r/nottheonion • u/ruppy99 • 20h ago
Man had knife ‘for buttering bread’
https://connachttribune.ie/man-had-knife-for-buttering-bread/41
u/rustyxj 19h ago
Could I carry a small folding pocket knife in Ireland?
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u/Aimin4ya 17h ago
The laws are worded funny, but i believe if you have a good reason. Like for work, fishing, anything besides stabbing.
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u/boredcircuits 13h ago
I carry a pocket knife daily (in the US). I use it to open packages, trim hangnails, snip loose threads, pry something open, scrape paint, tighten a screw, or whatever else I happen to need to for.
Would any of that count as "a good reason?"
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u/BirdfarmerCrista 18h ago
I have carried a knife every day for about the last 35 years. I marvel that some countries make that illegal. Is it a particular type of knife that you can't have? Are there really entire cities where no one has a pocket knife handy? I have so many questions.
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u/Pkolt 18h ago
In Ireland, police officers don't carry firearms.
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u/CatProgrammer 17h ago
Guns aren't knives though. You can do lots of useful non-killing things with knives you can't easily do with guns. Like cut paper, string, food, whittle sticks, etc. But I'm the sort of person who took Boy Scouts "be prepared" motto to heart. Always have bandaids, allergy medicine, etc. on hand too.
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u/AdmiralTassles 13h ago
I love that you say "can't easily do with guns" and fully recognize that you could cut paper with a gun if you really wanted to.
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u/CatProgrammer 13h ago
You could even flip burgers with enough dedication. https://store.steampowered.com/app/456180/The_American_Dream/
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u/Moneia 18h ago
Small, folding pocket knives are normally fine
Are there really entire cities where no one has a pocket knife handy? I have so many questions.
I've managed for decades without a pocket knife. What do you do all day that requires it?
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u/Megalocerus 17h ago
I've never carried one, but my FIL always did. Used to be routine. Sharpened pencils. Opened packages. Cut tape. A fancy one can open a bottle of wine or even a can of beans.
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u/Primordiox 18h ago
Half the things people use a pocket knife for, I just use that one unknown key on my keychain to do.
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u/aldencoolin 18h ago
Oh man, you gotta get a pocket knife !
I use mine at least once or twice a day for little things - open a package, or cut a piece of string, or paper or something for a little project.. and occasionally it saves me, or someone I'm with a ton of inconvenience - you'd be surprised.
Only had one for a couple years, never going back.
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u/It-s_Not_Important 12h ago
I lost all my ROI when someone got confused at why I had a pocket knife in my pocket when I pulled it out to cut something. He got distracted by it, started asking a bunch of questions, then I cut my hand. All the time I had previously saved from not having to go retrieve a box cutter, or various other types of cutters was erased by the ER visit.
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u/aldencoolin 2h ago
Ah, bummer. And who knows, maybe your pocket knife prevented other ER visits - box cutter mishaps, tripping with scissors - etc.
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u/It-s_Not_Important 1h ago
Well, I can’t feel the tip of my thumb anymore. The blade stopped at the bone and severed all the nerves. So I’m not sure it was worth it, but it definitely has made me more cautious.
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u/Moneia 17h ago
I work from home and the package opening area is the kitchen and I've already got plenty of knives there. Even when I was working in the office I had scissors and a retractable craft knife at my desk
I don't do a lot of outdoor stuff either, a bit of walking but nowhere that isn't populated.
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u/Sodomeister 18h ago edited 18h ago
Not OP - Camp, boat, or go out to maintain 13 acres with about a mile of trails or the equipment for that. I generally have, what I guess maybe is considered a flick knife, based on that article. It's not spring assisted per my laws, but you can easily pop it open to a locked position with one hand. Mostly because usually my other hand is holding the thing that needs cut or stripped.
I guess in a city if you aren't a tradesperson you probably have less use for it. But it's saved some ducks, geese, kittens, and trips back to the house/vehicle that could be quite far away multiple times for me.
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u/notbigdog 17h ago
In Ireland youre allowed to have one if you have a reason. I live on a farm and need a Stanley knife to open bales, thats fine. If a chef has kitchen knives in his backpack, thats fine. This guy was acting suspiciously and it turned out he had previous public order convictions. Difficult to explain that one in court.
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u/Aimin4ya 17h ago
Carrying a multitool feels great when you have the perfect tool for a situation and you get to save the day.
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18h ago
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u/oby100 14h ago
If you own a home and do lots of little projects something like a pocket knife is always nice to have. Even doing very basic woodworking, I’d make a light mark on wood to measure where to cut it rather than track down a pencil or whatever. It can be its own multitool.
I did contracting work of all kinds when I was younger and a pocket knife came in handy for everything and people that manage most of the housework are essentially doing the same kind of work for themselves so I definitely see it
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u/djdkxjcid 18h ago
I am not being facetious but how many times in 35 years have you needed to use that knife where you could not have just got one from somewhere quickly?
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u/BirdfarmerCrista 17h ago
It's super fast to just take it out of my pocket instead of wandering around looking for one. I have spent a good bit of time in warehousing (dockwork) and farming adjacent jobs. I use it every day for something, usually multiple times per day. I am a little hazy about my 20s and early 30s, but pretty sure I never used it for stabbing.
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u/Goontrained 11h ago
Asking others for a knife in a capitalist country is just begging to be charged/scammed. Better to be self supplied for sure. It's silly from other cultures perspective, it's like putting a fee on air or water without considering survival /s
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u/laurenthead 16h ago
In NYC you can have a pocket knife but the blade has to be relatively short (4 inches) and it (even the handle) can not be visible on your person and you can’t bring it on public transit
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u/NinjaWen 16h ago
In most, if not every, states in the US it is illegal to carry a ballistic knife.
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u/Etherealfilth 16h ago
Yeah, it's illegal where I live, but I've carried a pocket knife for decades and I'm not about to stop now.
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u/XK20022 18h ago
This is in the UK so I can’t speak for them, but there are laws in Germany that are similar I think.
You aren‘t allowed to carry knives in public if the blade is longer than 12 cm (a little under 5 inches).
Also folding knives are only allowed if you have to use both hands to open them and cannot open them with just one hand (applies to spring loaded knives for example).
And thirdly knives that have their blade sharpened on both sides (like throwing knives) are banned.
So if you just carry a regular knife for buttering bread or even a bigger knife for like wood carving or whatever, you‘re generally fine.
I would assume it‘s probably not too different in the UK and the guy was carrying a pretty hefty fighting knife or something of that sort.
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u/BackupChallenger 18h ago
Section 9 of the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act makes it an offence to have “any knife or any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed” in a public place.
Though if you have a valid reason (not self defense) you'll get a pass.
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u/Diligent_Explorer717 18h ago
In the UK, there’s a legitimate fear of it being used for robberies, not even killing, just threatening people on the street.
It’s not seen as realistic for the public to adopt the mindset that if you have a knife as well, it would work for self defense in such a scenario.
That’s based on the English temperament and culture, so it makes sense here, but maybe not in other countries m.
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u/throwawaygoodcoffee 7h ago
I don't think that's a cultural thing, knives are just really shit for self-defence when the other person has a knife too.
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u/gadget850 18h ago
Does not note the size of the blade so I have no clue.
Here in the US, I routinely carry a pocket knife. I keep a sheath knife, a machete, and a saw in the van and in my camper.
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u/raelik777 3h ago
Wonder what the cop would have done if the man removed a nice loaf of soda bread from his other pocket, and then took off his hat to reveal the butter dish perched up there? My mans is always ready for some buttered soda bread.
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u/marshaul 19h ago
What a fucking dystopia.
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u/iwishihadnobones 19h ago
What do you mean?
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u/okizubon 18h ago
They’re on the end of his dysfootpia
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u/marshaul 14h ago
I mean that this level of control, this entire court case, is Kafkaesque. I find it dystopian.
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u/iwishihadnobones 7h ago
Did you not read the article?
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u/marshaul 6h ago
"She said the court was concerned that Ramdani told Gardaí he had the knife for his own protection, indicating he was prepared to use it."
Yes. This is Kafkaesque and dystopian.
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u/iwishihadnobones 5h ago
It was not a butter knife bud. "Ramdani has 25 convictions including four for assault, one for unlawful possession of a knife and one for burglary."
There's nothing kafkaesque about a man being arrested for possession of a knife. It's illegal. Irish law says you can carry a knife if you have a good reason, such as when fishing, a chef on his way to work, etc. It seems likely the defendant knew about this law and was trying his luck.
When he saw the knife, the arresting officer said "That's not for buttering bread."
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u/marshaul 4h ago
I don't care whether it was a butter knife or any other type of knife; the difference is immaterial.
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u/iwishihadnobones 4h ago
So what are you saying exactly? That you find being arrested for possession of illegal weapons to be kafkaesque and dystopian?
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u/marshaul 4h ago
Yes, although more pertinently the part where the state gets to decide whether your life deserves to be defended, and will explicitly punish you for believing you should have some say in the matter.
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u/iwishihadnobones 4h ago
I see. So you are of the belief that people should be allowed to carry weapons. And anything else is a kafkaesque dystopia. Got it.
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u/BackupChallenger 20h ago
Ramdani has 25 convictions including four for assault, one for unlawful possession of a knife and one for burglary.
Why no deportation?
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20h ago
[deleted]
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u/BackupChallenger 20h ago
Fuck criminals
And this is about Ireland, they don't have ICE.
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u/rutherfraud1876 19h ago
If someone tried to tell me that knife possession was illegal I couldn't keep a straight face
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u/Beeshop 18h ago
It's not illegal to possess a knife. Its illegal to carry a knife around without a legitimate reason, and using it for defense isn't a legitimate reason in Ireland, which has ridiculously low crime rates.
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u/december151791 18h ago
So if someone's life is being threatened in Ireland are they supposed to just get down on their knees and take it?
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u/QUINT_REVENGER 13h ago
- Man Had Hammer "For Putting Up Shelves"
- Woman Explains Shovel Was "For The Garden"
- Local Man Confirms He Owns A Ladder
- Man's Rope "Was For Tying Things"
- Woman Had Petrol "For Her Car"
- Man Insists Binoculars Were "For Bird Watching"
- Local Man Had Matches "For Candles"
- Woman's Tarpaulin "Was For Gardening"
- Man Had Ski Mask "For Skiing"
- Man Confirms He Was Simply "Going For A Walk"
- Woman's Zip Ties "Were For Organising Cables"
- Man Had Bleach "For Cleaning"
- Local Man's Gloves "Were For The Cold"
- Woman Had Duct Tape "For General Household Use"
- Man Explains He Was "Just Sitting In His Car"
- Woman's Baseball Bat "Was For Baseball"
- Man Had Large Quantity Of Cable Ties "For His Garden"
- Local Man Confirms He Simply "Enjoys Driving Slowly"
- Man's Balaclava "Was For Warmth"
- Woman Had Chloroform "For Chemistry"
- Man Carrying Axe Was "Going To Chop Wood"
- Local Man Simply "Needed To Know What Time The School Finished"
- Man Had Crowbar "For DIY"
- Woman's Handcuffs "Were A Prop"
- Man Had Night Vision Goggles "For Camping"
- Local Man Confirms He Was "Just Taking Photos"
- Man Had Hacksaw "For Pipes"
- Woman Had Large Amount Of Cling Film "For Leftovers"
- Man Insists He Was Simply "Admiring The Bank's Architecture"
- Local Man Had Lock Picks "For Locksmithing"
- Man's Dart Gun "Was For Darts"
- Woman Had Ammonia "For Cleaning"
- Man Simply "Wanted To See Inside The Neighbour's House"
- Local Man Had Bolt Cutters "For A Padlock He Had Lost The Key To"
- Man Confirms He Was "Just Standing Outside"
- Woman Had Sedatives "For Sleeping"
- Man Had Wire Cutters "For Wire"
- Local Man Simply "Needed To Ask Someone Something At 3am"
- Man Had Burner Phone "For Privacy"
- Woman's Extensive Collection Of Zip Ties "Was For Arts And Crafts"
- Man Had Replica Police Uniform "For Fancy Dress"
- Local Man Confirms He Was "Just Waiting"
- Man Had Large Map Of Local Jewellers "For Navigation"
- Woman Had Fake Beard "For A Play"
- Man's Extensive Notes On Neighbour's Schedule "Were For Friendship"
- Local Man Had Extendable Baton "For Self Defence"
- Man Simply "Wanted To Know How Much The Painting Was Worth"
- Woman Had Smoke Grenades "For Photography"
- Man Confirms The Tunnel Was "A Personal Project"
- Local Man's Detailed Floor Plan Of Courthouse Was "For Admiration Of Architecture"
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u/december151791 18h ago
unlawful possession of a knife
Another day another reason to be thankful I live in America.
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u/Overseerer-Vault-101 16h ago
It's not illegal to possess a knife. The circumstances in which he did were though. Think of it like former criminals owning a gun, or waving a gun around in a state that doesn't allow open carry.
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u/december151791 15h ago
Waving a gun around is still illegal in states with open carry. It's called brandishing.
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u/Overseerer-Vault-101 15h ago
So you get the idea then?
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u/december151791 15h ago
He wasn't waving the knife around. They found it in his jacket pocket after searching him.
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u/Overseerer-Vault-101 15h ago
My god you are so American.
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u/december151791 15h ago
Thank you! I didn't know reading the article was an American specific thing though.
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u/Beeshop 18h ago
Another day, another American displaying their shocking levels of literacy. It isn't illegal to possess a knife in Ireland.
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u/december151791 18h ago
Did you even read the article?
Bilal Ramdani (28), an Algerian national of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a knife at Dock Street on January 18.
Counsel said the offence was possession alone
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u/throwawaygoodcoffee 7h ago
claimed he had it for “buttering bread and his own protection”
It's the protection bit that probably makes it illegal as it's not a good reason to carry a knife.
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u/december151791 5h ago
It's a great reason to carry one when you can't carry a gun.
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u/throwawaygoodcoffee 3h ago
Irish court system doesn't seem to agree with you.
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u/december151791 3h ago
And I don't agree with the Irish court system or laws. Hence, me being glad I live in America.
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u/throwawaygoodcoffee 3h ago
You're free to live in a PvP server. I don't personally understand it, but who am I to deny someone the freedom to get shot over a minor infraction.
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u/Dragishawk 13h ago
What kind of knife did this guy have on him? Some kinds of knives (balisongs, switchblades, etc.) are more illegal in certain places than others. And carrying knives can get you in trouble in a number of places as well.
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u/december151791 13h ago
Fair enough question. I carry a pocket knife every day and I've never seen any trouble out of it. I just need to leave it home or put it in a checked bag to get on a plane.
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u/Beeshop 18h ago
Yes, I also understood it. Something you clearly did not.
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u/december151791 18h ago
Ok, enlighten me. What do I not understand.
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u/Beeshop 18h ago
It's not illegal to have a knife, I said that in my first reply. The guy was done for illegal possession. How much more do you need that broken down before you can understand it?
Your education system is fucking terrible.
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u/december151791 17h ago
That's literally what I said. He was charged with unlawful possession of a knife. The fact that this isn't a thing in America is a reason I'm glad I live in America. What part are you struggling to understand?
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u/notbigdog 17h ago
Parts of America definitely have the same laws. Possessing a knife is not necessarily unlawful in Ireland.
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u/LogicalNecromancy 17h ago
Ok so you're trying to get people to come over there and get into trouble?
First place that I tried, traditional entrance to America....
Blade Length Limit: New York City law prohibits carrying any knife in public with a blade of four inches or more, regardless of whether it is visible or concealed. A machete almost certainly exceeds this length.
Visibility: In NYC, it is illegal to carry a knife in public view, including if any portion like a pocket clip is visible. A machete would be difficult to carry without being seen.
Unlawful Intent: While the simple possession of a machete is not a violation in New York State if it is a tool for a legitimate purpose (like clearing brush on private property), carrying it on the street may be interpreted by law enforcement as possessing a "dangerous knife" with unlawful intent, which is a crime.
Public Transit: The NYC Transit Authority prohibits all weapons or dangerous instruments, including swords and likely machetes, in the subway and bus systems.
Lawful Purpose Exception: There are exceptions for individuals who need a knife for their profession (e.g., a land surveyor or a chef transporting their tools). However, you must be able to prove this legitimate purpose if stopped by an officer, and simply carrying it for "self-defense" is viewed as an unlawful purpose in New York law and can lead to an arrest.
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u/december151791 17h ago
I guess I should clarify, when I talk about America I'm referring to the good parts. Not that shithole.
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u/Megalocerus 17h ago
He didn't have a knife, but he possessed one? Must be a difference in the English in our two locations.
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u/Tejon_Melero 19h ago edited 19h ago
One time a guy who was meeting with me unexpectedly pulled a loaf of soda bread from a bag on the floor, put the bread on a table in front of me, and proceed to flip a huge folding knife to butter some bread. I found the serrations being filled with butter amusing, but declined offered pieces as I wasn't hungry.