If you weren't aware, don't feel badly about it. Nearly everyone I've had a conversation with had no idea National Knife Day was actually a real thing. But it is, designated to "celebrate and honor the right to own, use and sell knives"- something many of us take for granted.
If, however, you live in one of those "republiks" where rights are routinely constrained by liberal administrations supported by well-meaning dunderheads who believe simply declaring an inanimate object illegal stops its ability to be used by criminals, you know better.
Think Chicago, the District of Columbia, New York City, and Texas?
Texas? Yep, Texas.
It's worth nothing- especially on National Knife Day- that some knives, including the Bowie knife that's inexorably linked to the Alamo and Texas history, are illegal there.
Or will be until eight days from today. That's when Texas HB 1935 officially goes into effect and eliminates the restrictions on dirks, daggers, stilettos (not the heels), poniards, swords, spears and, yes, Bowie knives.
In eight days you'll be able to carry a Bowie (hopefully not a cheap a reproduction like this one) in Texas as HB 1935 takes effect. |
It will be the first time in 140 years ordinary Texans will be able to carry a Bowie in public. And it will be one of the few times everyone in attendance will be able to see a special showing of historical Bowies in The Alamo's collection.
The BYOB (Bring Your Own Bowie) event also coincides with the regular "First Saturday at The Alamo" event. That's when the grounds are transformed back into the 1830s version. That includes demonstrations and crafts that will show you what life really was like then.
If you're in the area, it's something well worth investing your time in attending. It's also a good opportunity to meet Knife Rights' honcho Doug Ritter and thank him for working to get HB 1935 passed.
Here's something else worth noting- there are still places in Texas where there are "location restrictions" where blades over 5.5 inches are banned. You can learn more about that at: https://kniferights.org/hb-1935-bottom-line/
It's not all the work Ritter and Knife Rights have gotten done, today's news section has a release outlining some of their notable accomplishments. In the eight years since they started their state legislative agendas, they've gotten 28 pro-knife measures through in 20 states. They've also managed to campaign successfully to defeat 8 anti-knife measures.
Just last week, Knife Rights Illinois Switchblade ban was repealed, and the New York Gravity Knife Law Reform Bill, which addresses New York City's bogus gravity knife arrests and prosecutions, is sitting on Governor's Cuomo's desk.
It's also appropriate to give a shout-out to USA Shooting and the notable birthday celebration they're hosting tomorrow night. It's the eightieth birthday of Lones Wigger, arguably the greatest competitive American rifle shooter ever.
Some of the new graphics designed by USA Shooting to help celebrate the career and legacy of Olympic Shooting Legend Lones Wigger. USA Shooting image with permission. |
Three hundred or more friends, family members, teammates and competitors are expected to be in Colorado Springs for the party tomorrow night. And the celebration will be highlighted by an official check presentation to the Lones/Wigger Junior Olympic Endowment.
Can't make the big celebration, but we all wish Lones Wigger a happy birthday. He's one of those people who simply makes you feel better about life when he's around.
Happy Birthday (almost), Lones.
--Jim Shepherd