Weapon Laws in China

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henhen14
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Weapon Laws in China

#1

Post by henhen14 »

Hi,
I might be moving to Shanghai this summer, and I was curious about the knife laws there. Just carrying knives in my pocket for whatever I need to cut. Anyone know the laws there? This is really important, if I can't carry my :spyder: , then what's the point of moving? ;)
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Dr. Snubnose
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#2

Post by Dr. Snubnose »

Ay henhen: As of January 2011, according to an authorized Leatherman dealer in Beijing all knives with a locking blade are illegal unless they are part of a larger multi-tool like a leatherman. However, many people still carry locking pocket knives especially when camping with no issues. He suggested carrying locking knives in checked luggage on airplanes, and on your person in trains and subways since they could be confiscated if found in a bag. Foreigners are generally given a bit more leeway in China so if a traveler is caught with a small knife there will probably be no prosecution and at most confiscation.Hope that helps...Doc :D
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henhen14
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#3

Post by henhen14 »

crap! I guess I'll have to get an UKPK or a Urban, I don't want to risk getting my precious knives confiscated. What about fixed blades? Cuz they're technically not locking blades.
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Dr. Snubnose
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#4

Post by Dr. Snubnose »

Due to concerns about potential violence at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China is beginning to restrict "dangerous knives", requiring that purchasers register with the government when purchasing these knives. Included in the new restrictions are knives with "blood grooves", lockblade knives, knives with blades measuring over 22 cm (8.6 in) in length, and knives with blades over 15 cm in length also having a point angle of less than 60 degrees. I know switchblades are illegal...best bet is not to take a knife with you to China...just buy one when you are there...Doc :D
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henhen14
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#5

Post by henhen14 »

Dang and I thought you could do whatever in China...btw I'm Chinese, I've been there 3 times and the only knife I've carried is a Swiss Army Knife (but then again I was in the countryside so no one gives a crap). Thx for all the info Doc!
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#6

Post by Buckles »

I spent a couple weeks in China a few years ago. Carried a small lock back with me the entire time. Only time i had a problem is when i was on a train, it was a long ride and i was using my knife to cut open some food. One of the security guards/police on the train saw it and came up to me. He asked to see the knife, and then asked for my ID. I handed my passport, he looked at it and gave them both back and said have a nice day.
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henhen14
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#7

Post by henhen14 »

sweet :) Maybe I won't have to get slipits just to use in China. What about fixed blades?
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Freediver
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#8

Post by Freediver »

Sounds like an excuse to buy the new titanium UKPK?
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Dr. Snubnose
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#9

Post by Dr. Snubnose »

I heard but can't confirm this one, that fixed blades up to 5.9 inches are OK, after that they need registration with the government...but don't quote me on that one it's only hearsay ...third party even...Doc :D
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#10

Post by c.joe »

Great info Doc. I might visit with family one day and it is good to know this. Thank you!
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Blerv
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#11

Post by Blerv »

You should definitely contact the authorities there for current and exact information. When the result can end in handcuffs I prefer it straight from the legal horse's mouth.

My international politics are a bit rough but with the exception to UK laws I would approach carry laws timidly.

Ps: never referring it to "weapon laws" would be a GOOD first step. Carrying a knife as a weapon (intent) is illegal pretty much everywhere. Tool...they are tools.
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Dr. Snubnose
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#12

Post by Dr. Snubnose »

Blerv wrote:You should definitely contact the authorities there for current and exact information. When the result can end in handcuffs I prefer it straight from the legal horse's mouth.

My international politics are a bit rough but with the exception to UK laws I would approach carry laws timidly.

Ps: never referring it to "weapon laws" would be a GOOD first step. Carrying a knife as a weapon (intent) is illegal pretty much everywhere. Tool...they are tools.
Good advice in most cases...but with this one you won't get any reliable help or info from authorities, even the embassy won't be able to help...It's China...what can I say.....Doc :D
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Blerv
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#13

Post by Blerv »

Dr. Snubnose wrote:Good advice in most cases...but with this one you won't get any reliable help or info from authorities, even the embassy won't be able to help...It's China...what can I say.....Doc :D
Good point!

For the record my note was a stand-alone opinion rather than a counter-point to anyone who posted. They were all very sound in my opinion but I wanted to throw a legal disclaimer in there just incase nobody else was going to. ;)
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phillipsted
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#14

Post by phillipsted »

Blerv wrote:...I wanted to throw a legal disclaimer in there just incase nobody else was going to. ;)
Blerv - I heard that it is illegal in China to hire a lawyer with a lock-back, or one who has a briefcase more than 3.5" thick. They are considering making gravity-powered lawyers illegal as well... and we all know it is downhill from there...

:rolleyes:

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Blerv
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#15

Post by Blerv »

phillipsted wrote:Blerv - I heard that it is illegal in China to hire a lawyer with a lock-back, or one who has a briefcase more than 3.5" thick. They are considering making gravity-powered lawyers illegal as well... and we all know it is downhill from there...

:rolleyes:

TedP
HAHA! :D

Ted you forget...all attorneys are double-edged fixed blades. These range from the boot knife variety to the Roman Gladius :p
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Dr. Snubnose
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#16

Post by Dr. Snubnose »

Blerv wrote:HAHA! :D

Ted you forget...all attorneys are double-edged fixed blades. These range from the boot knife variety to the Roman Gladius :p
Gee I thought they were all double bladed sharks teeth type....Doc :p
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#17

Post by Blerv »

Dr. Snubnose wrote:Gee I thought they were all double bladed sharks teeth type....Doc :p
Touche~
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henhen14
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#18

Post by henhen14 »

Thanks for all the info guys. Freediver, that is basically what I'm going for :)
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