LV, Nevada members--Knife Law Questions

[JohnKSa]

I'm going to be spending some time in Las Vegas and thought it would be prudent to brush up on the knife laws that apply, not only in Nevada, but also if there are any that apply specifically to the Las Vegas municipality.

My research has produced more questions than it has answered.

First question:

It looks like nothing with a blade longer than 2" is legal if it is concealed. I don't think I own a knife with a blade under 2" in length!

Is that an accurate read of the law?

Next question:

I couldn't find a length limit for openly worn knives. Is that correct?

Next question (It's a two-parter, but we're winding down, so stay with me!):

Is there a legal definition of "concealed"? Is a knife in the pocket with the pocket clip and upper part of the knife showing concealed?

Last question:

I couldn't find anything on Las Vegas. Do they have special knife laws beyond the Nevada statutes?

 

[JTW Jr.]

las vegas is clark county so you might want to look at the regs for that.

I admit they even confuse me.

I carry a just under 3" bladed fixed blade concealed

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife2.pdf

I BELIEVE the 2" is for autos:

Read 302.250
http://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-202.html#NRS202Sec350




(h) “Switchblade knife” means a spring-blade knife, snap-blade knife or any other knife having the appearance of a pocketknife, any blade of which is 2 or more inches long and which can be released automatically by a flick of a button, pressure on the handle or other mechanical device, or is released by any type of mechanism. The term does not include a knife which has a blade that is held in place by a spring if the blade does not have any type of automatic release

CLARK COUNTY:
12.04.180 - Concealed weapons prohibited without permit.

It is unlawful, within the unincorporated area of Clark County, for any person to carry upon his person a concealed weapon of any description, including a knife with a blade of three inches or more, a gun, pistol, revolver or other firearm, capable of being concealed, without first having received written permission therefor from the sheriff.

I AM NOT A LAWYER AND THIS IS NOT LEGAL ADVICE.

 

[ArfinGreebly]

Wow

Two inches?

I lived in Las Vegas for 20+ years.

Last two years I lived there (2002 & 2003) I carried a Leek and a Leatherman Wave, both of which are a) easily available there, and b) comfortably over 2 inches.

I never had occasion to peruse the local ordinances or state laws on knives. There was always a wide variety of knives available in all manner of stores, and nobody I knew ever made a big deal over a three-inch knife.

I would imagine it's one of those "if you're not making trouble with it" things.

I dunno if a pocket knife in a pocket qualifies as "concealed" but I find myself wondering if that's more about fixed blades hidden on one's person.

Unfortunately, none of the knife shops I used to frequent are in business there now (I went and looked), so I can't refer you to them. They do have a Bass Pro Shops store there now (702-730-5200) who can probably give you as good an on-the-ground feel for what plays well there as you'll likely find (outside of JTW's advice).

Wish I could give you a solid answer, but all I have is my experience there, which was pretty much whatever I carried was fine, never ruffled anyone's feathers.

Hope that's of some help.

 

[JTW Jr.]

Just don't ask an LE. Certainly don't ask at the desk sgt at Metro.

The response I got was " as long as it isn't one of those black fighting knives "..... DOH !

Bass Pro is ok , but don't expect them to know the law . Only thing resembling a knife shop is Bonds house of overpriced cutlery ( like full retail + ! ).

I do not believe clipped in pocket ( with clip showing ) is concealed.

I carried an SNG and a Strider AR for years ( still do carry the AR from time to time ) and have never been hassled , even on a traffic stop.

 

[JohnKSa]

Wish I could give you a solid answer, but all I have is my experience there, which was pretty much whatever I carried was fine, never ruffled anyone's feathers.

That's the impression I get too. Unfortunately, I have to stay squeaky clean or I get to discuss it endlessly with some nice folks who carefully review every aspect of my life periodically. If they don't like the results of the discussion or their review they can tell my company that I'm not allowed do my job anymore.

JTW Jr.

Thanks for the links. Based on your prompting and the information in your links, I found another link to the LV municipal code

http://library.municode.com/showDocumentFrame.aspx?clientID=14787&docID=0

"Dangerous or deadly weapons" includes, but it not limited to:
...
(B) Any knife with a blade three inches or more in length;​

What's interesting is that the law doesn't appear to outlaw them directly, it only says it's illegal to carry them under the following circumstances.

10.70.020 - Loitering while carrying concealed.

(A) It is unlawful for any person, while carrying concealed upon his person any dangerous or deadly weapon to loaf or loiter upon any public street, sidewalk or alley or to wander about from place to place with no lawful business thereby to perform, or to hide, lurk or loiter upon or about the premises of another.

(B)It shall be unlawful for any person who has concealed upon his person any dangerous or deadly weapon to loiter about any place where intoxicating liquors are sold or any other place of public resort.

(1949 code Ch. 38 § 5: prior code § 6-3-5)

10.70.030 - Fighting or disorderly conduct while possessing.

It shall be unlawful for any person who has concealed upon his person or who has in his immediate physical possession any dangerous or deadly weapon to engage in any fight or to participate in any other rough or disorderly conduct upon any public place or way or upon the premises of another.​

Poked around and found the Clark Co. laws. They appear to apply only to concealed knives.

http://library.municode.com/showDocumentFrame.aspx?clientID=16214&docID=0

"12.04.180 - Concealed weapons prohibited without permit.

It is unlawful, within the unincorporated area of Clark County, for any person to carry upon his person a concealed weapon of any description, including a knife with a blade of three inches or more, a gun, pistol, revolver or other firearm, capable of being concealed, without first having received written permission therefore from the sheriff."​

I believe you're right about the 2" rule applying only to switchblades.

Unless anyone can point me to another law, it looks like I'm good as long as I carry OPENLY and as long as I don't "engage in any fight or ... participate in any other rough or disorderly conduct upon any public place or way or upon the premises of another".

I would still really appreciate input from anyone who's looked at this for more than just a couple of days like I have....

 

[ugaarguy]

John,

As always, when in doubt write or email the State AG's office. A phone call to the county DA's office probably wouldn't hurt either.

 

[Baba Louie]

City of Las Vegas muni code on weapons
http://library.municode.com/index.aspx?clientId=14787&stateId=28&stateName=Nevada

Clark County:

12.04.180 Concealed weapons prohibited without permit.

It is unlawful, within the unincorporated area of Clark County, for any person to carry upon his person a concealed weapon of any description, including a knife with a blade of three inches or more, a gun, pistol, revolver or other firearm, capable of being concealed, without first having received written permission therefor from the sheriff. (Ord. 242 §18, 1965)

I recently was told by Security at the County Building Dept that my knife clip exposed in my jean pocket was verboten (I still have not seen the no weapons sign there but then again I wasn't looking as I had other things on my mind... oh well). He told me specifically no weapons of any sort allowed. A framer sitting next to me asked if his hammer or Leatherman (sheathed on belt) was a weapon? Nope. But my pocketknife was. Framer and I shared a look then I went and put my weapon of mass scariness in my truck. Secure.

sigh

So don't go the Building Dept or any gov't bldg with anything exposed outside your pocket. Or try to get written permission from the Sheriff (Hah!)

 

[JohnKSa]

Thanks for the responses.

A phone call to the county DA's office probably wouldn't hurt either.

I may give this a try. I'm beginning to feel like I might know enough to ask some intelligent questions at this point.