Hmm, the thought axe, tomahawk is not a weapon?

G

Glock26

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Nov 3, 2009
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hey all, I'm a knife guy been into knives since fisher price came out with their outdoors kit for kids aged 5-7. With that said, fast forward this thought came to mind, under certain Penal Codes dirks, daggers, knives, billy bats, metal knuckles, nunchucks, and switch blades etc are all regulated under law to possess and carry. but not tomahawks, axes, and hatchets. Does this means that I can carry a axe, tomahawk, and hatchet with disregard of p.c laws regulating certain other weapons? Please don't let this turn into a P.C law argument this is a thought. Why carry a big knife breaking the law while I can carry a compact tomahawk and be law abiding? The reason I thought of this is with all these wicked looking tomahawks, axes they look like a great tool to carry.
 
Up here in Canada we can carry pretty much what we like other than the usual switchblades, push daggers etc. Our laws are based on intent of use so saying it's for self defence will get you arrested. If you say it's a tool you're legal. We have no maximum length of blade other than the odd (very odd) municipal laws. Up here concealed weapons are illegal, it has to be in full sight. Guess this doesn't help you much though. ;-)

Best regards

Robin
 
Pipeman said:
Up here in Canada we can carry pretty much what we like other than the usual switchblades, push daggers etc. Our laws are based on intent of use so saying it's for self defence will get you arrested. If you say it's a tool you're legal. We have no maximum length of blade other than the odd (very odd) municipal laws. Up here concealed weapons are illegal, it has to be in full sight. Guess this doesn't help you much though. ;-)

Best regards

Robin
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Glock not trying to Poach your thread? but wanted to ask Pipeman does this include pocket knives? Does one clipped to your pocket pass? does it have to be on your belt?
 
Hey biglapdog.
First and formost the law is based on intent of use but secondly on concealment so technically if a cop wanted to be a jerk they could bust you for a pocket knife hidden in your pocket. I always carry at least 3 slip joints but one is always in a pouch on my belt to start the conversation off on the right foot. The police seem to be more interested in whether or not the knife will flick open like a gravity knife, if it shake open you'r busted for an illegal weapon. The real deal is to NEVER say the knife is for self defence thus admitting that You consider it as a weapon. I once walked down University Ave in Toronto with 4 Japanese swords over my shoulder (going to see a friend at the museum). Walked by 4 cops, not one word from them.

Best regards

Robin
 
I think a lot of jurisdictions leave the laws vague to account for all of the random weapons in the world. I know some of the laws say something to the effect of "Anything other then a typical pocket knife." Which means they can interpret that to mean your tomahawk. However I'm no lawyer and it may very well be legal.
 
Good question. I think what I would do is drive your pick up to the nearest gas station. Have your hatchet in your belt, and visible. Walk into said gas station and go grab a coca cola. Walk to counter, pay. Then walk out. What happens will tell the story. Worth a try.
 
I've walked in liberal land of Los Angeles with my fixed blade on my side whether it was from a days work doing yard work or coming or going to a hiking, fishing, outdoor activity no big deal. For instance, I went urban fishing in the middle of the city and had my 6" fixed on my side and had a one on one conversation with a warden that did not even mention a thing. Again, this is how society perceives your profile. Look like up to no good you will be treated like no good. Be clean cut, tucked in shirt pants, back pac big knife on the side no big deal.
 
Glock26 said:
Again, this is how society perceives your profile. Look like up to no good you will be treated like no good. Be clean cut, tucked in shirt pants, back pac big knife on the side no big deal.
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True enough though I'm not clean cut or tuck my shirt in. :D I generally just carry what I want and not worry about the law to be honest though what I carry is pretty innocuous. I'm not a criminal nor do I want to hurt anyone so it's worth the 1 in a million chance I'll get searched to not have to read every law in every jurisdiction I go into. It's not uncommon in my day to day life to travel through over a half a dozen different jurisdictions just to go from work, to my girlfriends, and then back home.
 
I think most states would still consider a concealed hawk or axe a 'concealed weapon' regardless of initial intent. Every state has it's own rules and every city in that state has it's own interpretation of that law as well. As long as the hawk is in plain site I doubt you will have any problems with the good gentlemen of your local law enforcement agency. I am no cop but I do have to enforce weapons legislation on US Embassy property. Intent does play a important role, with my guys, if the item is intentionally concealed than it's considered a weapon.
 
When I was surveying I would sometimes have to be in a built up area or even have to go into stores with my tool belt on which always had an 18" machete on it. No one ever even looked at me twice because I looked like I belonged and was working. I have found that as long as you don't look out of place with what you are doing/ wearing/ carrying people won't even notice you or look at you twice. I always keep some ball pein hammers handy j.i.c. In the land of the draconian NYC I have to keep my guns upstate and must rely on blades and other "tools" for carry.
All that being said, if you were to carry a hatchet on a belt holster and it didn't look out of place (i.e. you are wearing a three piece suit) you probably wouldn't have any trouble. On the other hand if it were something like a Megalodon or Rattlehawk, unless you were in an appropriate setting, you would probably have problems not only with LEO types but with the general public. In an area where open pistol/firearm carry is allowed and even encouraged no problems. Walk down the sidewalk with even a single barrel shotgun/ .22 somewhere like NYC and prepare to take fire/be arrested/ have trouble. Hope this helps get the thoughts flowing..
 
All that being said, if you were to carry a hatchet on a belt holster and it didn't look out of place (i.e. you are wearing a three piece suit) you probably wouldn't have any trouble. On the other hand if it were something like a Megalodon or Rattlehawk, unless you were in an appropriate setting, you would probably have problems not only with LEO types but with the general public.
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Hatchet, a handier device with flat head for hammering and edge for chopping will almost certainly passed for a camp/working tool much like carrying a ball pein hammer.
Rattlehawk or any spiked axe, though refreshing will be interpreted as weapon; What is that spike for? it looks like it's meant for hooking...

A lot of times villagers here are seen riding motorcycles with their parangs or axes sheathed or at least covered by rolled newspaper and never was called by LEO.
If i walk around smartly dressed with a kitchen knife it would be a totally moot thing in the eyes of on-looker.
 
As for Germany: axes are seen as tools so you can carry them through the city centre, if you so desire. Luckily, we don't have the concept of concealed vs open carry, so you could do both.

The only exception is axes/hatchets that are designed as weapons (intent of manufacturer is relevant to a degree). So you will run into problems with anything spikey or otherwise nasty looking. Therefore, tomahawks are a bit of a grey area, but I guess you will be alright with anything that looks civil.


Ookami
 
The idea of a concealable full on tomahawk I have looked into. Usually it involves me welding and cutting a police ASP and some 4140 steel. I have also made others. The spike is usually more like a ripping claw and shorter....like a fire axe or a climbing ice axe- screwdriver like. As the spike is not big, they dont look menacing. I would never carry any hawk or hatchet concealed though. Better in a belt sheath dressed appropriately than tucked into your belt under a jacket.
 
Instead of a spike on the back, I would want a kama style sickle blade. I've used my kama to cut tree limbs and gather them up to carry them, works really well on black berry vines. More of a tool use to an onlooker, but effective weapon. Though it may also make the thing appear more violent and devious. lol
 
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