Anyone familiar with Ohio knife laws???

O

onlyaire

Joined
Apr 7, 2007
Messages
99
I've been looking for another EDC, which I was hoping to be a Spyderco Endura. Legally what I found is that it appears that folders up too 4" are legal. However it seems that knives that can be opened via 1 hand maybe considered "deadly weapons". Now I'm kind of changing my thoughts about another EDC, to keep the blade length safely between 3"-3.5" which will eliminate the Endura from the running. Anyways I'm hoping someone who has a better knowledge, or info on Ohio knife laws, can set me straight.

At least I am in a trade(electrician) where daily use of a knife, as a tool, is a necessity.

TIA
DaveR
 
Last time I read there is no Ohio law length maximum.
But there are cities that limit the size. Usually, 3-4" depending
on the municipality. Autos are illegal. One hand
opening is not. http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/oh.txt

honestly I don't think anyone's going to care as long as you
are discrete unless you use it as a weapon.... in that case the only defense
is Self Defense whether or not it is a pen knife or a Machete.

If you read the law carefully, you will see that it is only
a deadly weapon if your intention is to use it as such or
the qualties of the knife or purpose make it one. So,
carrying a 6" dagger is not a good idea... since daggers
are designed specifically to cut peope. Carrying, an Endura
and using it as a tool will be fine. In general, OH law
requires 2 tests for a deadly weapon.

(A) "Deadly weapon" means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon... "
Click to expand...

Note the 'and.'

also... there's a Knife Laws forum here.... so this
thread will probably be moved. FYI.
 
moving-van.jpg
 
I believe that Akron :thumbdn::barf: has a 2.5 inch restriction on blade length for folders. I also think that the state of Ohio allows folders to be up to 4 inches for carry, in your pocket or concealed. I don't think fixed blades are allowed to be carried concealed. I'm not 100% sure of any of these facts, but that's what I've heard.
 
I chose the Delica over the endura because of the length. I figure, if they sell the Kershaw quick opens in walmart's in OH, they won't mind my easy to open w/ a thumb-hole delica.
 
Usually the cities with the higher crime rates have the strictist laws when it comes to knives. In the end it comes down to being discreet and
being responsible. LEOs have enough things to do besides measuring
you're knife to see if it is 1/4" beyond the legal limit.
 
State law, Ohio Revised Code, 2923.20.

Do a search at http://codes.ohio.gov/orc.

Switchblades are discussed therein.

No state length specifications.

Municipalities will/may have a wide and varied set of restrictions.
 
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