All LEO's or Law types please help me..

frank aka rage · Apr 1, 2000

Hello people, my main question is to Police Officars or anybody who kind of knows the rules-regarding the knife laws for my area.

My main concern is this, I am a Manager in a store-at a shopping mall, and this mall is not in the best location(4 months ago another manager of a store got held up-and was robbed, thank god he was not hurt), putting that aside, i know the laws for New York(Manhattan) is generally you should not carry a knife with a blade length over 4inches. I live on Long Island-about 10 minutes from Queens, and 30minutes from manhattan. I carry 2 Axis locks, models 710plain edge everyday, one as sort of a back-up/utility box opener, and the other strictly as a Self-defense weapon. These both have blades at about 4inches, and bigger if you measure at the tang. Now, if for some reason, i was caught carring these knives, what would happen??-Basically try and give me some advice on the below statements, i really appreciate it alot.

1. Lets say i'm driving home, and for whatever reason a Police Officar gives me a Pat Down(believe me, this would rarely happen, for i don't drink under the influence of any drug/alcohal) and the cop finds these two knives on me, what would happen, would i be arrested, will i go to jail, or will he/she give me a fine, and take away my knives?????

2. Let's say(a more likely to happen situation-god i hope not) i'm closing my store for the night, and when i'm leaving, or go to do a drop off at the Bank, i defend myself with these two knives-using lethal, yet not animalistic force, this meaning if the person had a knife/pipe/bat and i slashed his arm. Although if the person had a gun, i would either go straight for the kill, or give up what ever i have. What would the Police do to me, and the Law system. Take in mind, i do not look for trouble, and i have not been convicted with any crime, my record with the law is completely clean.

Also, i have the highest respect for one another, it's just that, if i was being held up-most likely with a gun, and if i was in striking distance of that person, i would surely go for the kill-i do not want to give that person the option of him letting me live, or die, i'd rather take the chance. All in all, i happen to agree with that saying "I'd rather be tried by 12, rather than be carried out by 6". GOD BLESS

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"for future shall not bring freedom..but not the sight that man sees, harvest your freedom, and make a future..for no one is here to protect your fate, and tame your dreams-freedom, it's in the air..."

Normark · Apr 2, 2000

Frank...

If it's really that bad,,you should apply for a CCW...

In some places,,you can get a CCW for a blade as well as a handgun..
Don't know about NY though...

ttyle Eric....

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Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel
Custom made, High Quality
Concealex Sheaths and Tool Holsters
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James Mattis · Apr 2, 2000

Some conventional wisdom:

Don't call a lawyer in a life-threatening emergency.
Don't call a cop for legal advice.
Different professions, different training.

And never tell a cop you are carrying a knife "for protection."

A knife is the most "politically incorrect" weapon you can carry, more so than a gun, and its political incorrectness is not an innovation of modern "sheeple," but goes back to before Caesar went for a walk on the Ides of March. A knife is also an essential common tool that that you would carry in a perfectly non-violent world, which can also be a weapon in an imperfect world. But you're not carrying it "for protection."

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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001

UW Mitch · Apr 2, 2000

I think maybe you have two 710's because you use one for cutting boxes, and keep the second one on you in case the first one gets lost or someone needs to borrow it!

Remember, knives are tools not weapons.

~Mitch

BTW I'm not a LEO or a law person

[This message has been edited by UW Mitch (edited 04-02-2000).]

L6steel · Apr 2, 2000

Frank, I once heard an interview with a lady who went through the attack on Ludy's Cafe, I think thats how it's spelled. She said she had always carried a snub nose 38 he father had given her on her 18th birthday. When she pulled up to the restaurant and started to go in she decided to leave the 38 in the glove box of the truck because she was scared she would get caught by the police. While her and her parents were eating, a pice of garbage came in the cafe and started randomly shooting people. She watched him as he shot one person after another and eventually worked his way to the area where she and he parents were laying on the floor hiding. The gunman then shot and killed both her mother and father. I doubt she will ever lose the guilt she fealt for leaving the handgun in the glove box of her truck. In a perfect world, we would not need any law enforcement officers or handguns to protect ourselves. In a semi perfect world, the police would always be there to protect us in every circumstance. Unfortunately, our world is neither of these.
Michael

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MyWebSite

Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!

Apr 2, 2000

A knife is a tool is a tool is a tool.
Don't even DREAM something different.

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D.T. UTZINGER

MPower · Apr 2, 2000

I am also a retail manager and I also carry a blade with me, but my advice to you is to let the dirtbag have the money. No job, or no amount of the store receipts are worth the legal hassles or worse your injury or the loss of your life. If your life is in grave and immediate peril a knife is better than nothing at all, but only just!

Tamishigiri · Apr 2, 2000

Nearly every situation you describe depends on a number of variables.
A 4" blade is plenty sufficient provided you are conversant on how to REALLY use it.
I would ALWAYS rather be "judged by twelve than carried by six".
Additionally, be discreet and covert as possible. I live in people's republic of California and NEVER have I encountered a problem w/ LE.

My suggestion is invest in quality training and you will not feel as encumbered w/ a shorter blade. Walk in the Yellow or Orange stay out of the white and things will appear different if you are not already.

I hope that is helpful and not percevied
any differently.
IMHO

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"This is the law:
There is no possible victory in defense, The Sword is more important than the shield, And skill is more important than either, The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental."

Nakano 2 · Apr 2, 2000

Lubys Cafeteria it was. Killeen, Texas I believe. State laws prohibited her from possession of legally owned handgun in a public eating facility. So she left it in her car to obey the law. The rest was history. I think she ran for a State office soon after and became an ardent supporter of the NRA soon afterwards. Christine Lone Wagner?

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer nor do I give legal advice.

NYS Penal Law states that possession of a knife with a blade length of greater than 4" is grounds for arrest. Folders or fix blades other than "Balisongs, daggers, pilum ballistic knives, sword canes, lipstick knives..." and a few others, are legal to possess. Discretion is needed before entering a Federal, State, City facility. NY City also has "Rules and Regulations" and city "Administrative Codes" that also sets grounds for knife possession. Best bet is to contact your District Attourneys office.

L8r,
Nakano

PS- James speaks with words of wisdom.

Phillip · Apr 3, 2000

Nakano, at the time Texas had no CHL provision, so she was in vilation of the law by having the pistol. Her testimony at the state legislature was a big factor in having our CHL laws passed. But then so was Ann Richards disregard for what the citizens of Texas wanted.
Frank, I don't know what NY's laws are so I can't offer any advice other than that if you are going to carry a knife for whatever reason, aquaint yourself with your state and local ordinances regarding knives. You should be able to buy a code book or find a list online. If your knife is legal in length and you are stopped by a LEO, there should be no reason for them to ask why you are carrying it. I guess things are that much different in NY.