I fully support the bumping of such an epic thread .
I have a link in my sig that should be fairly accurate. Better yet is to check local laws. Most counties around me for example is 3.5" but Everett and a few places are 3" which I occasionally go. Paranoid or not I usually carry a Sage or Cento4 when going there.
It's always good to have a varying range of folders.
My state (Virginia) doesn't have a law specifying a legal limit for blade length. But apparently a number jurisdictions within the state have limits, usually 3" or 3 1/2". None of the jurisdictions in my general area have limits (as far as I can tell) but I usually carry knives under 3" (Delica, Dragonfly) just be on the safe side. Still, occasionally I like to carry a Stretch or Endura. But I make sure I'm not going into any jurisdictions with more restrictice laws. Check out the link provided by Blerv above.
Resist wrote:I've tried that but get lost in the penal codes wording. It's all jibbly jop to me. I wish someone would just post what is legal and what isn't.
Yea it is. That link I have in my sig references the penal code and notes the length/details for most. If the county isn't mentioned a Google search usually will clarify. eg: "What pocket knife is legal in ____?" etc
Cali seems much easier on blades than Illinois. Part of the reason the Chicago was designed with a 2" locking blade.
Also, depending on the person, situation and setting the laws will sway heavily or at least the interpretation of them. Talking to an officer would always be wise over doing no research at all.
Has anyone encountered a situation in the real world where edge length (vs overall blade length, either based on exposed steel or measured from the pivot) was used to determine legality? There was a thread a while back that discussed this issue (the Native V thread?) and I'd be interested in hearing when people have seen in the wild.
JacksonKnives wrote:Has anyone encountered a situation in the real world where edge length (vs overall blade length, either based on exposed steel or measured from the pivot) was used to determine legality? There was a thread a while back that discussed this issue (the Native V thread?) and I'd be interested in hearing when people have seen in the wild.
No but I hear officers typically measure from the pivot. It's better to assume they will go for max steel length and just be thankful if they do otherwise.
If you're in a situation where they are taking a ruler to your knife my guess the first thing you should be doing is calling an attorney. :)
I live near Washington DC in the Virginia suburbs.
And to be quite honest, I have NO IDEA what the carry regulations are in my area. Take, for instance, my commute next week - I'll be going to one meeting in the morning and another in the afternoon.
1. Start off in Fairfax County VA
2. Transit part of Arlington County VA
3. Cross over the Potomac into Montgomery County MD
4. Drive into DC for a meeting
5. Attend a meeting in a Federal office bldg.
6. Get back in my car and drive across a national park (the Mall in DC)
7. Cross the Potomac back into Arlington County VA
8. Drive past the Pentagon (which has its own police force)
9. Attend another meeting in a Federal office bldg.
10. Drive home via the George Washington Pkwy, governed by the Nat. Park Service
11. End up back in Fairfax County VA.
How many different jurisdictions do you count? Depending on how you divide up the Federal L.E.A.s, as many as eight or nine different sets of laws could govern my rights to carry a knife.
Several years back, I made the decision never to carry a firearm with me any time except when I am going to the range and back. I'm beginning to think that about knives as well...
Samwise wrote:there is no length limit in California as far as I know.
From what others have said, there is a length limit (depending on the city of course). But in general I can't figure out the penal code to makes sense of what the length limit is.
I've been working on my Frontier design. The question of what is legal length verses what is the optimum size for the design is very challenging.
I designed a 3, 4, and 5 inch model of the same design. After putting the design in many peoples hands I got comments the 3 inch was too small and the 4 inch too big. I designed a 3.625 blade to optimize the design.
Chances are that Spyderco will build one knife for the ethnic series but very slim that they would build all sizes.
If one size is determined to be optimum I'm sure 40% will want one larger and 40% will want one smaller. Of course this is a guestimate.
The blade length question is about reaching vital organs in a weapons aspect.
When travelling I often don't carry a knife, as a usually have a suitcase full of them. By respecting laws of the countries that I travel I believe I avoid problems with my suitcase full of them. As a manufacturer of knives I have some right to transport the products. In London going to Paris by train I had to check my bag that was primarily knives, for some reason they didn't pick up on the 18 knives in my other bag which was allowed to go with me unchecked. I was leaving England There are many variables, but being polite and considerate helps avoid most problems....Take care...Ed
Thanks for this thread... I was thinking normal legal limit in Houston was 3 inches or less... But apparently i can go up to 5.5 inches in Texas!!!!! Time to buy a bigger knife!
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