Thanks to great response from BLADE readers, blademag.com visitors, members of the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI), members of KnifeRights.org, and all knife enthusiasts who contacted knife retailers in Boston, the City Council is hearing the concerns about a proposed ordinance to license stores that sell knives.

While the actual ordinance wording targets hardware stores, it exempts only department stores and hardware stores, leaving a lot of outdoor and other retailers liable for licensing. Such a measure would discourage knife sales in Boston, and limit the individual’s right to purchase responsible and much-needed edged tools. This first step has been effective, but Knife Rights and the AKTI need blademag.com visitors to keep spreading the word.

If you are a Boston citizen, contact your council person and express your opposition to this proposal. Visit www.cityofboston.gov/citycouncil/councillors, or call 617-635-4500 and ask for your council person. Or, email Mayor Tom Mennio at mayor@cityofboston.gov, or call his office at 617-635-4500.