fixed blade on the outside of a pack

J

jscalia

Joined
Dec 11, 2006
Messages
126
Attaching a 4 inch fixed blade on the exterior of a daypack/commuter bag...good or bad idea? This is not my hiking pack, just a daily go-to bag.

Could you get in trouble for that? Does it draw too much unwanted attention?
 
If you really need access to the knife so frequently that you don't want it inside your pack, then why not just wear it on your belt?
 
Are you communting by public carrier??

You didn't put in the State in which you live and would be "commuting" by public carrier so it is difficult to know what your State laws might be regarding your question. Public carriers and common carriers have different laws in different States. (And some laws are Federal, regarding same.)

Many States would forbid you to do it; some would not. Check your State's laws!

As for me, I'd not do it as I wouldn't want the attention from fellow passengers it would draw. I'd put it inside my pack.

Just my opinion.

L.W.
 
In general, it is better to be more discreet. However it depends on state law.
 
Why send out a message that says "STEAL ME!"

Tuck it inside a pocket.
 
I think that's better if you keep the knife inside your bag.
Even if your state laws permit to keep it outside, IMHO it's better not to show knives more than necessary.
In the woods, it would be different.
 
I am assuming you would carry the bag in crowded areas and not just keep it stashed in the trunk of your car. I think it could draw unwanted attention, possibly even by those who would want to steal it. Hopefully not in an attempt to use it against you, but you never know. I would not want to carry a knife like that except maybe in the wilderness. In the city I would want to have it very close to my body so I could keep control over it at all times.

Regarding legality, it is my understanding that you have more legal problems if the knife is concealed, so carrying it openly like that seems better in general from a legal standpoint. I don't think you would get into legal trouble for that unless you live in one of the most restrictive places. However, if you conceal it inside the bag or elsewhere "about your person," I think you are in danger of violating the concealed weapon laws of most US states.

The safest options would be to wear it on your belt or carry a folder.
 
if you like the option of the knife being part of the bag because it makes life simpler (ie: doesn't snag when getting in and out of the car, or when sitting at desk) consider fixing it to the shoulder strap (how about sharp edge away from the neck hah!)
then it is very obvious... so design the sheath so as to hide everything.
 
I agree w/ the above posters. Even petty thieves are good at distraction and it would be too easy for them to remove it while you were distracted. If you wouldn't carry a wallet this way, don't carry a knife either.
 
I might be wrong on this, but I thought that a knife on the bag was not concealed carry. That the knife has to be attached to the body or in a clothing item that is being worn for it to be considered concealed.
 
Legal and social considerations aside, there are other potential drawbacks to carrying a fixed blade on the outside of a pack in populated areas, such as making it easily accessible to others who might use it as a weapon against you or someone else, having it get lost, etc.
 
The fact that you have to ask makes me want to say no. If it seems weird to you, it's probably is.

Towns up north where I hunt. No one will bat an eye if you carry a 9" bowie on your belt. In the city, people would crap themselves at the sight of a box cutter. Same province, same law, different interperate differently.
 
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