A bit worried. Washington laws.

M

mr mangeepants

Joined
Apr 20, 2004
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I ordered the BM940, (3.4 inch blade) knowing that 3.5 inches is the legal limit for the length of the blade. What I did not know is that it is illegal to have a "gravity knife." I'm a bit worried, and I want to be able to "flick" my knife open, so I don't want to tighten it. I'm not worried about getting patted down or anything, but just to make sure. Would I get fined for having the knife on me? Would it get confiscated? I'm just worried...

Mangeepants.
 
I carry a BM everyday - I also go into the courts, so I, too, carry the smaller sized BM's (sub 3.5")... and while the action on most BM's is conducive to being flicked open - just keep in mind who your audience is 'cause if you startle someone, the ability to flick it open could leave it to the attending official to decide if it meets the criteria of an illegal weapon. Otherwise, carry it and enjoy it!
 
First off there is no state law on blade length. Local jurisdictions do, like Seattle. Others, like Spokane, do not. Here is how the state law reads.

RCW 9.41.250
Dangerous weapons
“Every person who:

(1) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;”

I think the law is aimed at butterfly and switchblade knives. If your 940 is illegal then there is a lot of stores in the state breaking the law.
 
I also carry without regard to blade length; I live on the good side of the state. ;)

I'm sure the state law is aimed towards autos, and perhaps balisongs, but I'm not sure on the bali's.

The key here is discretion. Don't display your knife in public, and if you must use it in public, don't 'flick' or snap it open. Open it very slowly, and deliberately, so it seems less intimidating.

When operating as above, I've never had even a question about my knife. In some cases, I use the blade on my SOG PowerLock, which if observed by any sheeple, usually gets me compliments on 'such a nifty tool', and inquiries of where to obtain one for themselves or relatives.
 
Go get a Spyderco Wave Endura. =D Have fun flicking those. Or rather, more like just pulling them out of your pocket fully opened. =D
 
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