A SILLY LAW

The Danish Government, like many others, has long been worried about the possibility (not documented, as far as I know) of rampant knife crime. So, about 10 years ago, it introduced a law banning various types of knife from sale. In particular, flick or Stanley knives that can be hidden.

Politicians say that it was not intended that your average Swiss army, boy scout knife would be caught by the legislation. Unfortunately, a new court ruling has decided that they are. Any knife that can be opened "with one hand" is illegal.

So the angler with a small penknife used to cut his line is caught. The waiter with a corkscrew and small knife attachment is caught. The carpenter who uses a knife to cut his plasterboard is caught.

This is absurd. It is what comes from having politicians anxious to whip up a frenzy about (supposed) crime.

Walter Blotscher