What do you think re: CCW and slightly oversized folder?

[Climb14er]

Off the record and hypothetical of course. I have friends who say to me, and they too are CCW permit holders here in Colorado: 'I'm going to carry any knife that I so desire that works for me even if it's a little longer than Colorado's permitted length of 3.50 inches'.

All these years, I have carried a knife under 3.50 inches. Usually right at or under 3.00 inches. Eighteen months ago, I obtained my CCW permit when Colorado's laws were changed to enable me to do so.

I'm looking at two folding knives with blade length of 3.65 inches and 3.90 inches. I have not purchased them as of yet.

What do you folks think of someone carrying a folder slightly longer than legal length? Do you think LEO's are going to bust a longer than legal length carry? I mean, we're not talking about carrying a machete.

I'm asking the forum's thoughts before embarking on this type of potential purchase.

 

[Standing Wolf]

Do you think LEO's are going to bust a longer than legal length carry?

In Denver, yes; in Colorado, probably not, as long as you didn't commit a crime with the knife.

 

[Jonathan]

In Colorado, I wouldn't.

However, be aware that in some states, a permit serves as a generic exemption from a "Carrying concealed weapons" offense, and is not specific to firearms. Here's one example.

 

[OpenRoad]

I have a CWP, but I don't think it's good for knives. 5" is the max length here in ND. I usually carry a 3.65" folder, but sometimes I carry a 5.5" folder. I don't really worry about that though. If I'm going to some semi-commie state like MN I usually stick to 4" or less.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

I wouldn't take the risk. Would getting caught with an illegal knife potentially result in loss or denial of your carry permit?

 

[victory]

glad to live in a state where i can carry anything as long as it doesn't open automatically. I carry a fixed blade 5.5" double edged knife concealed on my person with no problems.

As for you problem in colorado, i recommend carrying the knife cliped to a pocket, where the top of the knife and the clip are visible. You may carry a knife of any legnth as long as it isn't concealed. Also, the law states that you may not carry a knife over 3.5" for use as a weapon. Well, i think your defence there is pretty obvious.

 

[Climb14er]

<As for you problem in colorado, i recommend carrying the knife cliped to a pocket, where the top of the knife and the clip are visible. You may carry a knife of any legnth as long as it isn't concealed. Also, the law states that you may not carry a knife over 3.5" for use as a weapon. Well, i think your defence there is pretty obvious>

I almost always carry my knives clipped to my pocket with the top of the knife, 'exposed'. It's still a fine line for some who consider even this to be exposed. Now you know why I've always carried an approx. three inch folder with clip...so that I wouldn't have to deal with 'variables'. However, this leaves some under four inch folders 'off-limits' so as to not violate any Colorado knife or CCW laws.

 

[joab]

glad to live in a state where i can carry anything as long as it doesn't open automatically.

We get to carry automatics

 

[Jonathan]

OpenRoad: ND is one of the states with a general liscense. That said, please confirm for yourself before you treat this as legitimate legal advice

62.1-04-02. Carrying concealed firearms or dangerous weapons prohibited. No person, other than a law enforcement officer, may carry any firearm or dangerous weapon concealed unless the person is licensed to do so or exempted pursuant to this chapter. For purposes of this chapter, dangerous weapon does not mean a spray or aerosol containing CS (ortho-chlorobenzamalonitrile), CN (alpha-chloroacetophenone), or other irritating agent intended
for use in the defense of a person.

62.1-04-03. License to carry a firearm or dangerous weapon concealed.

62.1-01-01. General definitions. As used in this title, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Dangerous weapon" includes any switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword, dagger, or knife with a blade of five inches [12.7 centimeters] or more; any throwing star, nunchaku, or other martial arts weapon; any billy, blackjack, sap, bludgeon, cudgel, metal knuckles, or sand club; any slungshot; any bow and arrow, crossbow, or spear; any stun gun; any weapon that will expel, or is readily capable of expelling, a projectile by the action of a spring, compressed air, or compressed gas including any such weapon, loaded or unloaded, commonly referred to as a BB gun, air rifle, or CO2 gun; and any projector of a bomb or any object containing or capable of producing and emitting any noxious liquid, gas, or substance.