Is a knife considered concealed if..

[Rider675]

I carry a fixed blade sheathed from my belt. The handle is covered by my shirt but the sheath is clearly visible, I was wondering if this is considered concealed or not?

[powernoodle]

That would depend on any definitions found in your state or local law (which are usually lacking), and the subjective interpretation of the police, the judge and jury. So the best answer may be that it just depends, based on a number of factors. Thats not a very satisfying answer, but often these kinds of things elude precise definitions, which leaves them to the subjectivity of the authorities. Things like local customs and sensibilities (Texas will be different than Massachusetts) will play into the equation as well, as will the particular circumstances of any encounter you may have with the police. If you are drunk and fighting, they may throw in the weapons charge, and if you are just hanging out at the lake with the kids, maybe not.

This is not legal advice.

[Rider675]

Thanks, I didn't take you for a lawyer anyway :- )

[Chris Pierce]

If I were you I'd just make sure that my shirt was tucked behind my knife. It seems like pretty easy insurance to me.

[JSMcustoms]

If I were you I'd just make sure that my shirt was tucked behind my knife. It seems like pretty easy insurance to me.

I would do the same. It's best to completely avoid things that even might be considered as concealed.

[Rider675]

Thanks for the responses.
I notice depending on length of the shirt im wearing, it can go from covered to uncovered a couple times a day. I might have to dress accordingly, or go to a folder.

[powernoodle]

Or get a concealed deadly weapons license, if it applies to knives where you live. But JSM said it best about just avoiding the prob from the outset.

[Dajudge]

What I do is arrange a "drop sheath" of some kind- either a frog that allows the knife to be carried lower on the leg , or get a knife with a factory drop sheath, like a Gerber LHR, to be SURE it is not covered in any way by the clothes. It is much easier to access this way, also.

[Big Mike]

If what you're wearing covers the knife it's clearly concealed.

If it's in plain sight it's not concealed.

If only the sheath is visible, some might say the knife itself is still concealed.

A folder in you pocket is also concealed.


But all of this will be up to the discretion/interpretation of the LEO giving you a hard time.


What you're doing, and the type of knife you're carrying, will probably matter more in the long run.







Big Mike

[TOM1960]

I carry a fixed blade sheathed from my belt. The handle is covered by my shirt but the sheath is clearly visible, I was wondering if this is considered concealed or not?

I noticed that a lot of the trouble people on this forum get into is caused by a LEO observing them in possession of a knife, especially in NYC where the knife (regardless of size) must be completely concealed. Perhaps you should try an IWB (inside waistband) sheath to completely conceal your blade. The less LEOs and sheeple see with regard to knives, the better.

[RDog]

Contact your local and state police and ask them.

[Rich S]

You might want to consider wearing it on a carabiner attached to your belt. That way it hangs lower and may be visible below your shirt. Just a thought.

Rich

[JTR357]

If what you're wearing covers the knife it's clearly concealed.

If it's in plain sight it's not concealed.

If only the sheath is visible, some might say the knife itself is still concealed.

A folder in you pocket is also concealed.


But all of this will be up to the discretion/interpretation of the LEO giving you a hard time.


What you're doing, and the type of knife you're carrying, will probably matter more in the long run.







Big Mike

This