Am I doing something illegal?

[Knife Dude]

I've heard that it's illegal to carry a knife concealed in your pocket with over a 3 inch blade, is that true?

[vampyrewolf]

I don't know the EXACT laws for US or Canada concerning this, so don't quote me:

You may carry a 3" in your pocket.

4" is best to carry on your belt.
at 4", depending upon the cop, you may carry in your pocket, safest is belt carry at this size.

Spydies aren't any problem for CCW up here, as the clip is visible. Our LEOs seem to like them for that. I have yet to have a problem with my Delica, either cliped to my belt(hidden by a shirt), back of belt, fully visible, cliped to front pocket in jeans... 2yrs of carry and no problems yet.

We all start with 10 fingers. Those with Spydies have 9 to spare, Still need a thumb. Good thing I still have 8 to spare...

[seth]

Knife Dude,

Dude, Edge weapon laws vary from nation to nation, state to state, and from city to city. And, sometimes even more narrow than those levels.

Being a knife responsible knife owner partly means knowing the specific laws for your jurisdictions. In fact, it's a good exercise to do your own research, so that you know for sure. If I tell you something that wrong, I don't suffer the consequences -- you do.

Also, be aware that in many states, special locations have special laws, Schools and Goverment building are an example.

Airports are special restrictions as well.

Learn well the knife laws.
-seth

[Knife Dude]

Hi guys,

Don't get the idea that I am doing something illegal, just wondering. Just to make sure.

[cerulean]

From Bernard Levine's great site, Kansas state knife law: http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/ks.txt . To really know the law though, you'd have to look at county and city codes as well, as Seth pointed out. And to <i>really </i> know the law, you'd have to pay a lawyer a couple hundred dollars to research case law in your area and provide solid advice.

Edited by - cerulean on 6/8/2001 4:11:51 AM

[adam]

while researching this for my state, i came across the following page:

http://pw1.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm

it contains laws for all 50 states. For a $5 fee, the owner of the site will research for you to see if carrying a specific knife is legal.

-adam

[formula44]

The laws do vary. Arizona used to have the easy to follow rule of 4" blade length for folding knives, then it got changes to "pocket knife", with no mention of blade length. I suppose if it has a pocket clip on it that makes it a pocket knife, but I do not want to be the test case on a Military or Allpegate-Fairburn. I work on a Federal Installation where the limit is 3.5", but often travel to installations where the rule is 3". The FCC sets 4" as the limit, but the individual airlines can set thier own limits.

[sal]

Hi Knife Dude. City, County, State and Federal laws all carry weight. They are VERY varied depending on where you are in the world.

That is one of the things that AKTI is trying to sort out.

Hi Adam, Formula, welcome to the Spyderco forum.

sal

[The Stare]

You might try this site:
http://www.findlaw.com/

I can't find my bookmark, but there is a specific site out there that has all state knife laws. California may change, but Texas has a law allowing concealed carry of folders up to 5.5".

Stare

[knifenerd]

The Stare gave you good advice. Try www.findlaw.com. The only prob is that you have to know the proper section number of your local penal code in order to find the correct info.

Make friends with your friendly local atty. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>. Findlaw is good but is directed more to the legal profession.

Dick AKTI #A001365

[knifenerd]

I forgot to mention--Even if you check out your state law, frequently local counties and cities have their own laws.

It's a very complicated world out there. You might just consider asking a local LEO.

Dick AKTI #A001365

[Allen E. Treat]

Dear Knife Dude ;
As the other forumites
have stated the laws vary from state
to state. You might want to try this
website given below ; It provides summaries of knife laws from state to
state.

http://knifeart.site.yahoo.net/knifeart ... bysta.html

Having worked fo an attorney, it is my
belief that you are doing no wrong.

But, ALWAYS check first !

Sincerely,

Allen E. Treat

[Allen E. Treat]

P.S. Knife Dude ;
Allow me to simplify that knife laws summary website address :

KnifeArt.com

Click on the "State Knife Laws Summary"
by Carl Donath

Hope it's of some help.

A.E.T.

[cerulean]

There are a few places on the net that have municipal codes (local laws) for various counties and cities. www.municode.com is one place and there are also some local laws at Findlaw. (On Municode, look under "free resources" and "online codes". Keep in mind though that it's not a complete listing) If you don't know the specific section to go to, some codes may have a search feature that you can use. Just type in "knife" in the search and it should point you to the relevant sections.