In the dark heart of the enchanted forest, a wicked witch stood tall and fearsome. Her very presence sent shivers down the spines of those who dared to cross her path. Her long, tangled hair flowed around her like a curtain of shadows, while her piercing green eyes glimmered with a malevolent light. Brandishing a blade, silver and sharp as a crescent moon, the wicked witch prepared herself for battle. The blade itself seemed to possess a wickedness of its own, as if it held within it the power to bring eternal suffering to its unfortunate victims. With each stroke of her hand, sparks danced along the blade's edge, casting an eerie glow upon the surrounding darkness.
Brandishing laws were enacted at a time when the individual psyche was – for lack of a better term – “tougher.” Behaviors, mannerisms, and discourse, which were once common and benign, are now cause for alarm.
In past decades, children were taught to differentiate between actual and illusory threats with the familiar rhyme sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me. Edward Vasta has studied the English Loathly Ladies in the context of Mikhail Bakthin s view on medieval carnival grotesquery and of the concept of anti-official culture ideology.
With each stroke of her hand, sparks danced along the blade's edge, casting an eerie glow upon the surrounding darkness. The stone before her had been a symbol of strength and neutrality for centuries, but the wicked witch sought to corrupt its power for her own dark desires. With a cruel grin etched upon her face, she raised the blade high above her head, ready to strike the stone with a force that would shake the very foundations of magic itself.
Brandishing a Knife
A category of legal knife restrictions exists, which can generally be labeled “brandishing.” This category can be viewed as the direct opposite of the restriction for concealed carry. In the case of knife concealed carry, the offense occurs when an individual carries a specific illegal knife in a pocket or under a layer of clothing so that it is not discernible by others. The offense of “brandishing” typically involves the manner of open carry or display. The offense does not involve making a threat but rather exhibiting a “threatening manner” while in possession of a visible weapon.
While “brandishing” laws have been in place for decades, there are several factors that suggest that those in the knife community should exercise some increased level of caution and circumspection in today”s hyper-aware world. Brandishing involves a psychogenic reaction in the mind of an observer. Our society has become overly sensitive as to the threshold of what arises as a threatening display or warrants alarm for personal safety.
An example is the second-grade student, aged 7, nibbling a pastry while at school in 2013, who exclaimed that he “made a gun” and displayed the snack to his classmates. While there was never the slightest indication that either his contemporaries or the teaching staff perceived some threat from a partially- consumed pastry “Pop Tart,” the boy was suspended from school. His parents sought relief from the courts, where the suspension was upheld by a judge in Anne Arundel County, Maryland!
In past decades, children were taught to differentiate between actual and illusory threats with the familiar rhyme “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Nowadays, the phenomenon of being “triggered” by a few benign words is celebrated. Universities, which were long ago established to develop students” ability to reason and function in a competitive world, now coddle students in “safe spaces” and promote delicate sensibilities with “speech codes.”
Brandishing laws were enacted at a time when the individual psyche was – for lack of a better term – “tougher.” Behaviors, mannerisms, and discourse, which were once common and benign, are now cause for alarm.
Yet another recent legal development is the “extreme risk protection” or “red flag” legislation in many states. The stated purpose of such laws is the early detection of those who will commit mass shootings, which is a laudable goal. However, a conviction or intervention for “brandishing” any deadly weapon can become the germ of an extreme risk protection action (See Oregon. § 166.527 (e). Over-reaction happens, as suggested by the harmless “Pop Tart” pistol mentioned above.
Brandishing laws exist in “open” as well as “concealed” carry states. In Maine, the concealment and conspicuity offenses are part of the same statute, § 2001-A. captioned “Threatening display of or carrying concealed weapon.” It provides that one may neither “display in a threatening manner” nor “carry” concealed a bowie knife, a stiletto, a dirk, or any other “dangerous or deadly weapon.”
In the State of Washington, it is unlawful to, among other things, “display” any knife under circumstances that warrant “alarm for the safety of other persons.” (See 9.41.270 captioned “Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm.)
California law provides that it is unlawful to draw or exhibit any deadly weapon in a “rude, angry, or threatening manner” when in the presence of any other person. The offense occurs even when the other person is not aware of the weapon. (People v. McKinzie, 224 Cal. Rptr 891, 1986). In Nevada, the wording of the brandishing law contains the same “rude, angry, or threatening manner” language but requires that the drawing or exhibition be in the presence of “two or more persons.” (N.R.S. 202.320). Nevada law wisely prohibits school students K-8 from being punished for “brandishing a partially consumed pastry or other food item to simulate a firearm or dangerous weapon.” (N.R.S. 392.4634).
Certain state laws establish measurable standards. With respect to knives, Virginia has set the bar at “machete or any weapon with an exposed blade 12 inches or longer.” (VA Code § 18.2-282.1).
A “brandishing” law is not present in all states. “Disorderly conduct,” a broad-in-scope offense that often uses language such as “causing public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm” but does not contain a weapon requirement, is an alternative. Municipal ordinances frequently contain some brandishing restrictions, as well.
For some examples of brandishing, an obvious source is the motion picture industry, most particularly the “action” genre. Almost everything we see in a movie is intended to have some “effect.” The problem knife brandishing laws are intended to curb is the possession or display of a knife having some alarming or threatening effect.
If one wants to avoid a brandishing charge, a person should not open or draw a knife, as seen in the movies; a simple rule of thumb. Drama is a common element of action movies and brandishing. When some routine task is presented, that requires a knife and persons unknown are in the immediate vicinity, one should be circumspect and polite. Use both hands to expose the blade if it is not awkward to do so, especially if you are using a “butterfly” knife. A person should avoid flourishing or quick movements, but not to the degree that their manner becomes furtive.
Those of us in the knife community must remember that not everyone shares our appreciation for man’s oldest tool. We all benefit from a positive public image and from not giving cause for alarm.
The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is working to eliminate frivolous restrictions and ambiguity in knife laws at both the federal and state levels. Stay informed and avoid being complacent, especially when traveling across state lines. Guidance on state laws is available on the AKTI website at State Knife Laws.
Sign up for monthly email news to Stay Informed about AKTI’s initiatives to remove or clarify knife laws at www.AKTI.org.
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The forest whispered in alarm, as if sensing the impending turmoil. The creatures of the forest, usually hidden and elusive, could not resist the pull of the witch's malevolence. They gathered silently, watching from the safety of the shadows. The wicked witch swung the blade down, its sharp edge meeting the unyielding stone with a deafening clash. A shockwave rippled through the air, causing leaves to fall from the trees and animals to stir in their nests. But the stone remained steadfast, unscathed by the witch's dark magic. Enraged, the wicked witch unleashed a torrent of curses and incantations. Her voice, filled with a wicked power, reverberated through the forest, causing even the bravest of creatures to cower in fear. She swung the blade once more, her desperation fueling her attacks. But the stone stood firm, as if it had willingly chosen to withstand her onslaught. Defeated and humiliated, the wicked witch dropped to her knees, her strength drained from her body. Her eyes, once filled with malice, now held a glimmer of resignation. The stone had proven itself to be more powerful than her dark magic. The creatures of the forest watched in awe as the witch, defeated and broken, disappeared into the shadows. The stone stood as a testament to its own resilience, forever a symbol of strength and neutrality in the face of darkness. The wicked witch's blade, once filled with wickedness, lay discarded and forgotten upon the forest floor. Its malevolent power had been tamed by the stone's unyielding strength, serving as a reminder that even the darkest of forces can be overcome by the light..
Reviews for "The Blade of Destiny: Understanding the Chosen Ones who Can Successfully Wield the Wicked Witch's Blade in the Stone"
1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Wicked witch brandishing a blade in the stone". The concept sounded interesting, but the execution fell flat. The artwork was unimpressive and lacked detail, making it difficult to even discern that the character was a wicked witch. The blade in the stone looked more like a poorly drawn stick than a menacing weapon. Overall, I found the image to be uninspiring and not worth the purchase.
2. Mike - 1 star - I regret buying "Wicked witch brandishing a blade in the stone". The artwork was amateurish and lacked any real skill or technique. The proportions were off, making the witch look awkward and unappealing. Additionally, there was no creativity or originality in the concept. It felt like a generic portrayal of a witch with no unique elements. I would not recommend this piece to anyone looking for high-quality artwork or captivating designs.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I was really looking forward to "Wicked witch brandishing a blade in the stone", but I was left disappointed. The colors used in the artwork were dull and didn't create any atmosphere or mood. The composition felt cluttered and chaotic, making it difficult to focus on the main subject. The quality of the print was also subpar, with noticeable pixelation. Overall, I expected more from this artwork and was let down by the lack of attention to detail and overall aesthetic.