Knife and baton laws in MD?

[jak]

Hi all.

I've been pondering over Marylands law on knives for some time now, and am having a bit of trouble with a certain point. In MD's dangerous weapons code, it classifies dirk knives, bowie knives, and razors as dangerous weapons, and leaves folding knives out. My question is, do all fixed blade knives fall under dirks, bowies or razors? How do you classify a KA-BAR or a Hideaway knife? What about KABAR's TDI line? I would like to carry a fixed blade for general use, but concealed so as not to worry anyone. "Dangerous weapons" may only be carried openly.

My second question is, what are the laws on expandable batons? They're not included in the code, but they likely have an entry somewhere or another. I would like to get one for self defense, and I would like to know which side of the law I'll be on.

And as it unfortunately does matter, I'm only 15. So any laws likely apply differently for me.

 

[hso]

Take a look at http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/md.txt

You need to look at the the fact that the statute says "include". This is not a limiting description. It also says it does not include a "penknife without a switchblade".

Look at this as well. It is essentially a reasonableness test.

(b) Exceptions for certain individuals.- This section does not prohibit the following individuals from carrying a weapon:

(4) an individual who carries the weapon as a reasonable precaution against apprehended danger, subject to the right of the court in an action arising under this section to judge the reasonableness of the carrying of the weapon, and the proper occasion for carrying it, under the evidence in the case.

As a minor you need to pay particular attention to -

ii) A minor may not carry a dangerous weapon between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise, whether concealed or not, except while:
1. on a bona fide hunting trip; or
2. engaged in or on the way to or returning from a bona fide trap shoot, sport shooting event, or any organized civic or military activity.

 

[jak]

Yea, that's the site I've been looking at. I'm wondering if "dirk, bowie or razor" is all encompassing. I'm not sure what classifies a knife as one of these, which is where my confusion is coming from. Thanks for the help though.

I've also never seen anything on batons. If no one knows, I can talk to one of my school's officers on Monday.

 

[hso]

A dirk is a long straight symetric thrusting knife. It may be double edged or single, but the blade is symetric and the centerline of the blade is through the middle of the handle.

A "Bowie" is a particular style of large knife with a clip point and a guard.

Razor means a straight razor like the barber shop uses to shave you.

JAK,

No disrespect, but why do you feel you need to carry a knife or baton?

 

[jak]

No disrespect taken. The knife is just for general utility. I usually carry a small folding knife, and I just wanted to know if there were any fixed blades that could be carried without having to show it to the world. The baton is a "just in case measure." I'm not looking to get into fights or anything, far from it. I generally do everything I can to avoid them. I just prefer to be safe rather than sorry. Pepper spray was my other choice, but I feel more comfortable with the baton.

Oh, and I plan on starting Krav Maga after the holidays are through, so the martial-arts route for defense is covered.

And thanks for the definitions and pictures, that really helps.

 

[hso]

Batons require training, not much but some, to be used with confidence. That training also includes how to use them without killing someone. You'd be amazed how little a tap on the head at the wrong spot can have no effect or kill.

Knives by their very nature are lethal weapons.

You should read this forum for ideas on kubaton and other less obvious weapons that can be carried that have a perfectly mundane purpose.

The training will be important. You're not looking to win a fight, but to end it instantly.