Is it legal to carry a fixed blade in wooded parts of Pennsylvania? I'm not from PA so that is why i am asking. I would like to do some photography of abandoned structures in some parts of PA but not sure about the wildlife in the areas so that is why i am asking. If you could help me i would appreciate it. Thanks.
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Fixed blade in Pennsylvania
- Thread starter Plaid
- Start date
Jaxx
Moderator
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2006
- Messages
- 19,790
Hi Plaid 
I'll try to answer this as best I can for ya, BUT I'm not a lawyer, and my answer does not count as legal advice.
Im guessing that by saying wooded, you mean rural, yes?
I live in PA., and to the best of my knowledge, there is no restriction at the state level to carry a fixed blade, but there are a few things to consider... (I'm not sure about double-edged fixed blades, and recommend that you not carry one). Unless you have a CWP, that knife must be clearly visible in its sheath or you may be charged with a concealed weapons offense. In the field, you want it out where you can draw it quickly anyway if protection from animal attack is why you're carrying.
IN ADDITION, I recommend that you carry a fixed blade that does not cause reactions from any people who are around you... In fact, while not 'in the field' I'd remove it so as to not gain unwanted attention, as police officers really are the ones to make the decision on whether or not your exposed fixed blade knife counts as 'disturbing the peace'... and may decide to confiscate it until you plead your case to the judge.
So... These legal issues count: 1) The knife should be worn be in clear view, and...
2) Don't wear anything that you feel may cause the general public to be nervous, i.e. a Busse Battle Mistress might not be a good choice for an afternoon out in the field, but a nice personal Dozier shouldn't alarm anyone. If you are going to be alone with no one else but those with you around, then maybe bring the Busse, but take it off before encountering other people in public places.
I have read the state statute... dig back further here in the laws section to find a copy of it... It's a prohibited weapons statute and makes no clear stance on type except auto's, daggers (daggers being double edged does suggest that double edged knives may be considered to be illegal for carry), etc., and no stance on size, but being hazy, it is interpreted in many ways. Also, try to check county laws and ordinances to be sure. Another suggestion would be to call the closest Pennsylvania State Police barracks to where you'll be in the field, and ask the trooper who answers the phone. Theyre usually very helpful. :thumbup:
I'm a big fan of knives, and find them very useful, but if you are going to be out in the field alone, may I suggest a large can of bear repellent spray and a nice baseball bat or an axe handle to back up that knife? A black bear should be the biggest threat that you'd encounter, and a face full of spray coupled with some blunt force trauma might soften it up a bit for the knife!
I'd love to hear some PA. Law officers & troopers, from all 4 corners of 'Penn's Woods', clear the air on PA. knife carry issues here on the Forum!
...Please?!
Anyway, I hope this helps ya. Stay safe!
Jaxx
I'll try to answer this as best I can for ya, BUT I'm not a lawyer, and my answer does not count as legal advice.
Im guessing that by saying wooded, you mean rural, yes?
I live in PA., and to the best of my knowledge, there is no restriction at the state level to carry a fixed blade, but there are a few things to consider... (I'm not sure about double-edged fixed blades, and recommend that you not carry one). Unless you have a CWP, that knife must be clearly visible in its sheath or you may be charged with a concealed weapons offense. In the field, you want it out where you can draw it quickly anyway if protection from animal attack is why you're carrying.
IN ADDITION, I recommend that you carry a fixed blade that does not cause reactions from any people who are around you... In fact, while not 'in the field' I'd remove it so as to not gain unwanted attention, as police officers really are the ones to make the decision on whether or not your exposed fixed blade knife counts as 'disturbing the peace'... and may decide to confiscate it until you plead your case to the judge.
So... These legal issues count: 1) The knife should be worn be in clear view, and...
2) Don't wear anything that you feel may cause the general public to be nervous, i.e. a Busse Battle Mistress might not be a good choice for an afternoon out in the field, but a nice personal Dozier shouldn't alarm anyone. If you are going to be alone with no one else but those with you around, then maybe bring the Busse, but take it off before encountering other people in public places.
I have read the state statute... dig back further here in the laws section to find a copy of it... It's a prohibited weapons statute and makes no clear stance on type except auto's, daggers (daggers being double edged does suggest that double edged knives may be considered to be illegal for carry), etc., and no stance on size, but being hazy, it is interpreted in many ways. Also, try to check county laws and ordinances to be sure. Another suggestion would be to call the closest Pennsylvania State Police barracks to where you'll be in the field, and ask the trooper who answers the phone. Theyre usually very helpful. :thumbup:
I'm a big fan of knives, and find them very useful, but if you are going to be out in the field alone, may I suggest a large can of bear repellent spray and a nice baseball bat or an axe handle to back up that knife? A black bear should be the biggest threat that you'd encounter, and a face full of spray coupled with some blunt force trauma might soften it up a bit for the knife!
I'd love to hear some PA. Law officers & troopers, from all 4 corners of 'Penn's Woods', clear the air on PA. knife carry issues here on the Forum!
...Please?!Anyway, I hope this helps ya. Stay safe!
Jaxx