In Richmond, lawmakers are taking action to overturn a longstanding ban on selling blackjacks, brass knuckles, throwing stars and ballistic knives.
Opponents of the effort say the law was originally created to undermine gang activity in Virginia, and they wonder who would want such exotic weapons.
"This bill is straight out of a Victorian crime novel."
That's Arlington Delegate Alfonso Lopez, a Democrat, who was one of the 42 votes against the bill.
"We're talking about blackjacks, brass knuckles, swords in canes, throwing stars and something not so funny -- ballistic knives."
That's a knife with a detachable, self-propelled blade. Advocates of the effort say the bill overturns an unnecessary law.
"The law that's being repealed is actually stupid"
That's Philip Van Cleave, president of the Virginia Citizens Defense League.
"It says that if you possess this then the law assumes you are possessing it to sell it. I mean that's like saying that if you are driving a car we are going to assume that you are driving that car in order to sell it as a dealer. That's stupid and that law really needs to go."
The bill now goes to Democratic Governor Terry McAuliffe who says he has not yet decided whether or not he will sign it.
