ShooterMcGavin

I live in WA state. The laws say I cannot carry a fixed blade, of ANY length, either concealed or non-concealed. I am licenced and I carry a firearm. Still, I am too dangerous to be carrying a fixed-blade knife I carry a folding knife, but I want every advantage possible if I'm attacked or if someone tries to take my gun from me.

What would you do??

I am considering buying a sturdy, folding knife and having a custom sheath made to carry it in the open position. Being in the open position does not mean that the knife is "a blade which is permanently open and does not fold" (quoted directly from the law).

Applicable laws:
SMC 12A.14.010 Definitions.
SMC 12A.14.080 Unlawful use of weapons.

KenpoTex

If carrying a folder in the open position does not violate the laws, it sounds like you've found your answer.

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"YOU are the weapon, your gun is a tool...of course, with many people it's the other way around." ~James Yeager

If you carry in Condition 3, you have two empty chambers. One in the weapon...the other between your ears.

Matt K.

David in FL

I'm often amazed at the narrow mindedness of people.

You're licensed and authorized to carry a gun and can carry a folding, lock blade knife, but a 3" fixed blade is prohibited.

Rexster

Survivalsheath.com, right there in WA state, makes such sheaths at a very high level of quality.

Rob72

I'm always a bit leery, when people skirt the issue in that way. Realistically, if a DA had reason, and wanted to, he'd tan your hide for violating the spirit though not the letter of the law, and probably be effective doing it.

Having said that, the best folding alternative to fixed is the Spyderco wave. Alternatively, call your local DA's office and ask about the opened-folder-sheath-system....or, make your own decision. Basically, I'm saying don't find a getaround and convince yourself it would never be a problem.

Musketeer

Drive south to Portland and pick up a perfectly acceptable Benchmade. Either automatic (depending on the law) or assisted opener. Alternatively invest in a well made Emerson one handed opener.

Put your money into a quality blade, not a gimmicky sheath that will do nothing but cause an LEO to question your motivation and make you look as if any violent encounter you may become involved in might have been more your fault. You are intentionally trying to defeat the clear intent of the law. Legal or not it looks bad to LEOs, DAs, and most importantly of all... JURIES.

bzdog

Personally I like the Benchmade / Doug Ritter MK1 (full size). It's ambi, has a super solid locking system, is short enough for WA and you can easily open and close one handed.

With just a tiny amount of practice, you can flick it open and closed with one hand.

-john

matiki

Indeed. Seattle Municipal Code is what the OP is referring to, and it prohibits anything longer than 3.5" or that can be opened single handed. In practice, folding knives are OK as long as they aren't auto openers, but I bet they'd make an exception to normal practice for someone that appeared to be skirting the law.

The applicable code can be found here, check definitions:

Seattle Municipal Code


See above, neither automatics or assisted openers are legal in Seattle.

Also illegal in Seattle.

I hope to move to Arizona or Texas someday.

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bzdog

What? Almost any knife can be opened one handed. Are you suggesting I have to find one I *can't* open one handed?

-john

matiki

I'm just telling you what the law is. Write your representatives.

Let's run through some typical knives:

Legal:
Boyscout Pocket Knife, relatively new and stiff
Folding Buck Knife

Illegal:
Anything with a lever for your thumb to flip it open
Anything that can be swung open
Anything that opens with a button
Anything that has spring assisted action
Any folder over 3.5"
Anything Fixed regardless of length

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