oklahoma knife law...

[gearGOON]

i am about to move to Tulsa, and i was wondering if anyone has any words of wisdom abou the knife laws in oklahoma. i found some passages from state law that mention a prohibition on carrying "dirks", "bowie knives" and automatics. the wording seems kind of odd to me, especially the word dirk (which i think of as a long double-edge dagger, although i could be off on my definition). as far as i can find, there's no reference to standard folders. does this mean that you can carry pretty much any length folder but large fixed blades are out? how about small or medium single edge fixed blades?

anybody out there had any practical experience with the language of this law? are there by any chance any newer and perhaps clearer versions of this law?

any help would be appreciated,
e.

[hankrearden2000]

I've spent most of my life in Oklahoma. Here's what you need to know.

Folders of any size may be carried concealed or otherwise--except that there is no state preemption law for knives; guns yes, but not knives. So, there are a some cities, Oklahoma City and Pawnee that I know of, which have municipal ordinances against carrying knives with blades greater than four inches.

Fixed blade knives; knives that may be considered a dagger, dirk, or Bowie, can only be carried openly and only while hunting, fishing, or other recreational activities which such a knife is common equipment, and traveling to or from such activities. (Who in the world doesn't practice the recreational activity of self-defense with a knife?)

I can't cite the case law which the above opinions are based on, but I do know that this is basically what is taught to law officers in CLEET (Council of Law Enforcement Education & Training), which is the state agency that licenses police officers.

The bottom line is to use good judgement. As a rule, cops in Oklahoma are too busy to waste their time nitpicking citizens and most will advise you to be armed regardless of what the law says or doesn't say, and it was that way even before the Oklahoma Self-defense Act authorizing concealed carry of handguns became law in 1996.

My $.000002 worth!

P.S. Enjoy Tulsa, it's a great town, in spite of the recent hits it's taken in the energy and telecommunications industries. Eight or ten excellent lakes are within an hour's drive and there are plenty of places to hunt or get outdoors and play.

[gearGOON]

hank,
thanks alot for the info...i'm looking forward to moving to tulsa. coming from seattle, it seems like the politics and people in oklahoma are going to be a little bit more my speed.

too bad short fixed blades are iffy, but at least i don't have to struggle to find sub 3.5" folders that i like any more.

e.

[CJ Buck]

Here is the only active new legislation I could find on Oklahoma. Not much in weapons stuff (good for you...)

The weapons definitions used here are almost word for word like other states.

Hope this helps...



Oklahoma 2nd Session of the 48th Legislative Session
2001 OK H 2801
Introduced
02/04/2002
Balkman
STATE OF OKLAHOMA

2nd Session of the 48th Legislature (2002)

HOUSE BILL HB2801

By: Balkman

AS INTRODUCED
An Act relating to crimes and punishments; amending 21 O.S. 2001, Section 1272, which relates to unlawful carrying of a weapon; clarifying language; and providing an effective date.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OKLAHOMA:

SECTION 1. AMENDATORY 21 O.S. 2001, Section 1272, is amended to read as
follows:

Section 1272.

UNLAWFUL CARRY

It shall be unlawful for any person to carry upon or about that person, or in a purse or other container belonging to the
person, any pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle whether loaded or unloaded or any dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, switchblade knife, spring-type knife, sword cane, knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife, blackjack, loaded cane, billy, hand chain, metal knuckles, or any other offensive weapon, whether such weapon be concealed or unconcealed, except this section shall not prohibit:

1. The proper use of guns and knives for hunting, fishing, educational or recreational purposes;

2. The carrying or use of weapons in a manner otherwise permitted by statute or authorized by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act, Section 1290.1 et seq. of this title; or

3. The carrying, possession and use of any weapon by a peace officer in the performance of official duties and in compliance with the rules of the employing agency. Any person convicted of violating the foregoing provision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 1276 of this title.

SECTION 2. This act shall become effective November 1, 2002.

[cnbcad]

Tulsa, OK prohibits the carry of any blade longer than 3" period. But I've never seen it enforced. Even when I was arrested for 2 counts of pointing a gun with intent and one count of assault with a dangerous weapon [a belt knife with 5" tanto blade] they did not charge me with carrying the knife. In fact they gave it to my wife so it wouldn't get lost at HQ. It was a custom made and purchased here! I've never had a problem and I carry all the time. btw, my case was thrown out as soon as it got in front of a judge - after paying $7500 bond money....