As a nation, we pride ourselves on our heritage, our history and our culture. A single 'superstate', the European Union, has been at the forefront of topical debate in political circles for quite some time now, but only recently have the politicians backed away from committing fully to enter Great Britain into the afray.

Fuelled by public anguish at the loss of our independence and our money, the political spin-doctors assure us that Britian will stand strong against those that wish to integrate us into the rest of the European lifestyles - we will retain our unique identity, our money, our heritage, and our sceptred isle will remain forever ours.

Quotes from the inherently troublesome tabloid media haven't helped of course. 'Back off Brussels!' is a classic not easily forgotten. Reports that our beer will no longer be available in pint form and that our banana's MUST be straight only serve to panic those less informed. But for those of us that enjoy the experience of knife collecting, the benefits might just be a little more than right angled fruit and vegetables.

inevitability ...

The fact is that we ARE heading towards integration with Europe - whether we like it or not. Regulations have already been passed in Brussels that affect our very lives today, and I have no doubt that this will continue. It was reported on the evening news just last night that the government plans to introduce identity cards (call them what you will - we know what they are). They're already in use throughout Europe and, perhaps I'm being overtly suspicious, but it does seem as though this is just one other way in which we are being brought into line with European expectations and requirements.

It may not be all bad. After all, open borders between the UK and the rest of Europe gives us greater freedom of movement, and the standardisation of taxation will bring us reasonable priced Marlboro and fine wine. But there's more on offer here than cheap ciggies and booze, the fun is likely to begin with the consolidation of European law.

The legacy of the Criminal Justice Act still haunts us today, banning items such as Philipino Balisong knives from our shores. These knives are legal in every other member state of the EU. Automatic knives, or switchblades as they are sometimes known are also contraband here and in Denmark too, but once again, legal in all other EU countries. And why? Because they open quite quickly and they're safer than an ordinary knife because the safety lock engages automatically and you don't have to get your fingers in the way of the blade in motion.

integration ...

Surely we cannot suggest that once these laws become due for standardisation, that all other member states ban these knives too? Or is it more likely that we will have to reluctantly sacrifice some of our own laws in the interests of European integration. Acceptance of new legislation, or the removal of old legislation is likely to be hard going in a country where it is still a legal requirement for a London taxi cab to carry a bale of hay in its' boot on a Sunday.

But fight as some might, it could become a reality one day that Balisong knives are once again legal within the British Isles, and automatics can be safely carried and used by those professionals that require them for their work. The automatic knife was originally designed for fisherman to cut nets with when they only had the use of one hand, and their development was pioneered during the 1920's by the late Imperial Schrade Cutlery Company. The spiritual successors are still made around the world, with some notable models from Microtech of America.

Food for thought though. Personally, if I have the additional freedom to collect what I want within the confines and privacy of my own home and enjoy the same freedom that most North European residents experience, I'll have my banana's straight and my beer cheap ... if that's what it takes.

All the best ...

Mike Harrison
BRITISH KNIFE COLLECTORS GUILD

LEGAL NOTE: THE BKCG DOES NOT OFFER FOR SALE OR SUPPLY AUTOMATIC KNIVES, BALISONG KNIVES, OR ANY OTHER KNIFE WHICH IS PROHIBITED WITHIN THE UNITED KINGDOM UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. SO PLEASE DON'T ASK! NEVER ATTEMPT TO IMPORT ANY KNIFE YOURSELF. THIS ARTICLE REPRESENTS SPECULATION ON THE PART OF THE WRITER ONLY, AND IS PRESENTED STRICTLY FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES PURPOSES ONLY.