Conceal Carrying a Large Knife Over 4 in in Idaho/Montana/Glacier NP

[Evergreen]

I was wondering what the knife laws are for concealing a fixed blade knife that I think is about 5 inches or so, in the states of Idaho and Montana. BTW.. The measurement I included is just the blade, which is what I believe they are measuring, not the entire knife length. I will be hiking in the Sawtooth Mountains and Glacier National Park. Also, I have an Oregon CHL and out-of-state Washington CHL. I'm not sure if that makes any difference, but I know I can legally conceal a handgun in both these states, as they recognize my permits. However, I don't know how this translates with the knife laws. Am I forced to open carry my knife everywhere I go, especially in the National Parks? I much rather have my blade concealed so I don't draw attention or make people nervous. Also, there would be times I would want to leave it in my car or my backpack. I'd appreciate it if anyone can fill me in on the knife laws as I am quite ignorant about them.

 

[CoRoMo]

I can't speak to those state laws of course, but I believe there is a federal law regarding blade length in post offices and maybe federal buildings in general. For that, the blade limit is 3". Federally speaking, I don't know if concealed vs. open carry matters for knives.

 

[F-111 John]

Try this site: http://knife-expert.com/sta-law.htm

 

[Evergreen]

John, I tried that site but I just couldn't quite understand from reading the statutes it listed for Idaho and Montana what to make of the laws. It says exception for permit holders. I don't know what that means. It just is a bit vague and I am looking for someone with some more concrete knowledge about these laws.

 

[F-111 John]

The statutes that are cited are excerpts, so you're not reading a bunch of exceptions that apply to Law Enforcement, etc.

Montana seems to be straightforward. No concealed carry in cities, but you are OK as long as you are hiking:

- 45-8-317. Exceptions [officials; permit holders] (9) a
person who is outside the official boundaries of a city or
town or the confines of a logging, lumbering, mining, or
railroad camp or who is lawfully engaged in hunting,
fishing, trapping, camping, hiking, backpacking, farming,
ranching, or other outdoor activity in which weapons are
often carried for recreation or protection; or (10) the
carrying of arms on one's own premises...

You should also be OK in Idaho, since they are focusing on fighting knives that are for stabbing, not general purpose knives used for hiking and camping. Notice that they single out dirks, dirk knives, and daggers, which are all the same thing; a double edged knife for stabbing. And they single out a Bowie Knife, which again is traditionally considered a big bad fighting knife.

Idaho - 18-3302... (7) Except in the person's place of abode or
fixed place of business, or on property in which the person has
any ownership or leasehold interest, a person shall not carry a
concealed weapon without a license to carry a concealed weapon.
For the purposes of this section, a concealed weapon means any
dirk, dirk knife, bowie knife, dagger, pistol, revolver, or any other
deadly or dangerous weapon. The provisions of this section shall
not apply to any lawfully possessed shotgun or rifle.

I know in Michigan a CCW license, more correctly called a Concealed Pistol License (CPL,) does not allow for the concealed carry of any other weapon other than a handgun, so I'm not sure if a Michigan CPL would qualify as a license to carry a concealed dagger in Idaho.

Common sense says that as long as you're not in the bars causing trouble, nobody is going to frisk you out on the trail to see if you're packing a 5" single edged fixed blade knife.

But then it's not my butt that would be thrown in the pokey...

 

[Magoo]

No legal advise here, but I'm wondering why this knife needs to be concealed (?). From my experiences in those places, it wouldn't get a second look if hanging from your belt. Now if it were strapped crossdraw on a tac-vest, the locals may well wonder who the newest wackadoo was and where he was setting up his "compound".

 

[RETG]

Three inches is illegal in a federal building. The law states 2.5 inches or smaller.
(Here is a link to the entire code.http://law.justia.com/codes/us/title18/18usc930.html
I'm just posting the knife stuff.)
TITLE 18--CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I--CRIMES
CHAPTER 44--FIREARMS

(g) As used in this section:
(1) The term ``Federal facility'' means a building or part thereof owned or leased by the Federal Government, where Federal employees are regularly present for the purpose of performing their official duties.
(2) The term ``dangerous weapon'' means a weapon, device, instrument, material, or substance, animate or inanimate, that is used for, or is readily capable of, causing death or serious bodily
injury, except that such term does not include a pocket knife with a blade of less than 2\1/2\ inches in length.

To be honest, I'm what you guys call a Fed, and a 2.5 inch blade can kill someone as fast as a 3 inch blade. In fact, a BIC pen can kill someone. So, not too sure who came up with the 2.5 inch blade. I'm sure it has something to do with how far a knife blade needs to be inserted into a human body causing serious bodily harm.

 

[Evergreen]

Montana seems to be straightforward. No concealed carry in cities, but you are OK as long as you are hiking:

The law doesn't seem straightforward, as National Parks are not considered the same as National Forests. For example, you need a CHL to conceal a gun in a National Park, whereas you can conceal a firearm in a wilderness area or National Forest. I am not sure if a National Park in Montana has the same rules as a city, but it seems to mimic the laws of an urban area for gun laws.

You should also be OK in Idaho, since they are focusing on fighting knives that are for stabbing, not general purpose knives used for hiking and camping. Notice that they single out dirks, dirk knives, and daggers, which are all the same thing; a double edged knife for stabbing. And they single out a Bowie Knife, which again is traditionally considered a big bad fighting knife.

From what you have told me, I don't know if I would be ok in Idaho. I bought a knife that could just as well be a fighting knife. I mean I bought it at an outdoor store, but that does not necessarily guarantee me that a judge or jury will consider the weapon they found on me an "outdoor" knife. it is a one-sided fixed-blade Gerber knife.

Well, if it is legal to carry over my hip on a belt that is fine. It would be partiallyconcealed, at least the top part, but the bottom part would visible. However, what type of laws would there be for transporting it in a car. Especially, if it is concealed in my vehicle.

Maybe, I should ask the ranger stations in the area, but I can only hope for an unbiased answer.