Conclusive Knife Laws for NY/NJ/CT?

[Wolfeye]

Hey, guys. I know in NYC, they just go after someone for anything (even if it's just a pocketclip showing)- but what are the knife laws for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut? I more need the ones for NY, but the two close states just seems like a good idea. I know if they don't see it, largely it won't be a problem, but I'm still wondering overall.

Thinking of a neck knife (one of the Cold Steel Spikes) wrapped around my waist- if that makes any difference (if I remember a Doug Marcaida video correctly, he said it would be an issue). Sure, if I get accused of using it, I'd likely have issues- just wondering if anyone has the conclusive laws for it. I remember "dirks, daggers, and stilettos" were considered a problem by law enforcement in New York (and an unabideable one, apparently).

 

[glistam]

So if you're asking for the statutory law, here it is.

For New York state, the weapon laws are part of the Penal Code. The primary statute relevant to normal carry is 265.01:

§ 265.01 Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree.
A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when:
(1) He or she possesses any firearm, electronic dart gun, electronic stun gun, gravity knife, switchblade knife, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, cane sword, billy, blackjack, bludgeon, plastic knuckles, metal knuckles, chuka stick, sand bag, sandclub, wrist-brace type slingshot or slungshot, shirken or "Kung Fu star"; or
(2) He or she possesses any dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, machete, razor, stiletto, imitation pistol, or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon with intent to use the same unlawfully against another; or
....
Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree is a class A misdemeanor.

Paragraph 3-8 are removed above because they do not relate to knives or normal carry circumstances. The possession statutes for 3rd, 2nd and 1st degree similarly do not concern knife carry meaningfully.

Penal Code 265.00 contains the following definitions (any not related to edged weapons are redacted):

§ 265.00 Definitions.
As used in this article and in article four hundred, the following terms shall mean and include:
4. "Switchblade knife" means any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife.
5. "Gravity knife" means any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device.
5-a. "Pilum ballistic knife" means any knife which has a blade which can be projected from the handle by hand pressure applied to a button, lever, spring or other device in the handle of the knife.
5-b. "Metal knuckle knife" means a weapon that, when closed, cannot function as a set of plastic knuckles or metal knuckles, nor as a knife and when open, can function as both a set of plastic knuckles or metal knuckles as well as a knife.
5-c. "Automatic knife" includes a stiletto, a switchblade knife, a gravity knife, a cane sword, a pilum ballistic knife, and a metal knuckle knife.
...
13. "Cane Sword" means a cane or swagger stick having concealed within it a blade that may be used as a sword or stilletto.
...
15-b. "Kung Fu star" means a disc-like object with sharpened points on the circumference thereof and is designed for use primarily as a weapon to be thrown.

Note that the words above must be interpreted, but I'm just sticking with the facts for now.

 

[glistam]

Next up is New Jersey. First, the definitions (again, removing all the irrelevant parts):

2C:39-1 Definitions.
h."Gravity knife" means any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force.
p."Switchblade knife" means any knife or similar device which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife.
r."Weapon" means anything readily capable of lethal use or of inflicting serious bodily injury. The term includes, but is not limited to, all ... (3) gravity knives, switchblade knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, or other dangerous knives, ...
u."Ballistic knife" means any weapon or other device capable of lethal use and which can propel a knife blade.

And there's things you can't do with said things:

2C:39-3. Prohibited Weapons and Devices.
...
e.Certain weapons. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any gravity knife, switchblade knife, dagger, dirk, stiletto, billy, blackjack, metal knuckle, sandclub, slingshot, cestus or similar leather band studded with metal filings or razor blades imbedded in wood, ballistic knife, without any explainable lawful purpose, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

2C:39-4. Possession of weapons for unlawful purposes.
...
d.Other weapons. Any person who has in his possession any weapon, except a firearm, with a purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another is guilty of a crime of the third degree.

2C:39-5. Unlawful possession of weapons.
...
d.Other weapons. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any other weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as it may have is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

These statutes have exceptions:

2C:39-6 Exemptions.
....
f.Nothing in subsections b., c. and d. of N.J.S.2C:39-5 shall be construed to prevent:
...
(2)A person carrying a firearm or knife in the woods or fields or upon the waters of this State for the purpose of hunting, target practice or fishing, provided that the firearm or knife is legal and appropriate for hunting or fishing purposes in this State and he has in his possession a valid hunting license, or, with respect to fresh water fishing, a valid fishing license;
(3)A person transporting any firearm or knife while traveling:
(a)Directly to or from any place for the purpose of hunting or fishing, provided the person has in his possession a valid hunting or fishing license; or

 

[WilliamCody]

Hey, guys. I know in NYC, they just go after someone for anything (even if it's just a pocketclip showing)- but what are the knife laws for New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut? I more need the ones for NY, but the two close states just seems like a good idea. I know if they don't see it, largely it won't be a problem, but I'm still wondering overall.

Thinking of a neck knife (one of the Cold Steel Spikes) wrapped around my waist- if that makes any difference (if I remember a Doug Marcaida video correctly, he said it would be an issue). Sure, if I get accused of using it, I'd likely have issues- just wondering if anyone has the conclusive laws for it. I remember "dirks, daggers, and stilettos" were considered a problem by law enforcement in New York (and an unabideable one, apparently).

Without quoting the actual laws.... You cannot carry any "spike" or "double edged blade" either. I was charged with criminal possestion of a deadly weapon in the 4th degree for a Gerber Guardian Backup in spear point that I was carrying in my boot, though it was reduced to a disorderly conduct, and another count of the same charge for a "tire thumper" (lead filled mini bat) leaning against the wall in my living room (though that was dropped as the police did an unlawful search and seizure). I was doing nothing wrong. Shoveling snow at the end of my driveway when the cop "saw the weapons clip" on my boots. So if you want some freedom, getting out of NY is probably the way to go (I have been looking at property in NH and PA which have slightly more normal, you know, less communist laws). But I digress, so let me bring it back. Your only safe bet in NY is a manual (single edge) folder with a blade shorter than the width of your hand. The laws are so interpretable that they can tag you with whatever they want (and they will). Carrying anything that can be construed as a weapon gets you in hot water. Also caught "assault" when I was 18 because I had a claw hammer in the car on a routine traffic stop. Told him I just did a roof, he said "where are the rest of the tools then". Confiscated. Charge dropped in court. My point is ANYTHING you carry in NY will get you labeled a criminal, so be verrry careful. Generally these days I just stay at my house in the woods and try to avoid the flashing red and blues. Sad state of affairs when a man cannot even carry a reasonable means to self defense.

 

[Wolfeye]

Holy shit! Yeah, you're right about NY laws- Maine seems pretty good, but I keep thinking I should get across the ocean. Czechia, Poland, all kinds of other countries have good laws & not as much out to get you.

 

[HeavyHanded]

I didn't know they made the Gerber Guardian backup in single edge (other than Tanto).

Yes, NY laws are not readily understandable and LE can and will arrest whenever they feel like it - though this is not limited to NYS. NYC is a different matter, but for the rest of the state make it a single edge folder or fixed blade and preferably nothing that says "Death Dealer" or similar. It can be concealed or open carry and in the mostly rural regions of NY it is not uncommon to see fixed blades worn openly on a belt. Folders with pocket clips are ubiquitous across the state.

In NYC it has to be under 4" and best if it cannot lock at all or is a fixed blade - most important is that it cannot be seen - I'd avoid lanyards as well. I don't know about NJ or Ct.