makdaddy03
member
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- Jan 17, 2003
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Just wondering?
Knife laws in your state.
- Thread starter makdaddy03
- Start date
- Status
Off the top of my head (Maine):
- The way I read it, the law prohibits any concealed knives, although I don't know what the enforcement standard is. I don't pay much attention to it, myself.
- No automatics.
- Gabe
Title 25: Part 5: Chpt. 252: PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALED FIREARMS
§2001. Threatening display of or carrying a concealed weapon
No person may display in a threatening manner, or wear under his clothes or conceal about his person, any firearm, slung shot, knuckles, bowie knife, dirk, stiletto or other dangerous or deadly weapons usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person, unless excepted by a provision of law. [1985, c. 478, §2 (new).]
The provisions of this section concerning the carrying of concealed weapons do not apply to: [1985, c. 478, §2 (new).]
1. Permit issued. Firearms carried by any person to whom a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm has been issued as provided in this chapter; [1989, c. 917, §3 (amd).]
2. Disabling chemicals. Disabling chemicals as described in Title 17-A, section 1002; [1985, c. 478, §2 (new).]
3. Hunting knives. Knives used for the purposes of hunting, fishing or trapping as defined in Title 12, section 7001; [1985, c. 478, §2 (new).]
===
Chapter. 43 17-A Section 1055. 1. A person is guilty
of trafficking in dangerous knives, if providing he has no
right to do so, he knowingly manufactures or causes to be
manufactured, or knowingly possesses, displays, offers,
sells, lends, gives away or purchases any knife which has
a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied
to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the
knife, or any knife having a blade which opens or falls or
is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an
outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement. 2.
Trafficking in dangerous knives is a Class D crime.
- The way I read it, the law prohibits any concealed knives, although I don't know what the enforcement standard is. I don't pay much attention to it, myself.
- No automatics.
- Gabe
Title 25: Part 5: Chpt. 252: PERMITS TO CARRY CONCEALED FIREARMS
§2001. Threatening display of or carrying a concealed weapon
No person may display in a threatening manner, or wear under his clothes or conceal about his person, any firearm, slung shot, knuckles, bowie knife, dirk, stiletto or other dangerous or deadly weapons usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person, unless excepted by a provision of law. [1985, c. 478, §2 (new).]
The provisions of this section concerning the carrying of concealed weapons do not apply to: [1985, c. 478, §2 (new).]
1. Permit issued. Firearms carried by any person to whom a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm has been issued as provided in this chapter; [1989, c. 917, §3 (amd).]
2. Disabling chemicals. Disabling chemicals as described in Title 17-A, section 1002; [1985, c. 478, §2 (new).]
3. Hunting knives. Knives used for the purposes of hunting, fishing or trapping as defined in Title 12, section 7001; [1985, c. 478, §2 (new).]
===
Chapter. 43 17-A Section 1055. 1. A person is guilty
of trafficking in dangerous knives, if providing he has no
right to do so, he knowingly manufactures or causes to be
manufactured, or knowingly possesses, displays, offers,
sells, lends, gives away or purchases any knife which has
a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied
to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the
knife, or any knife having a blade which opens or falls or
is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an
outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement. 2.
Trafficking in dangerous knives is a Class D crime.
Elmer Snerd
Member
Knife laws by state:
http://www.knifeart.com/knifeart/kniflawbysta.html
Knife legal issues in general:
http://martialarts.about.com/cs/knifelegality/
http://www.ebladestore.com/knife_laws.shtml
http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/laws.html
http://www.knifeart.com/knifeart/kniflawbysta.html
Knife legal issues in general:
http://martialarts.about.com/cs/knifelegality/
http://www.ebladestore.com/knife_laws.shtml
http://www.physics.mun.ca/~sstamp/knives/laws.html
Harbinger
Member
Maine: I believe there is a 6" blade length limit.
No double edged stuff, and no automatics, butterfly knives, etc. unless it is a knive that is considered an antique collectable.
No double edged stuff, and no automatics, butterfly knives, etc. unless it is a knive that is considered an antique collectable.
brownie0486
Member
The below from Levines website.
Maine - Chapter. 43 17-A Section 1055. 1. A person is guilty
of trafficking in dangerous knives, if providing he has no
right to do so, he knowingly manufactures or causes to be
manufactured, or knowingly possesses, displays, offers,
sells, lends, gives away or purchases any knife which has
a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied
to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the
knife, or any knife having a blade which opens or falls or
is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an
outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement. 2.
Trafficking in dangerous knives is a Class D crime.
________________________________________________
This also from the state of maine.
9. Dangerous weapon.
A. "Use of a dangerous weapon" means the use of a firearm or other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which, in the manner it is used or threatened to be used is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury. [1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr).]
B. "Armed with a dangerous weapon" means in actual possession, regardless of whether the possession is visible or concealed, of:
(1) A firearm;
(2) Any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or serious bodily injury; or
(3) Any other device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which, in the manner it is intended to be used by the actor, is capable of producing or threatening death or serious bodily injury. For purposes of this definition, the intent may be conditional.
[1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr).]
C. When used in any other context, "dangerous weapon" means a firearm or any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or serious bodily injury. [1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr).]
D. (TEXT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 1/31/03) For purposes of this subsection, a thing presented in a covered or open manner as a dangerous weapon shall be presumed to be a dangerous weapon. [1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr).]
D. (TEXT EFFECTIVE 1/31/03) For purposes of this subsection, proof that a thing is presented in a covered or open manner as a dangerous weapon gives rise to a permissible inference under the Maine Rules of Evidence, Rule 303 that it, in fact, is a dangerous weapon. [2001, c. 383, §1 (amd); §156 (aff).]
[1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr); 2001, c. 383, §1 (amd); §156 (aff).]
___________________________________________________
After speaking with Maine officials this morning the above two statutes seem to cover the "dangerous weapons" which would include knives.
I see no blade length restriction in the above laws. If I lived in Maine I would call the atty generals office citing these two statutes and ask if there is case law since or if in fact these are the pertinent statutes in total.
Hope this helps
Brownie
Maine - Chapter. 43 17-A Section 1055. 1. A person is guilty
of trafficking in dangerous knives, if providing he has no
right to do so, he knowingly manufactures or causes to be
manufactured, or knowingly possesses, displays, offers,
sells, lends, gives away or purchases any knife which has
a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied
to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the
knife, or any knife having a blade which opens or falls or
is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an
outward, downward or centrifugal thrust or movement. 2.
Trafficking in dangerous knives is a Class D crime.
________________________________________________
This also from the state of maine.
9. Dangerous weapon.
A. "Use of a dangerous weapon" means the use of a firearm or other weapon, device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which, in the manner it is used or threatened to be used is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury. [1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr).]
B. "Armed with a dangerous weapon" means in actual possession, regardless of whether the possession is visible or concealed, of:
(1) A firearm;
(2) Any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or serious bodily injury; or
(3) Any other device, instrument, material or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which, in the manner it is intended to be used by the actor, is capable of producing or threatening death or serious bodily injury. For purposes of this definition, the intent may be conditional.
[1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr).]
C. When used in any other context, "dangerous weapon" means a firearm or any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or serious bodily injury. [1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr).]
D. (TEXT EFFECTIVE UNTIL 1/31/03) For purposes of this subsection, a thing presented in a covered or open manner as a dangerous weapon shall be presumed to be a dangerous weapon. [1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr).]
D. (TEXT EFFECTIVE 1/31/03) For purposes of this subsection, proof that a thing is presented in a covered or open manner as a dangerous weapon gives rise to a permissible inference under the Maine Rules of Evidence, Rule 303 that it, in fact, is a dangerous weapon. [2001, c. 383, §1 (amd); §156 (aff).]
[1977, c. 510, §10 (rpr); 2001, c. 383, §1 (amd); §156 (aff).]
___________________________________________________
After speaking with Maine officials this morning the above two statutes seem to cover the "dangerous weapons" which would include knives.
I see no blade length restriction in the above laws. If I lived in Maine I would call the atty generals office citing these two statutes and ask if there is case law since or if in fact these are the pertinent statutes in total.
Hope this helps
Brownie
Thanks Brownie. With the statutes defining the 'dangerous weapon' term, in conjunction with the relevant part of my post above re: you can't 'carry in a threatening manner' or 'conceal' a dangerous weapon, it looks like concealed knives are a no-no. But so far nothing about carrying knives openly.
If I get a minute, I'll give the AG a call and see if I can get some clarification.
- Gabe
If I get a minute, I'll give the AG a call and see if I can get some clarification.
- Gabe
Jim March
Member
I spoke with the AG's office, and they sent me to the State Police. The Lt. at the State Police confirmed that concealed knives are bad and autos are bad. Other than that he didn't know.
I talked to a friend up here and he mentioned the same things Harbinger mentioned: automatics, butterfly, double-sided, 6" as being no-no's. But I can't find anything in the law that addresses butterfly, double-sided or a blade length restriction of any size.
Seems like a Maine rumor.
- Gabe
I talked to a friend up here and he mentioned the same things Harbinger mentioned: automatics, butterfly, double-sided, 6" as being no-no's. But I can't find anything in the law that addresses butterfly, double-sided or a blade length restriction of any size.
Seems like a Maine rumor.
- Gabe
Harbinger
Member
Sorry, GRD, but I can't find any evidence either, other than hearsay.
Growing up in the Lewiston school system, we would always be visited once a year, especially in high school, by the local officer friendly. I remember asking the question once and that was the answer given: no double edges, nothing greater than 6" in length, and no automatics or gravity knives. Vaguely remember an arrest last year around these parts involving a knife fight, and I saw a blurb on the news with the local police chief talking, and he mentioned those restrictions as well. Maybe you're right about the Maine rumor, but I'm not taking any chances.
Growing up in the Lewiston school system, we would always be visited once a year, especially in high school, by the local officer friendly. I remember asking the question once and that was the answer given: no double edges, nothing greater than 6" in length, and no automatics or gravity knives. Vaguely remember an arrest last year around these parts involving a knife fight, and I saw a blurb on the news with the local police chief talking, and he mentioned those restrictions as well. Maybe you're right about the Maine rumor, but I'm not taking any chances.
brownie0486
Member
They could all be mistaken as well.
There is no blade length restriction mentioned in the statute. If the state cop doesn't know, guess what, most of the rest of the LE's in the state are "guessing" as well.
Carry the statute in your glovebox, wallet.
If you are questioned, produce the statue and ask them to show you where the restriction is cited.
They can't.
Brownie
There is no blade length restriction mentioned in the statute. If the state cop doesn't know, guess what, most of the rest of the LE's in the state are "guessing" as well.
Carry the statute in your glovebox, wallet.
If you are questioned, produce the statue and ask them to show you where the restriction is cited.
They can't.
Brownie
not a written law....
It is, to my understanding, that in most US states you will find no such law in ACTUAL existance. It, as far as I know, is NOT written as a law. A friend of my fathers had some trouble with that "law" in Florida. He was the type to carry a Machete with him(EVERYWHERE). An officer stopped and fined him for it. Well, he had checked before he started carrying it and saw no such law....
He took the officer to court, and it turnned out that the officer was merely, no more than an ass (parden to all law inforcement for this>>>) who hid behind his badge! Texas, however is onesuch state that has a blade limit.(excessively, in my oppinion)
Just wanted to state my Knowledge
It is, to my understanding, that in most US states you will find no such law in ACTUAL existance. It, as far as I know, is NOT written as a law. A friend of my fathers had some trouble with that "law" in Florida. He was the type to carry a Machete with him(EVERYWHERE). An officer stopped and fined him for it. Well, he had checked before he started carrying it and saw no such law....
He took the officer to court, and it turnned out that the officer was merely, no more than an ass (parden to all law inforcement for this>>>) who hid behind his badge! Texas, however is onesuch state that has a blade limit.(excessively, in my oppinion)
Just wanted to state my Knowledge
In Colorado you can't carry a blade longer than 3.5 inches unless you are hunting, fishing or doing other outdoor sports. No posession of automatic knives either, not even in you home fro collecting only. A Colordo CCW permit only covers guns, so it does not help if you want to carry a larger knife.
22-rimfire
Member
Old topic, but a worthy topic. I would suggest going to the bladeforums which has a separate topic area on "knife laws".
In my state (TN), the blade limit is 3" where the intent is to go armed. INTENT is the important word. Switchblades, automatic knives, and other gravity blades are generally illegal to carry. There are all kinds of exceptions such as hunting and law enforcement. Best way to check out knife laws in your state is to read the code and understand them as best you can. If you have a problem, you get a lawyer.
I had a co-worker who was put in jail for having a machete displayed in his truck in Texas. In my opinion, in most cases there are usually other circumstances involved other than simple blade length.
Big knives are really cool. But I wouldn't depend on a knife to defend myself. I would carry a gun.
In my state (TN), the blade limit is 3" where the intent is to go armed. INTENT is the important word. Switchblades, automatic knives, and other gravity blades are generally illegal to carry. There are all kinds of exceptions such as hunting and law enforcement. Best way to check out knife laws in your state is to read the code and understand them as best you can. If you have a problem, you get a lawyer.
I had a co-worker who was put in jail for having a machete displayed in his truck in Texas. In my opinion, in most cases there are usually other circumstances involved other than simple blade length.
Big knives are really cool. But I wouldn't depend on a knife to defend myself. I would carry a gun.
James T Thomas
Member
The Quaker State
The PA Crime Code categorizes particular edged weapons as "Prohibited Offensive Weapons" sensibly as those having a push button, spring mechanism or automatic opening device...having no practical utility purpose.
Then with this sensible approach, grenades, knuckle knives, sawed off shotguns are included, I suppose, just so they are right there in black and white.
If you run into an old "Keystone Cop" however, you may still be subject to the bigger than the palm of my hand measurement test that has been used by the locals since the days of Ben Franklin. Now why didn't the Crime Code include rubber hoses?
The PA Crime Code categorizes particular edged weapons as "Prohibited Offensive Weapons" sensibly as those having a push button, spring mechanism or automatic opening device...having no practical utility purpose.
Then with this sensible approach, grenades, knuckle knives, sawed off shotguns are included, I suppose, just so they are right there in black and white.
If you run into an old "Keystone Cop" however, you may still be subject to the bigger than the palm of my hand measurement test that has been used by the locals since the days of Ben Franklin. Now why didn't the Crime Code include rubber hoses?
22-rimfire,
That's greater than 4" in TN not 3".
39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.
(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.
That's greater than 4" in TN not 3".
39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.
(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.
22-rimfire,
You're correct in saying that blade length is restricted for carrying a knife with the intent to go armed, but it's greater than 4" in TN not 3".
39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.
(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.
You're correct in saying that blade length is restricted for carrying a knife with the intent to go armed, but it's greater than 4" in TN not 3".
39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.
(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.
T.R.
Member
On weekends it common to see ranchers in town with holstered sidearms in open sight. Not that they're looking for trouble but carrying is an everyday habit for them. South Dakota and Wyoming have no laws against a rifle in the back window of a pick up. This is also quite common. Most of the saloons have a place to check your gun when you come in for a drink. Its a friendly way to disarm the patrons.
A concealed knife in a boot or pocket may pose a problem. But a lockback knife in a belt holster is not a crime. Even if a heavy coat covers the knife holster, this is not a crime.
South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, western Nebraska, and western Kansas represent the vast and least populated region(s) of the lower 48. US government has many counties listed as frontier. Folks in this region tend to be kind to strangers and children and each other. Armed robberies, assault, rape, and vandalism are so uncommon that it's not worth mentioning. South Dakota does not even have a Women's Prison! Not enough bad girls to justify the cost of building one so they're sent to Texas on a contract agreement.
Before you pack up and relocate to this area, you need to spend one Winter! Sub zero temps are common and that's part of western life.
TR
A concealed knife in a boot or pocket may pose a problem. But a lockback knife in a belt holster is not a crime. Even if a heavy coat covers the knife holster, this is not a crime.
South Dakota, Montana, North Dakota, Wyoming, western Nebraska, and western Kansas represent the vast and least populated region(s) of the lower 48. US government has many counties listed as frontier. Folks in this region tend to be kind to strangers and children and each other. Armed robberies, assault, rape, and vandalism are so uncommon that it's not worth mentioning. South Dakota does not even have a Women's Prison! Not enough bad girls to justify the cost of building one so they're sent to Texas on a contract agreement.
Before you pack up and relocate to this area, you need to spend one Winter! Sub zero temps are common and that's part of western life.
TR
22-rimfire
Member
oops... 4" sorry. For some reason, I had thought I read that. Probably contaminated brain from all the other forum postings from other states. I stand corrected!
5knives
Member
A word of Caution Folks.
Don't stop with the State Laws!
Many if not most states have a spider-web of County and Municipal Laws and Ordinances on top of the state law.
Wisconsin for example has an almost reasonable State Law with no mention of blade length, while counties vary from the same to 3" limits. Municipalities are all over the place too.
The result is that if you're carrying a single bladed non-locking slip-joint folder with no guard and a blade less than 3" long, you are PROBABLY legal almost anywhere in the State.
While blade length alone is probably not going to be a big deal unless you threaten or use it illegally there IS such a thing as selective enforcement as well as an occasional LEO who's having a bad day, hasn't had any good arrests lately and thinks you look like his BIL whom he hates.
I do not know but I would be surprised if we didn't have anywhere with laws like Canada and U.K where using any knife for self defense automatically makes it an illegal and prohibited weapon.
The Knife Laws in the U.S are a total nightmare.
Be Cautious,
Don't stop with the State Laws!
Many if not most states have a spider-web of County and Municipal Laws and Ordinances on top of the state law.
Wisconsin for example has an almost reasonable State Law with no mention of blade length, while counties vary from the same to 3" limits. Municipalities are all over the place too.
The result is that if you're carrying a single bladed non-locking slip-joint folder with no guard and a blade less than 3" long, you are PROBABLY legal almost anywhere in the State.
While blade length alone is probably not going to be a big deal unless you threaten or use it illegally there IS such a thing as selective enforcement as well as an occasional LEO who's having a bad day, hasn't had any good arrests lately and thinks you look like his BIL whom he hates.
I do not know but I would be surprised if we didn't have anywhere with laws like Canada and U.K where using any knife for self defense automatically makes it an illegal and prohibited weapon.
The Knife Laws in the U.S are a total nightmare.
Be Cautious,
BlackBearME
Member
Hah! I used the search feature for once. I love zombie threads.
Anyway, I just heard from a co-worker of mine today that apparently, double-edged knives are illegal in Maine. I've research the relevant laws (Am a paralegal-hopeful) and they are all still in force as listed above. He claims he personally knows someone that got arrested for having a double-edged blade. I asked him how it is that I have three double-edge throwing knives I purchased last week at a shop three towns away. All he had to say was "Well, it's illegal".
Oh, and he pulled out the "palm" crap. I mean, seriously, maybe this was relevant back in the 1600's, but is that actually in force anywhere in this country? It would blow my mind if it was, to have such a subjective standard.
Anyway, I just heard from a co-worker of mine today that apparently, double-edged knives are illegal in Maine. I've research the relevant laws (Am a paralegal-hopeful) and they are all still in force as listed above. He claims he personally knows someone that got arrested for having a double-edged blade. I asked him how it is that I have three double-edge throwing knives I purchased last week at a shop three towns away. All he had to say was "Well, it's illegal".
Oh, and he pulled out the "palm" crap. I mean, seriously, maybe this was relevant back in the 1600's, but is that actually in force anywhere in this country? It would blow my mind if it was, to have such a subjective standard.
The only state restriction(that I know of) is on autos, but in Minneapolis they have restrictions on everything that could be used as a weapon except folders with blades under 4". State law also restricts possession of "any other dangerous article or substance for the purpose of being used unlawfully as a weapon against another", and I'm not sure how the case law works out with that.
Minneapolis also has an AWB in place, which they can't enforce due to state preemption, but it's still on the books
.
Minneapolis also has an AWB in place, which they can't enforce due to state preemption, but it's still on the books
.- Status
