Any New Jersey residents in here?

R

RenegadeMonk

Joined
Jul 28, 2005
Messages
254
Hey guys, I was wondering if there were any fellow New Jersey-ans here in this forum.

I've read the state knife laws and they are very, very strict. Does anyone know the standard blade length here in NJ? I'm still confused on that.

Thanks guys.
 
I've heard that as long as you don't get stopped... it's legal. As a kid we were always told a blade can be no longer than 4 fingers. Just don't know whose fingers, though. Honestly, I believe the answer is that if you're over 18, any size is OK but then concealment may play a factor and actual use becomes a factor. It's OK for camping, hunting, fishing, etc. but don't use it against another human. I've asked a few policemen and for the most part, they can't tell you what blade length is legal or not! Lot's of knowledgeable people on BF... I'm sure someone knows the latest facts to help you out. :thumbup:
 
NJ Title 2C - Code of Criminal Justice, specifically; Certain Weapons 2C:39-3, mentions 'any gravity knife, switchblade knife, dirk, dagger, or stiletto'. The key part is 'without any explainable lawful purpose', which makes it very discretionary. Basically, whether a knife is considered a tool or a weapon depends on the circumstances in question. They have added the word 'knife' to 2C:39-5, which is an exemption for carrying a firearm for hunting, target practice, and now a knife for fishing (as long as it's legal, see 2C:39-3), this just increases their discretionary power. If you have a knife on you during the commission of any crime, even if the knife is not involved, it will probably be considered a weapon, then again, so would a baseball bat. Appropriateness is also a big issue with LE here. While there's no specific law against it, walking around in public with a big honkin bowie hanging from your belt, is not going to get the same reaction as seeing you use your SAK to cut the strapping on a box. In most parts of NJ, being discrete is a good idea, not just because of LE, but because of all the sheeple here. ;)
 
Great replies so far...I was just wondering about fixed blades. I would like to carry one due to their quick draw value...but I'm not sure how the LEO's in NJ would take to it. I don't know how I'd justify carrying a Cold Steel Spike. It's not exactly a utility blade.
 
Bladewolf said:
NJ Title 2C - Code of Criminal Justice, specifically; Certain Weapons 2C:39-3, mentions 'any gravity knife, switchblade knife, dirk, dagger, or stiletto'. The key part is 'without any explainable lawful purpose', which makes it very discretionary. Basically, whether a knife is considered a tool or a weapon depends on the circumstances in question. They have added the word 'knife' to 2C:39-5, which is an exemption for carrying a firearm for hunting, target practice, and now a knife for fishing (as long as it's legal, see 2C:39-3), this just increases their discretionary power. If you have a knife on you during the commission of any crime, even if the knife is not involved, it will probably be considered a weapon, then again, so would a baseball bat. Appropriateness is also a big issue with LE here. While there's no specific law against it, walking around in public with a big honkin bowie hanging from your belt, is not going to get the same reaction as seeing you use your SAK to cut the strapping on a box. In most parts of NJ, being discrete is a good idea, not just because of LE, but because of all the sheeple here. ;)
Click to expand...

The most annoying thing is what about self defense? If a thug tries to assault me and he doesn't have a gun, and I end up HAVING to use a knife against him for self defense then I'm the criminal in NJ. That's how I read the stupid law. I have to ask my cousin who is a cop. He gets to carry a gun and any knife he wants.

I like to carry my new Buck Juno folding knife in my pocket. The blade is fat/wide but shorter than my 4 fingers. Any law that makes a simple pocket knife illegal is meant for a commie country not the USA.

I hate NJ. They are trying to catch up with Mass and the NE states for the most limits on the rights of the People. Heck, the criminals will ALWAYS do what they want anyway so these laws don't do much but harass guys like me. You know, guys who work and raise families.
 
RenegadeMonk said:
Great replies so far...I was just wondering about fixed blades. I would like to carry one due to their quick draw value...but I'm not sure how the LEO's in NJ would take to it. I don't know how I'd justify carrying a Cold Steel Spike. It's not exactly a utility blade.
Click to expand...
Do to a physical limitation, I only carry fixed blades as my EDC's. I currently carry a TOPS Wolf Pup, and have worn it to events with a lot of LEO presence, without any commentary other than asking how I liked it. Then again, even casually, I usually dress with my companies t-shirt or sweatshirt, which has tactical looking insignia on it, and BDU pants, so a lot of times LEO's are just talking shop. In my daily corporate security role, where four days of the week are business attire (at least a tie :( ), I use a 'sheeple reaction formula' which resulted in my choosing the Wolf Pup. I've been carring it on my belt for quite a while, and don't think anyone's even noticed it, unless they've seen me using it.

worlok - High population density + big political liberal $$$ for a 'cause' = gotta protect us from ourselves :barf: More people should join organizations like AKTI, and promote responsible knife ownership :thumbup: Sometimes ya gotta be willing to play the game, or move on.
 
just saw this!

I am from the Great State of New Jersey!

dont carry autos, keep your nose clean and you will be fine.

If you give the police a reason to stop you, they will find reason to keep you.

New Jerzee and you, perfect together.
 
New Jersey title 2C;39 - also states that the blade of the knife cannot exceed 5 inches, nor can it's total length exceed 10 inches in length.
 
Here's one, easy enough for you....

I'm an LEO in NJ, been for about 2 years now. The problem with NJ knife laws, is that they don't really specify where it's important. They specifically mention daggers, stillettos, gravity, and automatic knives (after research found that auto must mean more that 50% SPRING assisted ie: kershaw torsion bars are legal). Anyway, stay away from the specifically mentioned knives, or you can get tripped up immediately.

Beyond that, any knife, of any kind, for any reason more of less is defined under "certain weapons" statute, as a "per se" weapon. Therefore, to be inside of the legal guidelines, one must have justifiable and reasonable need, leggaly explained as:"LAWFULL REASONABLE EXPLANATION" for such a TOOL. Defining the knife, fixed or folder, as a self defense weapon will land you in a holding cell ASAP. So remember, if you carry it as a tool, KEY WORD HERE, call it a tool, not a blade, shank, or weapon. It must be defined as such. IE: I work in a auto shop, and that's why I carry my leatherman officer. Basically, just have a legal reasonable, NON-WEAPON explanation and you will be ok.

Unfortunately the laws allow for an LEO to decide whether it is reasonable. For some, like myself, can see the need or want to have a knife, fixed or folded. But others would just assume lock you up over a Buck fixed blade in a leather sheath on your back seat. Best bet overall, have a reason, keep it secured, don't give anyone a reason to stop/frisk/search/detain you.

An awesome resource for NJ weapons laws is: Nappen Gun, Knife and Weapon law. I have a copy that sites court cases and explaines in plain english. Its written by an NJ weapon lawyer named Nappen. Its about $25 I think, and worth every penny for those interested in the weapon laws. I got a copy and a hunting show and met the dude, nice guy. I can research it some more if you guys need anything else. I have that book, plus NJ2C here if needed.

Good Luck, stay safe

Camp

PS, the four inch rule, and rule of the width of your hand, are both currently removed from law. The most specific rule is the "LAWFULL REASONABLE EXPLANATION" that I explained
 
Reclmo said:
New Jersey title 2C;39 - also states that the blade of the knife cannot exceed 5 inches, nor can it's total length exceed 10 inches in length.
Click to expand...

That, I believe, applies only to minors ;)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top