Legality of Kuboton in PA

[Matthaios]

To make a long story short and get to the heart of my question...

I was talking to a friend of mine today, and we ended up on the subject of self-defense. He mentioned that in Pennsylvania, kubotons are, according to him, a felony to possess. He heard it "somewhere", and doesn't know anything else at all...

I was aware of no such law, and as such am somewhat skeptical (read "somewhat" as "very"). Especially since a quick google search, as well as a search on here and some other SD-related sites returns nothing on kubotons being illegal in PA, or anywhere that I can find for that matter. There's also nothing in the PA consolidated statutes you can access online regarding the matter (but obviously they're not the complete law).

In addition to being able to find no law prohibiting them, or anyone even mentioning it, it would also seem to me it would be somewhat hard to ban kubotons without also banning sticks, markers, and so on. Of course, common sense and the law don't always mix...

So, my question to you out there is, does anyone out there know of such a law in PA? It's not really an important question to me, just a curiosity, but it would be nice to either confirm this or put it to rest. Hopefully there are some lawyers or LEOs out there that can answer.

 

[hankdatank1362]

If it is illegal, check out the Cold Steel Sharkie. WOuld make a great little kubaton or yawara stick.

I broke mine after two days, but I was abusing it. ("Look, it's unbreakable" as I slammed it on the concrete with all my might.)

 

[massad ayoob]

If the Kubotan is illegal to carry in public anywhere in this country, it's news to me.

They are expressly forbidden aboard commercial aircraft and in most courthouses, however.

If you're worried about it, all the Kubotan techniques can be accomplished with an ordinary Mini-MagLite flashlight, which they even allow aboard airliners.

 

[Mr White]

Damn! How do you rate, Matthaios, getting your question answered by Mr Booya himself?

 

[308win]

You might check the Pennsylvania Revised Code (or what ever it is called) for the definition of deadly weapons and the provisions for carrying same. For example, the way I read the Ohio Revised Code just about anything could meet the definition of a deadly weapon and thus illegal to carry or have at hand.

2923.11 Weapons control definitions.
As used in sections 2923.11 to 2923.24 of the Revised Code:

(A) “Deadly weapon” means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon.

 

[Steve in PA]

There is no definition of a "deadly weapon" in the PA Crimes Code.

There is nothing that says a kubaton is illegal either;

§ 908. Prohibited offensive weapons



(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if, except as authorized by law, he makes repairs, sells, or otherwise deals in, uses, or possesses any offensive weapon.


(b) Exceptions.--

(1) It is a defense under this section for the defendant to prove by a preponderance of evidence that he possessed or dealt with the weapon solely as a curio or in a dramatic performance, or that, with the exception of a bomb, grenade or incendiary device, he complied with the National Firearms Act (26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.), or that he possessed it briefly in consequence of having found it or taken it from an aggressor, or under circumstances similarly negativing any intent or likelihood that the weapon would be used unlawfully.

(2) This section does not apply to police forensic firearms experts or police forensic firearms laboratories. Also exempt from this section are forensic firearms experts or forensic firearms laboratories operating in the ordinary course of business and engaged in lawful operation who notify in writing, on an annual basis, the chief or head of any police force or police department of a city, and, elsewhere, the sheriff of a county in which they are located, of the possession, type and use of offensive weapons.

(3) This section shall not apply to any person who makes, repairs, sells or otherwise deals in, uses or possesses any firearm for purposes not prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth.


(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:


"Firearm." Any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.


"Offensive weapons." Any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise, any stun gun, stun baton, taser or other electronic or electric weapon or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose.

 

[M1911]

Nevermind, didn't realize this thread was so old.