Concealed Fixed Blade Legality

T

TimmyBoston

Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
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I've been able to find lots of info on folders, but what are the laws on carrying fixed blades, both concealed and in the open?

I am more concerned with concealed, because I don't like to carry fixed blades on my belt, because they scare people and intimidation isn't what I'm looking for.
 
First, we gotta know where you're from because it varies a lot. Indiana it's legal for example, whereas most states require open carry. The "magic words" in knife laws for fixed blades are "bowie knife," "dagger," and "dirk." The problem is while we knife enthusiasts have a pretty clear idea what these mean, the law can be all over the place and not have any definitions.

Is your username a hint? If so, that already doesn't bode well. Boston's not too blade friendly.
 
TimmyBoston said:
I've been able to find lots of info on folders, but what are the laws on carrying fixed blades, both concealed and in the open?

I am more concerned with concealed, because I don't like to carry fixed blades on my belt, because they scare people and intimidation isn't what I'm looking for.
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Timmy, if you are from Boston, then I am only about 26 miles north of you (Dracut, MA), right on the Pelham, NH border. The Boston "home rule" law prohibits carry of any knife (folder or fixed) with a blade longer than 2 1/2". Technically, even many SAKs would be illegal and subject the owner to arrest. However, exceptions are made for knives carried for a valid reason (needed for your job, fishing, etc.). Also, be advised that other cities in MA have "copy-catted" Boston's law. They include Lawrence, Worcester, Salem, Beverly, Lynn, Revere and (possibly) Cambridge. That said, I have carried my 4" CS "Voyager" lockblade folder through Boston many times without incident. I removed the pocket clip and carry it pivot-down in my right front trouser pocket, completely concealed.
With your sheath knife, concealment is even more difficult. I would carry a sheath knife with a blade length of 4" MAXIMUM and use an inside-the-waistband sheath that attaches to your belt. Don't use the clip-on types, as sometimes they come out with the knife as you draw it. You will need to wear an untucked shirt or a jacket of some sort in order to completely conceal the sheath.
 
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glistam said:
First, we gotta know where you're from because it varies a lot. Indiana it's legal for example, whereas most states require open carry. The "magic words" in knife laws for fixed blades are "bowie knife," "dagger," and "dirk." The problem is while we knife enthusiasts have a pretty clear idea what these mean, the law can be all over the place and not have any definitions.

Is your username a hint? If so, that already doesn't bode well. Boston's not too blade friendly.
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Coincidentally, after spending most of my life in Massachusetts I have been living in Indianapolis for the last few years.

One of the big reasons I'm asking is I'm really looking to buy a Bulldog made by Tom Krein, which is a Bowie style fixed blade with a 3 1/2 blade and 8 inches overall. It's a good sized knife and I don't want to scare people and I really don't want to get myself in legal trouble for carrying it.
 
TimmyBoston said:
Coincidentally, after spending most of my life in Massachusetts I have been living in Indianapolis for the last few years.

One of the big reasons I'm asking is I'm really looking to buy a Bulldog made by Tom Krein, which is a Bowie style fixed blade with a 3 1/2 blade and 8 inches overall. It's a good sized knife and I don't want to scare people and I really don't want to get myself in legal trouble for carrying it.
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Smart man. Heck Indiana will let you carry just about any sharp thing you darn well please with the exception of switchblades and throwing stars.
http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar47/ch5.html
(See IC 35-47-5-2 and IC 35-47-5-12)

As an amusing social observation, on Indiana knife/gun forums they often whine about how oppressive their laws are because they can't carry switchblades.

Now, in Indianapolis itself, it tightens down quite a bit.

Sec. 451-1. Sharp objects or instruments on the person.
(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry around or have in his manual possession or control any ice pick or similar kind of sharp instrument, other than ordinary pocketknives, and such instruments described in subsection (b) of this section, unless the object is a necessary instrument of his lawful trade or occupation or for lawful use in his home, and is actually being carried and intended to be used for use in the performance of such trade or occupation, or for use in his home.
(b) It shall be unlawful for any person to wear or carry in any public street or place, elevator, public vehicle or place of assemblage any hatpin, ornament or sharp or pointed object, which has an exposed point or edge of more than one-half ( 1/2) inch, unless the point or edge is protected with a guard so as to cover it and prevent injury to any person coming in contact therewith.
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Well that kind of blows. But, if you stay outside the city with that, you should be ok.
 
google your state laws, i'm pretty sure all states have a complete listing of their statutes online. in my state, ANY LENGTH fixed blade is illegal to conceal. oddly enough, ANY LENGTH fixed blade is perfectly legal to open carry. that inlcudes machettes and katanas.

i'm permitted to carry concealed (plus i'm LEO), but i've decided i want to go back to OC'n FB's. don't worry about what other people think, you're talking about a really small FB. as long as you're legal, pimp it. it's time for us to stop acting like we should be self concious about our hardware. the more we let THEM make US uncomfortable, the more we've ALREADY lost. sorry for the rant lol
 
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