Going on a long hike through washington state, have knives Im woried about

T

The_Guide

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Im hiking down to oregon through washington state from my home in Vancouver BC...

I have several woods blades that I use including a 10" blade fehrman hoodhunter.... I have been trying to find some info about laws there, but I keep finding that it against the law to carry a fixed blade knife... The law keeps stating it as a weapon... but these are camp tools...

Once I get to oregon its all good, but going through washington has me worried... are these blades OK cause they are camping tools?

I wont be carrying them in any urban areas, but Im a bit nervous about having blades on me that are illegal... I will be in the woods for the most part, but just want to be sure whats up.

The tools I have are:
10" Fehrman Hoodhunter
4" Fehrman Peacemaker
13" hand saw
20" axe

Is this one of those tools are ok, weapons are not states? or are all fixed blades simply prohibited?

Im also concerned taking the knives through the border, but thats another thread...

thanks alot!
:thumbup:
 
Its okay to carry a fixed blade in Washington as long as you don't conceal it. I EDC a fixed blade sometimes and have had no problem with the law here. Also, if you carry a blade inside limits of a large city then you'd be in for some trouble, but since you said you're not going urban, you'll be fine. Washington is an open carry state with knives and firearms, so if you carry it not concealed and in the open, you won't have a problem.
 
Tyronethepro said:
Also, if you carry a blade inside limits of a large city then you'd be in for some trouble
Click to expand...
Just ask John Rambo.

State/National Parks/Forests might have additional laws that supersede the basic state laws. I don't know what they might be, but they should be easy enough to find out for someone who isn't as far along into a 6 pack at 8am as I am.
 
Like Tyrone said just keep in mind the difference between open carry and concealed carry; getting over the border with 2 knives a saw and an axe is probably going to be fun, its the tarp, duct tape and gloves that make it seem hinky...
 
There is no law against carrying any size of fixed blade outside a few urban areas in Washington state. If you have good (not self-defense or personal protection) reason to carry it and aren't doing something stupid no one is going to bother you.

During hunting season you see guys wearing handguns and foot long bowie knives all over our little backwoods town.
 
ok, so if I strapped the big blades to the back of my pack, or wore them on my belt it would be OK?

Concealed would count as Inside my pack if I understand things... good thing I got some classy sheaths made up for my woods knives.... it makes them look less intimidating....

Ok, im feeling better about this... thanks guys!
 
Here's the statute:

RCW 9.41.250
Dangerous weapons — Penalty — Exemption for law enforcement officers.

(1) Every person who:

(a) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;

(b) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon;...[may be busted].

Don't carry a double edge knife, as that's the working definition of a "dagger", a butterfly knife, or a switch blade. I haven't seen any big issue with the new breed of "assisted opening" knives. I once had my Leek taken by courthouse security and they handed it back on the way out without comment.

My basic feeling, from 15+ years in criminal law, is that this is the kind of minor issue that results in charges mostly when the cops suspect someone of being up to no good and/or having a crappy attitude and are looking for a reason to roust him. Get in a drunken brawl while carrying a big knife on your belt, and you'll probably get charged. Mind your own business, behave politely and reasonably (you are Canadian, right?), especially if dealing with law enforcement, and you won't have a problem.

If it were me I'd put the knives I didn't expect to need right away inside my pack. Odds are that you're more likely to have a hassle if some nervous Nellie and/or LEO sees a big knife "on display". Cops generally aren't going to go through your pack unless you've already got a big problem with them for some other reason, and as long as it's not in one of the prohibited categories listed above there's no law against carrying it concealed. Also, if some cop does ask for permission to search your stuff, JUST SAY NO. You have that right in the US. They may do it anyway (and for Chrissake don't resist physically if they do) but your lawyer will have a lot more to work with if a problem develops.

Don't advertise that you're Canadian. Especially in the northern part of Washington, there's going to be a thought that "Canadian w/ big backpack headed south"= "BC Bud smuggler". Not saying you do that, but why invite the hassle?
 
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The_Guide said:
ok, so if I strapped the big blades to the back of my pack, or wore them on my belt it would be OK?

Concealed would count as Inside my pack if I understand things... good thing I got some classy sheaths made up for my woods knives.... it makes them look less intimidating....

Ok, im feeling better about this... thanks guys!
Click to expand...

Yeah, you got it. I run around with a 9" bushcrafter in a leather sheath and I've never had trouble from the law. They stop me and ask why I'm carrying it and I've had some ask where I can get one too. If you wear it on your belt or strap it to your pack you're fine.

and You're welcome :)
 
For what it is worth, I normally carry my oversize blades in my pack (concealed?) when hiking and never worry about the law. There is next to no chance you are going to meet a cop on the trail and if you do he isn't going to bother you without a very good reason.

Do the Mounties sneak around on back country hiking trails looking for a chance to bust someone a knife charge?
 
Concerned about crossing the border? Here in the USA, we don't have border checkpoints between states...
Or are you referring to the Canadian border?

Edited... Should have read more thoroughly... I see that you are Canadian.
As these others have said, just stow the big ones in your pack until you pitch camp and need to use them. You should be fine.
 
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Im not 100% positive on the cops that you might run into but i think that most cops don't/know care for the exact law of the local region your in. Its more of the way you carry yourself with the knife. If a cop feels threatened by you he is gonna take it away legal or not. So while you can open carry a 10in fixed blade if your brandishing it in a city center.... your asking for trouble... if you are chopping wood with it in a forest.... i think your fine.

Cops are people and they follow common sense. Just be cooperative and there should be no problem.
 
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