- Joined
- Apr 25, 2017
- Messages
- 13
I apologize in advance if this thread is posted in the wrong subforum, or if I missed some relevant advice. I created an account primarily to get some input regarding my current situation. I suspect that there are many similar tales of woe to be found on this forum, so I thought some of you might have some advice to offer.
I'm Canadian, living in Canada, and over the past couple of years I have become a casual collector of knives (mostly folding knives) and multitools. Over the course of that period, I have ordered several folding knives from China (including several Ganzo knives), and have never had an issue, as I only imported knives which I knew to be legal in Canada.
Recently, while awaiting delivery of my third Ganzo (model G7533), and a Sanrenmu (model 7023 LUI) which I had ordered from Gearbest, I recieved a letter from the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency informing be that both knives had been set aside for inspection, implying that border agents had reason to believe that one or both knives were prohibited weapons. The letter went on to state that a decision would be made within 4-6 weeks.
I was a little surprised by this letter, but knowing that both knives were regular, thumb-stud folders, I assumed that they would recognize the legality of both blades and release them after further inspection.
I guess that, as many of you have already surmised, I was being naive. Today, I received a follow-up letter, informing me that the Ganzo knife (the Sanrenmu was not mentioned) is a centrifugal opening blade, and is therefore a prohibited weapon. Now, I KNOW that this is not the case. I research every knife I buy before ordering, and there are plenty of videos and reviews out there which clearly show that this knife is absolutely not designed to be centrifugal, and that it functions in the same manner as any regular folding blade that can be purchased at Wal-Mart or Canadian tire, or any number of domestic retailers. It is possible, I suppose, that a loose screw could result in the knife being opened in this manner, but I have heard zero reports of Ganzos having this issue, and their quality control generally seems to be quite high. Also, the same "defect" could be true of nearly any folder.
I, of course, have the opportunity to appeal the decision of the CBSA in writing, but I'm wondering if there's any reasonable means of doing so. I have no access to the evidence that they posses, so all I can do is point out the same reasoning I've stated above. This seems like an incredibly unfair situation, and despite the fact that I know I have little chance of winning, I feel pretty angry about the idea of the CBSA simply being able to seize legally bought goods when I am at such a disadvantage in defending my case.
Any help is appreciated.
Thank you.
I'm Canadian, living in Canada, and over the past couple of years I have become a casual collector of knives (mostly folding knives) and multitools. Over the course of that period, I have ordered several folding knives from China (including several Ganzo knives), and have never had an issue, as I only imported knives which I knew to be legal in Canada.
Recently, while awaiting delivery of my third Ganzo (model G7533), and a Sanrenmu (model 7023 LUI) which I had ordered from Gearbest, I recieved a letter from the CBSA (Canadian Border Services Agency informing be that both knives had been set aside for inspection, implying that border agents had reason to believe that one or both knives were prohibited weapons. The letter went on to state that a decision would be made within 4-6 weeks.
I was a little surprised by this letter, but knowing that both knives were regular, thumb-stud folders, I assumed that they would recognize the legality of both blades and release them after further inspection.
I guess that, as many of you have already surmised, I was being naive. Today, I received a follow-up letter, informing me that the Ganzo knife (the Sanrenmu was not mentioned) is a centrifugal opening blade, and is therefore a prohibited weapon. Now, I KNOW that this is not the case. I research every knife I buy before ordering, and there are plenty of videos and reviews out there which clearly show that this knife is absolutely not designed to be centrifugal, and that it functions in the same manner as any regular folding blade that can be purchased at Wal-Mart or Canadian tire, or any number of domestic retailers. It is possible, I suppose, that a loose screw could result in the knife being opened in this manner, but I have heard zero reports of Ganzos having this issue, and their quality control generally seems to be quite high. Also, the same "defect" could be true of nearly any folder.
I, of course, have the opportunity to appeal the decision of the CBSA in writing, but I'm wondering if there's any reasonable means of doing so. I have no access to the evidence that they posses, so all I can do is point out the same reasoning I've stated above. This seems like an incredibly unfair situation, and despite the fact that I know I have little chance of winning, I feel pretty angry about the idea of the CBSA simply being able to seize legally bought goods when I am at such a disadvantage in defending my case.
Any help is appreciated.
Thank you.
