Visiting NH and MA. Which interpretation of MA law is correct [see text]?

[Phoenix_III]

I am flying up with my girlfriend to see a friend of hers in NH. In the interest of not causing problems, I will not be carrying my 1911 (and the airport hassles) as we will be staying in a hotel, and making two day trips to Mass, meaning leave it in the hotel.

I would like to carry OC spray and a fixed blade (I also have an everyday pocket folder). However, I have run across the following text [Mass law]

Whoever, except as provided by law, carries on his
person, or carries on his person or under his control
in a vehicle, any stiletto, dagger ... any knife having a double-edged blade,
or a switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring
release device by which the blade is released from the
handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches, or a slung shot, blowgun, blackjack...

Does that read
1) ... any knife with an automatic spring release... having a blade of over one and one half inches... (meaning that automatic knives with blades of over one and half inches are EVIL!
or
2) they are two seperate things, automatic knives, NEXT ->, knives having a blade of over one and one half inches, which would include all swiss army knives, no?

Isn't that a bit harsh for MA? I was curious about carrying a fixed knife like my Ka-bar tanto, or even my every day carry little knife (probably 2.5inch blade tops).

Anyone know about New Hampshire? Also, MA says 'except as provided by law', so where are those exceptions?

What about OC spray in both states? I know concealed means concealed, but still. Will be going to Six Flags (I believe it is in MA), anyone know about their checking procedures?

Thank you for all links and input.

p3

 

[Sean Cloherty]

You did not seem to indicate any permits so I will assume that you don't have one.

In MA you need a permit to simply posess a firearm. Think that is bad?

In MA you need a permit to posess PEPPER SPRAY! :banghead:

Leave it all home. That's my best advice.

 

[Phoenix_III]

PA CCW and NH CCW. (Res for PA, Non-Res for NH).

Permit for OC? Ouch.

I'll just bring my manriki chain. Oh wait banned by name.

Also in MA Tasers are Verboten. Also, 'urgent necessity' to carry a firearm for ccw, so like NJ, that doesn't happen.

 

[Gray Peterson]

I'd apply for a non-resident Mass LTC if you have more than 3 months of time before you start your trip.

 

[Phoenix_III]

LW, aren't those impossible to get even as a resident, let alone a non-res? If it is anything like PRNJ, it is. Do you have any information that would lead us to believe otherwise?

Trip is in 1 day. =)

 

[jacobtowne]

Not at all impossible. Licenses to carry are issued by the local police, and difficulty varies greatly from town to town.
A fellow from Oregon moved recently to Mass, and had his LTC within a month.
On the other hand, there are cities where it's a real chore to get a license.
There's no problem carrying a small jackknife, but leave the rest of the stuff in NH where you are licensed.
What's Six Flags?
JT

 

[Phoenix_III]

J, what's a jackknife? I assume you mean the small EDC folder.

Six Flags is an Amusement Park/Theme Park.

=)

The OC would be a problem? I would think worse would be confiscation, but it wouldn't be seen. =)

 

[jacobtowne]

Must be my age showing (jackknife). Yes, it's a folding knife. Aren't they called jackknives any more, or that a regional term? I'm a New Englander through and through, by the by.
It is unlawful to carry pepper spray without at least an FID card, which is a license to own a shoulder arm (low capacity), to the best of my knowledge.
While you are here, you may wish to check with the State Police. I think they are the issuing agency for non-resident gun licenses. It may not be difficult to obtain a non-resident FID, but I don't know that for a fact.
JT

 

[Phoenix_III]

Probably is. I will go with the E2D carry light, the small pocket folder, and the OC, all in pocket.

=)

Just if Sixflags sets off the detector and wants me to empty my pockets the OC could be a problem. Ugh. Lousy state.

 

[carebear]

Yes, like you, if I read it correctly the blade length appears to be solely for the switchblades. There are those little (not seen much anymore) novelty ones with the 3/4" blade.

Doesn't seem to be applicable to single-edged, non-auto folding or fixed blade knives. Tho the "assisted opening" ones (or your Kabar) might cause problems in the cities.

 

[TearsOfRage]

There are no restrictions on pepper spray in NH. There are no length restrictions on ordinary knives. Daggers, automatic knives, etc. are legal to own but not to carry.

 

[BostonGeorge]

As far as I know, the law regarding knives covers ALL knives with blades longer than provided for in the section you cited, but I wouldn't worry about it. As long as it's not a switchblade, no one is going to care. If you really piss somebody off I suppose it's illegal, but common practice none the less. As far as OC goes, don't bring it if you're not licensed to carry in MA, it's about the same as a firearm

FWIW MA non-resident licenses aren't that hard to come by. They are issued by the State Police, so they are a whole different ballgame than for a resident. From what I've heard, if you are licensed in your home state, you'll get one no problem, and even if you don't you might as well try, just in case you visit more often.

All Six Flags are self defence free zones in totality, by corporate policy, so state laws aren't going to make much of a difference.

 

[Aguila Blanca]

Probably is. I will go with the E2D carry light, the small pocket folder, and the OC, all in pocket.

Did you miss the part that said you need an FID for the OC, or did you choose to ignore it?

Maybe a cop wouldn't bust you for OC quite as hard as he would for a GUN, but the OC is equally illegal and without a permit you theoretically can get charged under the same statute for carrying it.