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How do you measure a knife and handle?
- Thread starter James 99
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If you are wondering for legal reasons, I would use the manufacturer's data. If brought before a court of law, that would be brought up for reference and discussion.
Owning one can never violate any, carrying one on can get one in trouble in some places. Its for personal reason, I find it difficult* to figure the length with different design of handles. Mostly they consider the rough length (overall).
*I have a big fist
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I consider the "handle length" to only include the area you can grip. But, I'm unaware of any official definition.
Funny, it does not help unless you have the knife in your hand (physical presence) which is after purchase and delivery.
Yes, that would be effective length (the actual grip), its difficult to get it accurately when seller mentions the overall length.
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Not sure how else to measure if you don't have it in hand, unless you take the mfr spec at their word.
I do literally place the end of a ruler up against the handle, so that it is touching the furthest front part of the handle, then measure to the tip of the knife blade. That is the "blade length" for me.
From that same point, back to the end of the handle or pommel, is the "handle length". From tip of blade to furthest point on the butt of the knife is the "overall length".
Only really matters in situations of legality, or if you are trying to judge by a picture with no other reference, how it would fit in your hand, pocket, kitchen knife block, or sword sheath.
I do literally place the end of a ruler up against the handle, so that it is touching the furthest front part of the handle, then measure to the tip of the knife blade. That is the "blade length" for me.
From that same point, back to the end of the handle or pommel, is the "handle length". From tip of blade to furthest point on the butt of the knife is the "overall length".
Only really matters in situations of legality, or if you are trying to judge by a picture with no other reference, how it would fit in your hand, pocket, kitchen knife block, or sword sheath.
Sometime they make large butt to prevent it from slipping. the whole pommel typically should lay outside the palm, thats what make it complicated about the overall length(Which appear lengthy / big but don't contribute to grip)
I'd be careful with this too, I've seen times were one manufacturers's offical measurement changed every few years, with no change to the actual knife. I generally take the longest straight open measurement I can take of the blade, and use that.
For people that are new to this, remember to start at the front of the bolster/guard/handle and go forward counting the ricasso, choil, etc.... -
It may sound strange, but I've seen even established knife people try to count just the sharpened portion as "blade length". It doesn't work that way legally, they count every bit of exposed blade they can find.
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In a court of law, or a stop involving a LEO, the actual knife in evidence will be used for reference.
I have modded my Spyderco K2, it no longer has a mfg. spec. 4.54” blade length.
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I'd be careful with this too, I've seen times were one manufacturers's offical measurement changed every few years, with no change to the actual knife. I generally take the longest straight open measurement I can take of the blade, and use that.
For people that are new to this, remember to start at the front of the bolster/guard/handle and go forward counting the ricasso, choil, etc.... -
..
It may sound strange, but I've seen even established knife people try to count just the sharpened portion as "blade length". It doesn't work that way legally, they count every bit of exposed blade they can find.
Yes, definitely..... Police, D.A's , jurors, employers, etc. Aren't knife people......if you are measuring 2.94 inches, but the manufacturer is saying three and an eighth.....and your local law IS 3......
I Wouldn't carry it!
Find something else.
Just like I Wouldn't buy/own/carry a knife that is named "backstabber" or "deathstalker" or "murder -laser" .....etc.
If I was a manufacture of self-defense articles,
id name them "Love & Kisses".
Friendly names.
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They might bring up YOUR modifications as a means of being "more deadly"......more tactical even. Deadlier.
Like a sawed-off shot gun.......that's my point.
Don't give them a reason to Blame you.
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No, my blade is shorter than factory spec. If the maximum allowable blade length is 4.5” and I take a knife with a 4.54” and take it down to 4.25” it is legal.
Since you brought up a sawed off shotgun, perfect example. The barrel length of the shotgun in question is measured. As long as it meets the 18” minimum it is fine, no matter how it came from the factory. In the case of a sawed off shotgun a dow is inserted into the barrel, marked flush with the end of the barrel, removed and measured to determine barrel length.
The item in question, as it sits, is all that is relevant.
Since you brought up a sawed off shotgun, perfect example. The barrel length of the shotgun in question is measured. As long as it meets the 18” minimum it is fine, no matter how it came from the factory. In the case of a sawed off shotgun a dow is inserted into the barrel, marked flush with the end of the barrel, removed and measured to determine barrel length.
The item in question, as it sits, is all that is relevant.
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Says you. I am former (retired) police. I are a knife people.
PointedlySharp
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Typically, the total length of the knife is considered to be the blade length plus the handle length. (A distinction is often made between the cutting edge and the total blade length as well.) The handle length is, therefore, usually specified as the length of the knife minus the blade, and this includes any guard or pommel areas that are not available for gripping.
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*I Shouldn't say rare......
But, Just being a police officer doesn't make it the Norm.
I've seen liberal "anti-gun" police officers who couldn't shoot, or hit a barn