Great news from NJ State Police!!!

S

-sro-

Joined
Aug 1, 2009
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I was expecting a definite NO since this is NJ but they said it was completely legal to carry a fixed blade knife on your person in the state!!!

I will be replacing my edc to a RC-3mil !!!!!!!
 
Surprising but grats. What are the stipulations, such as carry openly, max blade length, etc?
 
The statute is unclear. It does not specify a specific blade length for edc, nor does it reference a specific type of carry.

The detective on the phone specifically mentioned belt carry and thats what I plan to do.
 
It sure is legal. We don't even have a specific blade length limit, either, but you can't sell a knife over 5" blade, 10" overall to a minor. As long as the knife, fixed or folder, isn't garishly inappropriate to the task at hand, you're good. This leaves room for the urban areas to hassle people, but out here in the suburbs, no one really cares what knives you've got.

Ken C. and I get together for lunch at a local diner and show off our newest purchases. People look over from nearby tables and the waiters stop by to play with the knives.
 
cool but I would call and get it alittle more defined ,just say I have a fixed bladed with and overall length of XXX blade length is XXX is it okay to EDC,plain view or hidden
 
Yes I was very thorough in my questions with the detective. I mentioned specifically the dimensions of the rc-3 and rc-4 and he said I was completely within the law.
 
Congrats! NJ is kinda crazy, but thats good to hear. Keep in mind though, your actions will reflect on how the intent of having a knife is viewed. I know it's specifically mentioned in NYS law. If carried during the commission of any crime, they can assume illegal intent with regard to the knife. Sounds easy, but in theory get caught tossing a beer bottle at a road sign, or tresspassing and you're looking at a weapons charge tacked on. It's BS, but it's one more thing added on the list to clean up in court.

I'm not saying don't carry. Just be more mindful of your actions when you do.
 
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That is cool. I have openly carried a fixed blade, and even had a cop ask me to see it once. Never had a problem with the law, though. Cool beans :thumbup:
 
Congrats, that's one of the things (of the very few) that I can stand about Illinois. As bad as this state is for gun owners, knife carry it pretty simple.
 
Just keep in mind, in the letter of the law it might be legal, but chances are good that you'll be more up to date on the laws regarding knife carry than any officer who might search you.

I spent my first 30 years in NJ and the last 10 of that very close to law enforcement. The majority of police officers will still tell you that a fixed blade is considered a "dirk or dagger" thus is illegal and blade length is to be no more than the width of your palm.

We are knife people and we know these things not to be true but were not the ones with arrest powers and the ability to confiscate "contraband".
 
shotgunner11 said:
Just keep in mind, in the letter of the law it might be legal, but chances are good that you'll be more up to date on the laws regarding knife carry than any officer who might search you.

I spent my first 30 years in NJ and the last 10 of that very close to law enforcement. The majority of police officers will still tell you that a fixed blade is considered a "dirk or dagger" thus is illegal and blade length is to be no more than the width of your palm.

We are knife people and we know these things not to be true but were not the ones with arrest powers and the ability to confiscate "contraband".
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Well said.

It is wise to use common sense as everyone (LEO incuded) interprets things in different ways. Don't walk into a bank to pay your mortgage wearing a RC3 Mil on your belt. Just saying.
 
-sro- said:
and why not??


the law is the law lol.
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Not always so simple. I try to stay under the radar as much as possible. Also, considering my bank prohibits hoodies, sunglasses and hats, I'm pretty sure knives are on the list. (granted I wear all into it from time to time). As for being within the law, it doesn't always guarantee you won't have trouble to deal with. I'd avoid phrases like 'the law is the law' to those enforcing it, they don't react well to it. You may be right, but the hassle you're going to go through, not usually worth it.
 
-sro- said:
and why not??


the law is the law lol.
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I can legally carry a blade up to just shy of 3" in my state, but if i venture into the a very large city whose border is just 10 miles from my home, it drops to 2.5". Because the state police tell me it's ok doesn't mean the city police will be ok with that.
So as you see, the law is not really the law even within a state.

After your arrest (enter Miranda Rights here), initial jail time and bail are posted, you are then free to retain an attorney for several thousand dollars, miss work for court appearances, and convince the Judge or a jury of your peers that you were within the law. You may actually convince them too!
 
they will reimburse me!

anyway I am not going to go around rambo style, and it will probably be mostly covered up.
 
I seem to remember reading my local knife and "weapons" law for RI, and there are contradictions, holes and omissions that can be argued about three ways and all three can be correct...

...So I don't carry anything more than a Delica and multitool on my person. All the "goodies" I keep in the truck:thumbup:
 
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