No handguns in state parks need knife suggestions

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regal

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Here in PA I can't carry my concealed handgun in a state park. I like to walk my dog on a nearby state park but just don't feel right without a defensive weapon.

I planned on buying one of those tactical walking sticks. My dog requires two hands so this will be cumbersome.

I know a knife is not a great defensive weapon however this is my best option.

I have a Kershaw Cyclone, but it is assisted opening with an on/off switch. I think it would be a nightmare to explain in court.

Looking for a top notch folder that has a big blade, is fast to open, and can be pocket clipped tip up.
 
regal,

There are tons of threads here about alternatives to firearms. What are you willing to spend? Can you carry a fixed blade in a state park legally in PA? What's the maximum legally permitted blade length you can carry? Can you carry a chemical spray?

We've pretty much concluded that a stick is preferable to a knife whenever it's practical to carry a stick.
 
I have pepper spray, but no it doesn't give me much confidence. A stick is hard to weild when walking a pushy dog.

Basically no pushbuttons or springs on knives is the law in PA. I prefer a folder that is fast to open, but not too heavy. Budget is up to a couple hundred bucks.
 
I am not trying to be funny here but if you cannot hold a stick with you because of your dog then how do you really expect to get a small folder out of your pocket open it into action and use it effectivly while under stress and still hold on to the animal that is now as aroused as you are. It would seem to me that you have a great defensive weapon with you or at least detterent. Your Dog. If your dog is to much to handle holding one hand. I am sure that any two legged attacker would think twice about confronting you. If it were of the four legged kind I say only as a last resort let go of the leash and go get help. I am quite sure that your dog would try to defend you. This using of your pet as a weapon is of course a last resort measure at survival but if it works it works.
 
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Snow, I just don't like carrying a stick while walking a dog. It keeps me from using my hand commands. Most dogs, mine included don't like someone waving a stick at them.

Also Dog leash in one hand, stick in the other. Now I have no free hand to smoke cancer sticks. Hike just became a drag.

Make sense?
 
Since you want a knife get a small fixed blade stronger than a folder since the main purpose is for self defense. Something on the lines of a Falkniven F1 Benchmade Rant,RAT 3 or RAT4. They are both flat and can fit on a person just as easily as a folder without having to worry about opening them.If stopped by park ranger or game wardens these will be recognized as tools can be explained easily as a backpacking,hiking, or camping knife. These knives are strong proven and you can rest assured that if you do your part they will do theirs.
 
I think you cannott go wrong with any knife Kershaw makes, There is a very large varity of Kershaw knifes to choose from, I have been carrying one for many years and all my skinning knifes, home knifes etc are Kershaw, If you have a hard time locating the proper Kershaw for your needs I know Most Snap on tool dealers carry a varity of them on there trucks
 
you'll be able to carry in state parks this december 17th; Gov. Rendell signed HB 1845, allowing for the carry of guns in state parks.

also, who told you you couldn't carry assisted openers in PA? that's a load of crap. you can buy a kershaw whirlwind, leek, or chive in any walmart here. if you're gonna carry a knife in PA, you might as well carry balisong; they're legal to own and carry in PA.
 
A 12" machete might be a reasonable choice. Remember, you're just taking a walk in the woods. As I recall, PA is much like most states, no switchblades or automatic knives. My choice for a folder is a SOG Mini Vulcan. Very fast and good all around knife. There are many very good knives available, I just tend to buy SOG and Spyderco folders.
 
you'll be able to carry in state parks this december 17th; Gov. Rendell signed HB 1845, allowing for the carry of guns in state parks.
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Great news.


also, who told you you couldn't carry assisted openers in PA? that's a load of crap. you can buy a kershaw whirlwind, leek, or chive in any walmart here. if you're gonna carry a knife in PA, you might as well carry balisong; they're legal to own and carry in PA.
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The law says no springs in knives. Its very grey, and I don't want to be they one the make an example of if I have to use my Kershaw in Self Defense. Just not worth the risk IMO.
 
The law says no springs in knives. Its very grey, and I don't want to be they one the make an example of if I have to use my Kershaw in Self Defense. Just not worth the risk IMO.
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well, more reason to get a balisong. Commonwealth v. Miles determined that a butterfly knife/balisong isn't a prohibited item.

in any case, you won't have to worry about it in a few weeks. :cool:
 
I have pepper spray, but no it doesn't give me much confidence.
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How about one of those giant cans of pepper like the "bear spray" stuff and a holster.

I have a 4D sized Maglite with an LED bulb I use for walking at night. I modified it to use AA batteries, instead of D size, and filled the leftover area with lead. ;) Also good with a holster.
 
The law says no springs in knives.
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Title 18 § 908. Prohibited offensive weapons.
"Offensive weapons." ... dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise, or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose
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That last phrase would probably keep you out of prison, but it probably would not prevent you from being charged and having to pay an attorney and an expert witness to do so.
 
Read Judge Brey's column enough in Blade and you start to larn a few thangs. ;)

The key is that the knife be commonly available at any large chain sporting goods/discount store to establish it is a common pocket knife and to have a witness from the megastore to testify along with an expert witness (a representative of the manufacturer is always nice) that the knife is in common usage as a pocket knife. That means you've been charged and are mounting a defense that your attorney may be able to get sworn statements submitted to the DA so they can be convinced to drop the charges without going to trial. Might be better to avoid the possible conflict, though.
 
"Common lawful purpose" -- I'd cite Heller v. Wash. DC and Scalia's commentary about "defense" being a "lawful purpose." The law holds that "defense" is a God given right. It's not something the state can take away.

Dec. 17 you can carry a CCW. But any knife used in "defense" complies with "lawful purpose."
 
My work once required me to visit isolated farm and ranch houses, often with loose dogs on the premises. An ASP collapsible baton in the tool pocket of my Carhartt's was discrete and gave me a non-lethal option. I never had to striike a dog with it, but a couple of times just deployment caused a couple of agressive ranch dogs to back off. I don't know what the PA law is on impact weapons. The ASP leaves your hands free to deal with Fido and in my opinion is a more effective self-defense tool than a knife. I know this doesn't answer you original question directly. I carry a Benchmade Mini Ruckus or a Sypderco Endura, both excellent knives. Just my thoughts.
 
you'll be able to carry in state parks this december 17th; Gov. Rendell signed HB 1845, allowing for the carry of guns in state parks.
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Where does the bill allow CC in state parks?
 
Benchmade 940 Osborne Axis Lock Plain S30V Edge
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That is one of my current EDC's but I wouldn't consider it a fighting knife or something to ward off feral dogs. Its been a while since I lived in PA so I forget the knife laws, but something like a Benchmade 551 Griptillian is a good choice. You can flick it open with one hand, like the Osborne, but the blade is thicker and stronger. Or better yet a fixed blade like a Buck 119 or Bark River Bravo-1.
 
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