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Legal

Prohibited Items Policy

Version 1.0Effective Date: January 1, 2025

BladeHubs is committed to operating a lawful, responsible marketplace. This Prohibited Items Policy ("Policy") defines what may and may not be listed, commissioned, or sold through the BladeHubs platform. All users — both Smiths and Customers — are responsible for understanding and complying with this Policy. Violations may result in immediate account suspension, order cancellation, and referral to law enforcement.

1. Purpose

This Policy exists to ensure that BladeHubs operates in full compliance with federal and state law, to protect our users from legal exposure, and to maintain the integrity and reputation of the custom blade trade. BladeHubs is a platform for lawful custom edged weapon commissions and sales. It is not a marketplace for illegal weapons, circumventing regulatory frameworks, or facilitating harmful activity.

2. Absolutely Prohibited Items

⛔ Absolutely Prohibited — Zero Tolerance

The following items are prohibited on BladeHubs under all circumstances, regardless of the buyer's or smith's location, stated purpose, or any other factor. Listing, commissioning, or attempting to purchase any of these items will result in immediate and permanent account suspension and may be reported to federal law enforcement.

  • Switchblades and automatic knives with blades over 2 inches, as defined and prohibited under the Federal Switchblade Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 1241–1245)
  • Ballistic knives (knives with propellant-launched blades), prohibited under 15 U.S.C. § 1245
  • Undetectable knives or blades designed to defeat metal detectors
  • Stolen property of any kind
  • Any item where the listing, quote request, or buyer communication indicates an intent to harm another person
  • Firearms, firearm components, or any item regulated under the National Firearms Act
  • Items being offered or commissioned for export in violation of U.S. export regulations

3. Conditionally Permitted Items

The following categories of blades are permitted on BladeHubs provided they are lawful to manufacture in the smith's state, lawful to receive and possess in the customer's jurisdiction, and do not fall under the absolutely prohibited categories above. Smiths bear responsibility for verifying legality prior to accepting a commission. Customers bear responsibility for verifying legality in their own jurisdiction prior to placing an order.

Permitted with Smith Verification Required

  • Fixed blade knives of any length — verify buyer jurisdiction for carry restrictions
  • Folding knives — verify that blade deployment mechanism is not federally regulated
  • Combat and tactical knives — lawful manufacture and possession required
  • Fantasy, decorative, and replica swords and blades — verify state display restrictions
  • Hunting and skinning knives of all types
  • Culinary and kitchen knives — generally unrestricted but verify buyer jurisdiction
  • Historical and ceremonial blades — verify cultural/display legality in buyer jurisdiction
  • Axes, hatchets, and tomahawks
  • Machetes

4. Known Jurisdictional Restrictions

The following is a non-exhaustive summary of known state-level restrictions. This is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Both smiths and customers should consult current legal sources or an attorney before transacting.

California

Strict blade length restrictions for carry. Dirks and daggers may not be concealed. Switchblades prohibited.

New York

Gravity knives prohibited. Concealed carry of many blade types restricted. NYC has stricter local ordinances.

Massachusetts

Switchblades, ballistic knives, and automatic knives prohibited. Dirk and dagger restrictions apply.

Hawaii

Switchblades, butterfly knives (balisong), and certain dirks prohibited statewide.

Illinois

Ballistic knives prohibited. Chicago has additional restrictions. Verify current Chicago municipal code.

Oregon

Certain blade types restricted in specific localities. Verify current Portland ordinances.

BladeHubs does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this list. Users are solely responsible for legal compliance in their respective jurisdictions.

5. Enforcement

BladeHubs reserves the right to review any listing, quote request, order, or communication for compliance with this Policy. Items identified as prohibited will be immediately removed from the Platform. Accounts found to have violated this Policy are subject to immediate and permanent suspension without refund of any listing fees paid. BladeHubs cooperates fully with law enforcement investigations and will produce records in response to lawful subpoenas, court orders, or law enforcement requests.

6. Reporting Violations

If you believe a listing, quote request, or order violates this Policy, please report it immediately through the "Report a Violation" option on the contact form at /contact or by emailing compliance@bladehubs.com. All reports are reviewed within 24 hours. Good-faith reports are confidential. BladeHubs does not tolerate retaliation against users who report suspected violations.

7. Acknowledgment

By creating an account on BladeHubs, all users — both Smiths and Customers — acknowledge that they have read and understood this Prohibited Items Policy and agree to comply with it as a condition of platform access. This Policy is incorporated by reference into the BladeHubs Terms of Service and, for Smiths, the Smith Platform Agreement.