Carrying fixed blades in public.

The search function will turn up a bunch of links but here is one to get you started: http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/ny.txt

Here are some excerpts from the law (emphasis is mine):


Chap. 1 Public Safety 10-133

Historical Note

Formerly 436-5.1

10-133

Possession of knives or instruments.

A. ...It is further declared and found that the wearing or carrying of knives in open view in public places while such knives are not being used for a lawful purpose is unnecessary and threatening to the public and should be prohibited.

B. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on his or her person or have in such person's possession, in any public place, street or park any knife which has a blade length of four inches or more.

C. It shall be unlawful for any person in a public place, street or park to wear outside of his or her clothing or carry in open view any knife with an exposed or unexposed blade unless such person is actually using such knife for a lawful purpose as set forth in subdivision d of this section.
 
Originally posted by Rev. Pete
My understanding of VA knife laws is that as long as it is not concealed it is legal. Is that your understanding?
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VA knife laws are somewhat vague and the only case law I can find involves previously convicted felons who were carrying concealed weapons. From what I've read I've drawn several conclusions:
  1. If it isn't concealed, it's legal (except for autos).
  2. If the knife reasonably appears to be intended for general utility, it's not a dirk, dagger, or weapon of like kind and can be carried concealed: Dozier General Utility = good, NinjaDeathMonger2000 = bad.
  3. If you're not a convicted felon and you're not causing trouble, you aren't likely to get arrested for carrying a concealed knife. Otherwise, there'd be some case law involving folks who don't have a prior criminal history.
    [/list=1]
 
Originally posted by Buzzbait
I also plan on ordering a fixed blade from Jens Anso before the year is out. Those Personal Sheepsfoot knives look perfect for public fixed blade carry.
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I have one and love it. It is perfect for discrete FB carry in public. If I could wear it at work (could probably get away with it, but I'm too gutless to try), I'd wear it constantly. It's as much a fashion accessory as a tool. If you do get one, order it with the halftanned leather sheath. It really compliments the knife.

Chris
 
Originally posted by dsvirsky


VA knife laws are somewhat vague and the only case law I can find involves previously convicted felons who were carrying concealed weapons. From what I've read I've drawn several conclusions:
  1. If it isn't concealed, it's legal (except for autos).
  2. If the knife reasonably appears to be intended for general utility, it's not a dirk, dagger, or weapon of like kind and can be carried concealed: Dozier General Utility = good, NinjaDeathMonger2000 = bad.
  3. If you're not a convicted felon and you're not causing trouble, you aren't likely to get arrested for carrying a concealed knife. Otherwise, there'd be some case law involving folks who don't have a prior criminal history.
    [/list=1]
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  1. I agree with this assessment. I've never made an effort to conceal my knives. I've even walked by a cop in a movie theatre with a small fixed blade on my belt.

    Chris
 
My wife and I are bikers. When riding, I do carry a fixed blade (with a blade length of 4" or under).

I do find that wearing a fixed blade seems to "work" better, in the public's eye, when I am on the bike. I do seem a bit foolish simply walking around with a fixed blade on my hip, if I am not riding.

My "collection" allows me a good choice of both fixed blades and folders for all of these various occasions.
 
I remember that my dad (RIP) used to carry an old Buck Pathfinder (now one of my most prized possessions, even though the blade is now sharpened to a sliver) on his belt whenever he was away from the office when i was younger, and noone looked twice. Unfortunately, I'm 21 and heavily tattooed. I'm polite to people I meet, and can carry on knife-related conversations at HOT or sporting good stores for hours, with none of the clerks thinking I'm a criminal (what gangster spends $250 on a folder?). I'm just not all that interested in frightening people when going grocery shopping. Maybe I'll go out and buy a non-threatening-looking FB, wear it outside of my pants, and see how the public reacts. Wish me luck, and thanks for giving me something to think about everybody!:)
 
It must be different in other places then here in Iowa. I'm never really concerned that people will notice what I'm carrying. I regularly cary my Cammillus Cuda Arclite neck knife and just got a belt clip for it so am now carrying it on the belt. My wife has the same setup but when she wares it, her shirt doesn't cover up any of the knife so its in plain view. We had to run to the local university (where we will start school this fall....go ISU Cyclones!)and we went into the admin. building with her knife in plain view of everyone. We didn't get any strange looks or anything. Nobody seems to give them much thought around here.

I plan to wear my Dozier Straight Personal as my EDC knife going to work and school (as soon as I get it for my birthday) After carrying a folder and now a fixed blade, I much prefer the fixed blade.
 
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