The concept of edged weapons is quite vague in our time. A fatal wound can be inflicted by an object that does not fall within the current definition. In each case, when the need arises, an examination of cold steel is carried out, during which experts recognize or do not recognize the subject as such.
However, despite the absence of a definition, there are quite specific signs by which you can distinguish a regular household knife from an object that, in capable hands, can pose a danger to others.
Without any conditions, brass knuckles, knives and other products of crushing or throwing action are recognized as edged weapons, this does not even require expertise.
The Law on Weapons adopted on the territory of the Russian Federation gives a definition according to which, to cause harm to this type of weapon, muscular force is used in direct contact, but the crossbow does not. Consequently, the action of certain types of knives can be remote.
However, exotic items such as a bow, boomerang, or crossbow are not often the subject of litigation or evidence. Most often controversial are knives, especially folding knives.
When an examination of cold steel is carried out, specialists are guided by the standards adopted back in the Soviet years, although now the scope has expanded somewhat, and the hardness of the metal is not taken into account. If the thickness of the blade is from 260 microns or more, and the length is 900 mm, then such a knife, as a rule, is recognized as dangerous.
Other design features, such as the shape of the cutting part, are taken into account. The forensic examination of edged weapons distinguishes blades of various geometric shapes, indicating which damaging factor is the main one. However, there are also objects of combined action. The shape of the handle, the presence of the stop, and its dimensions also matter. For example, a cold piercing weapon has a point, and a sharp edge is characteristic of a heavy chopping weapon , for example, a cleaver.
Another important factor is the strength of the connection of the handle with the blade or the retainer holding the movable cutting part of the folding knife.
In controversial cases, the examination of knives is carried out on the basis of the following objective parameters: the protrusion of the heel of the blade (the maximum size is 3.3 mm), its shape (straight), the depth that the subdigital recess has (up to 5 mm). These dimensions determine the ability of the knife to slip out of the hand upon impact.
The angle of emphasis with respect to the line of the handle does not take into account the expertise of edged weapons. The main factor is preventing the hands of the striker from slipping onto the blade. So, a cone-shaped or spindle-shaped handle can quite solve this problem if the difference between the thick and thin parts is more than eight millimeters. If controversial issues arise, an additional dynamic test is performed.
An ax is usually not recognized as a cold weapon , although it is much easier to kill it than with the sharpest military bayonet. The same applies to certified kitchen items and most folding knives.