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A few reasons for limitations on carry knives:
Knives are not generally considered humane tools for self defense. You can kill in self defense; but, you're not permitted to unnecessarily maim or mangle. Even when using guns you can't put explosives in bullets, fill them with poison; or, choose to shoot someone repeatedly in the extremities when a single incapacitating shot to the trunk can be made. Police and military are bound by similar restrictions.
The general rule for blade length limitation on carry knives is that if someone is attacked with such a knife, they can protect their vital organs by just covering the anticipated impact area with their own extremities which puts the vital organs out of reach of the blade. Exceptions to blade length limitations for carry knives are based on having a demonstrable lawful use.
Guns leave bullets behind which can often be traced. Knives are not generally left behind and wounds can be difficult to attribute to a specific knife.
also
Burglars have tried to avoid being charged with having burglary tools in their possession by carrying sporting tools (e.g. a large hunting knife in lieu of a pry bar or chisel).
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