It was a common weapon in the city during the 1800s and was usually slipped into a boot or concealed inside a coat sleeve or else hung on a waistcoat button by a strap attached to the knife's leather sheath. The gimlet knife was used in so many riots, fights, and murders in New Orleans that the city passed an ordinance in 1879 prohibiting anyone within city limits from selling, offering or exhibiting such a weapon for sale.
The gimlet knife was a common weapon used in the city during the 1800s. It was frequently hidden in boots, coats, or waistcoats using straps attached to its leather sheath. Due to its widespread use in riots, fights, and murders, New Orleans enacted an ordinance prohibiting the sale, offering, or exhibition of such weapons within city limits.