Finally leaving New York City and heading to southern New Jersey

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charlesbjr

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Mar 8, 2006
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Well, it took 53 years but I am leaving NYC and moving to southern NJ.

I have to get used to a whole new set of knife laws. But from what I hear, they are not much better than NYC.

I only carry a sub 4" folder, which is NYC legal and any larger knives accompany me only when hunting.

Any good advice for a NJ newbee?

Thanks!
 
Allan DeGroot said:
I'm from NJ myself and why are you moving there? if it is to "retire" Reconsider make a right turn and cross another river and move to Pennsylvania instead!
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LOL! I hear you. It's actually a combination of reasons, including the recent loss of my father (moving closer to my mother) work and we just can't take NYC anymore.

The fact that I bow-hunt in NJ all the time helps!
 
The problem with NJ laws is that they are not proper laws at all! The law says something like you are allowed to carry a knife that is "appropriate" for the circumstances. The problem is that one is then at the mercy and whims of whatever cop and judge one might encounter. In sum, it is largely a notion of whatever level of risk exposure you feel is acceptable from a legal perspective.

I believe I heard Evan Nappen give a talk in which he said that there is case law stating a simple locking knife with blade length around 3in (e.g., a Sebenza) is ok. He actually said that "the state has the burden of proof". Assisted-opening knives or anything too loose are likely to be problematic and you'd have the burden to prove that you're innocent. (Twisted premise on constitutional rights of "assumed innocent until proven guilty".) Remember that even if a knife is ok from a legal perspective, cops in NJ just love to make people's life hard, and having to deal with it in court is bound to be expensive. These days I just stick to Victorinox SAKs and classical folders (e.g., Opinel, MAM) because they are easily recognized and it is really hard to argue against their utilitarian nature.

When I go hunting is a different story, as I pretty much carry whatever I want regardless of size. Hunting, and the other equipment in the car, provides the legal justification. In addition to multiple knives, I usually carry a machete to handle the thorny bushes in my area.
 
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Allan DeGroot said:
I'm from NJ myself and why are you moving there? if it is to "retire" Reconsider make a right turn and cross another river and move to Pennsylvania instead!
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Um no, please stay in NJ or NYC. :D

But seriously, not much improvement from NY to Jersey, sorry.
 
You probably won’t be harassed as much over knives in New Jersey as you would in NYC, but Jersey is still pretty messed up as far as knife laws go. I’d probably go with Enkrig’s advice.
 
Where is South Jersey?
I never have a problem w knives here, guns yea
 
I'm in south NJ as well and the only thing I read is that auto's are a no go. That and whatever a "gravity " knife is. I really want a Pro Tech so I've been reading up on them quite a bit. They are pretty badly worded though. Like, it's not considered a weapon unless it's used as one. You could say the same about anything really. Also, concealment isn't an issue.
 
JD Bear said:
I'm in south NJ as well and the only thing I read is that auto's are a no go. That and whatever a "gravity " knife is. I really want a Pro Tech so I've been reading up on them quite a bit. They are pretty badly worded though. Like, it's not considered a weapon unless it's used as one. You could say the same about anything really. Also, concealment isn't an issue.
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According to the wording in the law, it seems to come down to your ability to demonstrate an “explainable lawful purpose.” I believe autos, gravity knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, etc. are okay to keep at home for collecting purposes. Evan Nappen said he defended a guy who got busted when his vehicle was searched in a traffic stop and several auto knives were found in his trunk. Turned out the guy was a collector and he was transporting them from a show. They proved that in court and got the charges dropped and his knives returned. Use your discretion and make smart choices.
 
Arent the fixed blade laws better in NJ than in NYC? I thought I read that you can carry up to 5” fixed blade in NJ??
 
gamma_nyc said:
Arent the fixed blade laws better in NJ than in NYC? I thought I read that you can carry up to 5” fixed blade in NJ??
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Not sure, but I am reading up on the laws as we speak.

I was in a diner down there this week and two guys were in their camo and each wearing a fixed blade knife - hunters of course. I found that encouraging. I was also happy that no one even took a second look.
 
I mean, going from a 4” blade restriction in NYC to a 5” in NJ is pretty cool... opens up a lot of cool options like a Winkler belt knife, Spartan TT, etc.
 
gamma_nyc said:
Arent the fixed blade laws better in NJ than in NYC? I thought I read that you can carry up to 5” fixed blade in NJ??
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There is no length-related restriction that I'm aware, and I've read the relevant laws. Could this be some kind of town ordinance? If you can provide a reference, it would be highly appreciated.

As Knife_Collector_101 mentioned, the law is written around an “explainable lawful purpose”, which to me sounds like whatever the cops or a judge deems it is ok for you to have. That's sloppiness in law writing, to put it politely.

According to my understanding, when one is out hunting fixed blades and even machetes to clear bush are of course ok because they are integral to the lawful activity that one is engaged in. That said, even if going or coming from hunting and I need to stop somewhere, I would leave the fixed blade knife in the car. (Still have a folder in the pocket :) ) Remember that at that point one is no longer hunting, or strictly *traveling* between places, so a cop looking to make a stink could force the issue to a court, which I very much rather avoid. I would think that knives kept in the car would be ok since the car is integral to the transport between lawful activities (i.e., hunting and home), and is not per se illegal/explicitly denied in the law (e.g., unlike firearms).
 
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