Some of you might be able to carry your piece due to a CCW, but how about a knife legally ?
I know trying to read and understand these knife laws are so screwy.
In Georgia, I can carry a weapon because of a CCW, but not a knife.
I quit carrying my griptillian for fear that I could be arrested for carrying concealed. I was already warned by a LEO who had the common sense to explain to me this instead of arresting me (my ccw helped out there). So the fear has been instilled in me.
I don't wanna carry a 2 blade folder with a 2" blade that doubles as a farm implement.
What kind of crap is that ? A good knife always comes in handy !
Opinions ? thanks for listening... :ticking:
I do agree there is much grey re blade carry - in many states. IIRC FL is a concealed ''weapon'' permit which nicely covers more than just the gun.
I know so many folks in PA who routinely carry a 3" folder clipped in pocket (as I do) but still am uncertain as to the exact limitations re ease of opening tho am sure switchblade is out for sure. I have a feeling QK made some posting on aspects of this - not sure.
Butterflies are illegal AFAIK and yet they are freely sold and for sure many get carried!
It has always seemed odd to me tho that if a guy or gal can be regarded as ''clean'' and be issued a CCW, just why restrictions should be placed on blade carry! I mean heck - I could if so desired (and if manageable) carry a darned big hand cannon!
not only do you have to worry about state laws, but county/city laws as well. i live in PA, in lackawanna county, and carrying any blade over 2" is illegal. luckily, i own a HAK, but most folders are out of the question.
Would that be a Lackawanna County local ordinance?
The State of PA. has no specific blade length restriction....only specific types of knives that are considered to be prohibited such as double edged blades (which are considered to be daggers) & automatic knives AKA Switchblades.
There is actually some existing case law in Pennsyvania where a judge ruled in a case that a butterfly knife was not illegal according to Pa State law. But, I still would not carry a butterfly knife.
When I have trouble interpreting my state's laws on such matters, I consult a buddy who is a long-serving LEO. Maybe you have such an acquaintance, or, better yet, inquire of your district or county's prosecuting att'ys office. By doing so I found out that in Arkansas carrying a knife, concealed or not, with a blade longer than 3" is prima facie evidence of carrying a weapon. I'm glad I checked, 'cuz the blade I wanted was 4". I actually purchased the 3" model.
Oh, as my LEO buddy says, "ignorance of the law is not an affirmative defense." I'd say write to which ever office you choose and keep the piece of paper on which they reply.
Would local ordinances concerning blade length restrictions be legally binding if the State laws are different?
For instance could the City of Pittsburgh impose a 3" blade length restriction when the PA state knife laws have no mention of blade length or no restriction of blade length at all?
QK - I do believe with knife stuff, local ordinances could well be made to work - in theory!
In Mass. there is no blade length restriction, but after 9/11, the city of Boston instituted a blade length restriction within the city limits of I believe 2.5 inches [ been too long since I was living there now to remember exactly ].
That law is not really enforced by the local LE's unless you come to their attention for some other reason, then it's another law they can charge you with. The restriction in Boston can be enforced, but rarely is.
The LE's for the most part break that ordinance everyday themselves in the city by carrying popular folders in their pockets. In Mass, LE's are not exempt from the laws technically.
In Virginia any folding blade length is fine and any fixed blade length is illegal to carry concealed. Strap it on your belt and it's all good. You will see some Central American immigrants walking around with machetes strapped on. So long as it is in the open they are fine. If they cover it up, that will get them in trouble.
In Missouri your CCW is a weapons permit and allows several types of weapons to be concealed including knives. Without the permit there are certain knives that will get you in trouble. I travel a lot throughout the US and other countries. I can attest to the fact that a knife is a part of my regular attire except overseas.
Depending on where I am I may keep my knives it in my "tool bag" just to stay on the correct side of the law. Yes, I carry one to three knives at any given time depending on what I'm doing and how I'm dressed. My dress pants I have to wear in front of the customer have an inner pocket that my Syderco Delica clips in perfectly and it won't print.
Yeah and Ohio is terrible on this subject as well. It says you can carry a 4in folder but no knife can have an assist on it. So why are they legally sold for the purpose of carry in sport stores?
true, true... but when you have a 4" blade Benchmade Griptillian, who amongst the sheeple and such see's it as a tool. PLUS, I (did) carry a large folder so I feel it in my pocket. Anything much smaller, I have been known to loose.
We all know what its really for.
The 2 bladed folder from Boker is looked upon as a tool more than the weapon that it could be. Bassackward thinking...
My .02....
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