Definition of "concealed"

[Chubbleton]

I recently purchased a Benchmade 710HS, which has a blade length of 3.9 inches. I live in Vancouver Washington, and there is a definition of "dangerous knives"; any knife with a blade length of over 3 inches. The law dealing with "dangerous knives" states-

"It is unlawful for anyone knowingly to carry concealed on his person or in any vehicle any dangerous knife."​

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Now, I am wondering what exactly "concealed" means; if I have the knife in my pocket, but not visible, I would consider that concealed. But if the knife is clipped to my pocket and you can obviously see it is a knife, is that considered concealed? What if my shirt is hanging over my pocket and you cannot see the knife at all times?​

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Ugh, wording. Anyway, can you guys help me figure this out? I dont want to have to return my knife, but if need be, I will.​

thanks for all the help!​

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Chubbleton​

 

[Rex G]

Check WA law for a definition of "dangerous" knife. There may very well be a difference in definition between a dangerous knife and, for example, a common pocket knife.

 

[tyme]

If a soccermom can't see that you're carrying a knife, I'd assume a court would view it as concealed carry.

But rex is right. I don't think "dangerous weapon" covers generic 3.9" folders in WA. I'd be much more worried that TPTB would consider it a gravity knife, and therefore consider it illegal whether open or concealed. "dangerous weapon" is not defined by statute. The courts have probably given it some totally BS, vague definition.

It shouldn't be illegal, but like so many other things that shouldn't be illegal, these days you take your chances. Get a non-flickable framelock and stay under 3.5" (Seattle limit) if you want to be really safe. Otherwise, stay away from obviously illegal knives (daggers, autos) and quit worrying about it. You might want to carry a non-threatening framelock if you're going somewhere unusual or going out late, because Terry-stops by cops with protect-the-children attitudes are much more likely in those situations.

IANAL/TINLA.