preemption was dropped from the bill, citizens and travelers will still have to be wary of local regulations more restrictive than the new state law. Nevada is the tenth state, the third this year, where Knife Rights has repealed knife bans. Knife Rights would like to express our sincere appreciation to our bill sponsor, Nevada State Senator James Settelmeyer, who guided this bill through a difficult legislative process.... Read More

Jan. 30, 2015: Mississippi Representative Herb Frierson this week introduced Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bill, House Bill 552. Knife Rights has been working to pass Knife Law Preemption in Mississippi since Rep. John Moore introduced our bill last year. We are very pleased to be working with Rep. Frierson this year to rid the state of its patchwork of local laws more strict than state law. … Continued... Read More

March 16, 2015: The Maryland House Judiciary Committee has voted to give an unfavorable report on HB 713, a draconian bill that would have banned the sale or purchase of any ivory, including mammoth ivory, in the state. The unfavorable report came after an alliance of organizations opposed to the bill, including Knife Rights, helped make it clear to the committee members that it was terribly problematic for honest, law-abiding Marylanders, stealing millions in value from them, and that it would not save a single living elephant in Africa. We would especially like to thank David, an 8-year-old student and avid fossil collector, for testifying in opposition to HB 713, showing off parts of his impressive collection of shark's teeth and mammoth ivory fossils that would be rendered valueless by this ill-considered bill, which would have also prevent him from continuing to collect many of the fossils he prizes most. When we are allowed the opportunity to explain the facts involved and the reality of the illicit trade in elephant ivory, in which Americans have virtually no involvement whatsoever, we have a good chance of changing the minds of those who have been mislead by emotionally charged, politically and financially motivated efforts to ban legal elephant ivory that's been in the country for decades and mammoth ivory that's 10,000 years old. The bright light of the truth and facts can carry the day given half a chance. Like all Americans, we find the poaching of African elephants appalling and reprehensible. Unfortunately, instead of going after poachers, smugglers and traders of illicit ivory, Ivory Ban bills only attack innocent Americans without any likelihood of having an impact on the poaching problem.... Read More

Subject: OPPOSE HB 713 Dear Delegate _________________________, I am writing to respectfully request that you please OPPOSE HB 713, the Ivory Ban Bill just introduced. I, like all Americans, find the out-of-control poaching of African elephants appalling. Unfortunately, instead of going after poachers, smugglers and traders of illicit ivory, this bill only attacks innocent Washingtonians by passing an absurd Ivory Ban that will not save a single living elephant. … Continued... Read More

There was once a time in America when just about every kid attending school carried a pocket knife. Few kids would be caught without one. Times have changed and most schools have strict "zero tolerance" (zero common sense) policies on knives. It now appears that in at least one instance, a Zeeland, Michigan, police officer presenting a class in school may actually be misinforming students about knife law.   Knife Rights was recently alerted to a school in Zeeland, Michigan, that may have intentionally misled its students about the knife laws in Michigan. What is worse is that it appears to be the result of a program run by the Michigan State Police that does not require the use of a standardized lesson plans and study sheets, which means that this may just be one instance of a wider problem in Michigan schools. Did the Zeeland cop mislead students? Is this Michigan State Police program inherently flawed because it allows individual police officers to make up their own curriculum with no controls? Click on "Read More >>>>" below for the rest of the story.... Read More

Kentucky State Senator Robin Webb has introduced Knife Rights' Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 146. SB 146 would repeal all existing local knife regulations and prohibit any future knife regulations, making state knife law supreme over the entire state. It also specifically provides that parties may sue to enjoin any violations of the new preemption law and be awarded reasonable attorney's fees and costs. If you live, work or travel in Kentucky, please contact your state Senator or the Senator where you work or travel and ask them to please support SB 146. CLICK HERE to find your Kentucky Senator.... Read More

Feb. 10, 2015: Vermont State Representative Patrick Brennan,Co-Chairman of the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, has introduced a Knife Rights requested bill H.165 that would enact Knife Law Preemption in Vermont. H.165 has been assigned to the House Committee on Fish, Wildlife and Water Resources. If you live, work or travel in Vermont, please contact your Representative AND the Committee Members and ask them to support H.165. Click the link to locate your Legislator and/or the Legislator who represents where you work or travel: http://legislature.vermont.gov/people/search/2016 Click "Read More >>>>" below for the contacts of the Committee Members. Vermont already has pretty reasonable knife laws, but preemption prevents a patchwork of local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere in a state. Knife Rights passed the nation's first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010 and has since passed preemption bills in Alaska, Georgia, Kansas, New Hampshire, Tennessee and Utah.... Read More