carrying a fixed blade on a backpack

J

jscalia

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
126
I have a large backpack/camelbak that I always keep in the car and take along with me anytime I am doing outdoor activities like hiking, geocacching, biking, etc. But sometime also take it along when I go to events, outings , museums with my kids. I have a SOG revolver fixed blade in the backpack. I sometimes forget its in there and have often wondered about the legal consequences of having it in there, both in my car and when I am toting it around. I have thought about placing it outside my back fixed to the pack with a spec ops super sheat or something like that so that I can quickly remove it as needed, etc. I have thought about just getting rid of it completely to avoid trouble and just stick with my multi tool and folder.
Any thougths would be appreciated. I live in NJ.
 
Interesting problem. I sometimes think the same about the SAK in my bailout bag. The only time it could be any kind of problem is at a place that flat-out prohibits anything like a knife, and tells you so upfront. "hiking, geocacching, biking, etc. " are OK. NJ doesn't restrict adult carry of appropriate knives. But some "events, outings , museums " might object and you would be better off with some way to remember to leave it in the car.

Maybe you could attach it loosely to the top of the pack and when you're ready to go, slip it inside if it's OK, or leave it behind if not -- in other words, don't store it inside where you might forget it.
 
when on private property, such as a museum, stadium, or other venue, you will be subject to the rules they have established.
 
MORIMOTOM, my only problem there is that they don't always specify what the rules are.

I recently visited the American Museum of Natural History, and saw a sign telling us we had to go through a metal detector. Nothing anywhere saying what that detector was looking for, what we couldn't bring in.

In fact, the metal detectors were nowhere in sight-- I spotted them later in a side hallway. They had guards asking to look in our bags, and that was just a quick glance. No problem with pocket knives, etc.

Did they put up the sign just to aggravate people?
 
Esav Benyamin said:
MORIMOTOM, my only problem there is that they don't always specify what the rules are.

I recently visited the American Museum of Natural History, and saw a sign telling us we had to go through a metal detector. Nothing anywhere saying what that detector was looking for, what we couldn't bring in.

In fact, the metal detectors were nowhere in sight-- I spotted them later in a side hallway. They had guards asking to look in our bags, and that was just a quick glance. No problem with pocket knives, etc.

Did they put up the sign just to aggravate people?
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many venues are probably not specific because they dont know what their policies actually are. their security guards are just that, they normally arent well trained in local laws so likely have a very limited idea of what is legal and what isnt.

now given that limited knowledge and a vague policy, its quite possible they dont actually know what to consider contraband.

they may be looking for the obvious pipe bomb in the purse or who knows what.

ultimately, each facility should have their policy written down somewhere. if there is some doubt that what you are carrying is ok, ask to see it. if they cant provide it in some written form, it would difficult to enforce anything just based on a verbal guarantee that the item in question is contraband.

many museums are run by the city, county, or state. i would expect gov't facilities, especially, would have a complete policy manual.

but this may be far more trouble than its worth. maybe just leave the item in the car, hotel, or wherever else. save yourself the hassle.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
maybe just leave the item in the car, hotel, or wherever else. save yourself the hassle.
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Now THAT is what bothers me ... we are being disarmed by innuendo, stripped of useful gear by indirection.

It's not illegal, it just might be inconvenient, so don't carry the Swiss Army Knife, don't carry THAT flashlight or THAT pen, it's got a thick metal barrel ...

If I catch a bus into the city for the day, I expect to bring my basic, useful gear with me. If the police or a museum guard want to peek in my bailout bag to see if I've got a bomb or a real weapon, a pistol, or a dagger, sure, no problem. I don't mind, I'm legit.

We could all save ourselves a LOT of hassle if we could figure out a way to educate the rest of the country to stop wimping out.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
Now THAT is what bothers me ... we are being disarmed by innuendo, stripped of useful gear by indirection.

It's not illegal, it just might be inconvenient, so don't carry the Swiss Army Knife, don't carry THAT flashlight or THAT pen, it's got a thick metal barrel ...

If I catch a bus into the city for the day, I expect to bring my basic, useful gear with me. If the police or a museum guard want to peek in my bailout bag to see if I've got a bomb or a real weapon, a pistol, or a dagger, sure, no problem. I don't mind, I'm legit.

We could all save ourselves a LOT of hassle if we could figure out a way to educate the rest of the country to stop wimping out.
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i agree with you, as per usual. however, when dealing with a private entity, which even gov't run museums are for practical purposes, we are subject to their rules.

im a police officer, and i cant carry a firearm inside the staples center when i go to a game. go figure.

a bus is a different situation, normally run by the local gov't, but considered public in that anyone can get on and there are no searches taking place. local, county, state, and federal laws would apply. there are normally laws specific to public transportation in addition to other laws pertaining to contraband.
 
Came to post almost the same question...is carrying a fixed blade (ordinary 3"-5" hunting, in sheath) in my backpack on trails considered concealed carry in California. Also...Natl. Parks or wilderness areas?
 
Welcome to Bladeforums!

I'll have to let someone else answer that -- I don't know anything about California law.

(MORIMOTOM, this one's for you. :D)
 
Ramm9 said:
Came to post almost the same question...is carrying a fixed blade (ordinary 3"-5" hunting, in sheath) in my backpack on trails considered concealed carry in California. Also...Natl. Parks or wilderness areas?
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yes, per the letter of the law, it would be considered concealed.

although if you were hunting/hiking in a park or forest, it would be difficult to apply the law. "the spirit of the law", imo, would negate the concealment. it is generally understood that a knife is needed for hunting.

as for the nat'l parks or nat'l forests, im not familiar with fish and game sections. but i can check in to it.
 
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