Do You Worry About "Legal" Blade Length??

Until they start posting knife size limit signs next to speed signs, I'll just go ahead and assume that while I'm driving around, there's no limit, same for walking.

Don't want my pocket knife in that building? Don't put up a sign saying "no weapons" with the picture of a pistol.

I've never had a problem with blade size.
 
In Sydney, Australia you are not allowed to carry a knife unless you have a ''good'' reason such as fishing or food prep. Stuff it, I always carry one of my babies on me... I've been extra nervous of late as I just got a CS Rajah 2. I often take one of my colourful blades such as my orange grip or blue delica, though i'm not sure the pretty colours will convince the law.. Oh well!
 
Shmicka said:
In Sydney, Australia you are not allowed to carry a knife unless you have a ''good'' reason such as fishing or food prep. Stuff it, I always carry one of my babies on me... I've been extra nervous of late as I just got a CS Rajah 2. I often take one of my colourful blades such as my orange grip or blue delica, though i'm not sure the pretty colours will convince the law.. Oh well!
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i've carried in Australia for over 15 years now, cops generally wont know unless you go out of your way to be noticed.
 
I pretty much carry what I want. Living within a couple miles of three different jurisdictions (Virginia, Maryland, D.C) I consider the laws and adjust my discretion accordingly.
 
Charlie Mike said:
What I don't get...

Killing another human is illegal. Injuring another human is illegal. Does it matter what you use to do the deed?
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Wrong, killing or injuring another person is not necessarily illegal. It depends on the circumstances.

Did you really believe there is no such thing as a justifiable homicide?
 
I happen to have a preference for smaller knives, particularly non-locking slipjoints, so the knives I carry are legal most places I go. I pay attention to my state laws but like most in southern California, I travel in and out of different cities and counties all the time. I admit I am a bit fuzzy on local knife laws of each city or county I visit so I carry what I want and behave myself.
 
see for me, i do worry about it.. in VA, i have heard many different things.. many people say 4", many LEO's have quoted different rules to me, including the palm rule, etc. I looked up the actual state law, and nothing is stated about length. I tried to look up the county law, but I can't find anything, so I am not sure what to believe. I have heard everything from 3.5" to 5"

My preferred blade length on a folder is 3.5" to 4, so i have alot of knives in that length
 
i carry what is legal...don't need any legal probs or hassle issues; got more pressing problems to deal with...don't got tough guy or look-at-me syndrome either...

i think i can make it through the day with whatever the legal allowable length is.
 
Actually, most coppers are taught to use your drivers license/State ID card to measure blade length. That gives you a nominal 3 3/8 inches length, and is about right for a 3" edge. A tad over makes it "legal" for places with a 3 1/2 inch rule.

Federal buildings, some municipal buildings and Post Offices, the 'legal' length varies from 2 1/2 inches to no blade period.

During the years I had a badge in my pocket I NEVER patted anyone down for a knife, UNLESS they were headed 'downtown' for some other reason.

Probable cause is the requirement, "I think he looks sleazy" is not probable cause.

State Law in CO says 3.5 ", my Kershaw Blur meets that, and fits right snugly next to my 1911A1. Not woried about other jurisdictions or their rules, truth is neither is anyone else.

Just driving from this side of the rockpile to Denver would put me in a couple dozen different jurisdictions, Life's too short to get all worked up over inconsequential details.

As always, JMHO, YMMV and that's cool too.

Regards,
) ...
 
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CL01 said:
Personally, I don't "worry" about it, but I consider it. Fortunately, CA & most of the cities here that I find myself in, don't have a blade length limit for a folding knife.

That said, there's a big difference between "getting away" with carrying an illegal length blade knife & actually using it in a SD situation. In other words, it might be fine if you don't get caught, but if you end up actually using (Hope one never does, but it can), then you could be in trouble & it's not going to be just a simple confiscation.

I also hate to say it, but many LE are not that well informed on their states knife laws. They'll have a general knowledge of it, but might not have a specialized one of it. Chalk that up to training or lack of it as Depts try making due with less & less these days, which includes training.

It's not the case in CA, but I notice that some states have different limit laws for people with or W/O CCWs (Weapons permit allowing concealed carry of a firearm), so that needs to taken into consideration.
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in all fairness, i think it's more accurate to "chalk that up to.." the fact that there are possibly thousands of laws in each state. i seriously believe if any person could memorize them ALL, he/she would not be the type of person capable of enforcing them. you used the phrase "general knowledge of it". i really think that all you can hope for. i happen to know Chapter 790, really well, but traffic law.... eh... that's not really my area. this doesn't mean i have a lack of training, it means i'm a human and not a walking statute book.

now, what really does get me worked up is - cops who don't fully understand the law, but can't admit it and force their best guess on somebody as the law. that's not cool :mad:
 
dnuggett said:
Wrong, killing or injuring another person is not necessarily illegal. It depends on the circumstances.

Did you really believe there is no such thing as a justifiable homicide?
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Thanks for pointing that out. I was referring to non justifiable.
 
I think the danish knife law is completely irrational and the only reason I follow it is becourse If I'm caught with a ilegal knife then it will severely hinder my ability to get a job. I'm moving to germany when I finish my education where the law is somewhat better, if its worsened alot there at that time then its off to finland czech replublic or austria.
 
Indiana has no length limit. I can carry a full sized bowie and not worry. However, I live half an hour from the Michigan border and crosses once in a while, so I often EDC a 3" folder.

There was a story on the newspaper about a guy involved in altercation up there. He had a knife (although he didn't use it), but since it was 3" he got away with it. I'm quite sure that if his knife was longer than 3" they'd have nailed him for intent, based on Michigan's language of the law.
 
It really don't worry about it at all. In my state there is no legal length limit for a folder, except as dictated by individual counties and cities. There are so many that it isn't worth keeping track, and additionally no self respecting officer would trouble you over 1/8 inches of steel if you were using it in a sane manner.
 
As far as I know there's no length limit in Ohio, but there might be in certain cities. I do try to be more discreet when I'm in the city, but I carry what I want. My largest folder is a 3.5 inch blade, so it's not even a ridiculous size if I do happen to get checked. However, I don't try to attract undue attention to myself and I don't advertise the fact that I have a knife ( or two... or three...) on me at any given time. So far it's worked perfectly for me.
 
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