getting pulled over with more than one knife?

[bexteck]

As has been stated before, traffic stops very rarely raise to the level of a consent search. However, if I asked an individual if they are carrying any weapons, received a negative response, and then found a knife or multiples there of I would not be happy. Although I agree with the "It's a tool" line of thought, the intention of the question is clear. Maybe that's why my line is usually something like "Do you have any weapons, guns, knives, needles, grenades, ballistic missiles?" The last often draws a smile and puts people at ease. Or I'll use "Is there anything in your pocket that might hurt me?" That line only gets used when a frisk is definitely on the way.

These are only my personal style. Nothing more.

Covering all the possible things a person might be carrying has got to be the best policy. That way a person's interpretation won't be mistaken for an attempt to conceal something or the other way around.

I've heard LEO's list over the top items like your "grenades and ballistic missiles" and look at their reactions; If they fail to smile or laugh, they tend to be hiding something.

 

[Menocu]

I used to act like a real peckerhead when dealing with police, which would usually result in my person being searched, and my vehicle being tossed (leaving me to put everything back when nothing was found).

In the past ten years, I've gone the don't-be-a-peckerhead route, and have never since been asked "do you have any weapons," "please step out of the vehicle", etc. - let alone been asked to consent to any kind of search.

While a folding knife with a blade under 4" isnt a 'weapon' here, if a cop asked if I had any weapons on me I'd just say something like "I don't know if they're "weapons" but I have a couple of pocket knives in <location>" just to make sure I don't appear to be deceptive. Things tend to go smoother if you go out of your way to cooperate (within reason).

 

[Chin Mullet]

I often carry 2 knives on me and have one in my car. I don't even think twice if I ever get pulled over. I haven't been stopped in the last 8 years though. I'm a law abiding citizen. If I were asked if I had weapons on me my reply would be "I don't have any weapons but I do carry pocket knives as they come in handy most days". I've been standing within 3 feet of cops before at social events and I noticed them notice my clip, and they never said a word. It's all about how you hold yourself.

I like the guy here who just said "don't be a peckerhead". That's some very sound advice.

 

[iceaxe]

Personally, if asked specifically about a "weapon" under those circumstances, I'd answer something like "no, but I have a couple of pocket knives on me so watch out for my [right front, back, etc.] pocket." This is a perfectly honest response that not only demonstrates your willingness to cooperate, but also respect for the man, his job, and his safety. Believe it or not, traffic stops are one of the most dangerous duties cops perform -- feeling safe and in control of the situation is difficult when you're alone, standing on a highway, and peering into some stranger's car.

And if you're still concerned about how an LEO might react to you when carrying multiple knives...ask one (w/o the knives on you). I do this all the time at convenience stores, usually in the parking lot. I've asked cops where the best handgun ranges are, if they like the SIG they're carrying, if they'll recommend a store, etc. They almost always answer enthusiastically, I suspect because they know all too well that people carry guns and knives, and prefer educated carriers.