i have some va knife law questions

[deermaster]

i have looked, and cant find specific answers to my questions.
1) what is the max folder blade length i can legally carry concealed?
2) if i have a fixed blade, carried in a sheath on my belt, is that considered open or concealed carry, because it is in a sheath?
3) is there any limit on blade length that can be openly carried?
4) if a folder exceeds the maximum concealed blade length, can it legally be carried, on my belt, using the clip?
thanks for any answers!

 

[glistam]

1) State law of VA (§ 18.2-308) does not proscribe any limitation on knives that are not a "dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, or razor". In plane terms, folders have no limitation, but fixed blades ("dirk" and "bowie") must be carried openly.

2) Carried in a sheath, but otherwise plainly visible, is considered open carry unless your shirt is covering it. Basically, if I can see that you have a knife there and I know it's a knife, it's open. It's even legal in VA to carry a gun openly in a hip holster, though other people and local police WILL give you a hard time.

3)There is no length limit on anything that is open carried, legally speaking. However, there are social limitations of course. If you shop at the 7-Eleven with a Rambo knife on your hip, it may result in a "weird guy with a huge knife" 911 call and some uncomfortable conversations with the police. Out in the woods camping however nobody will bat an eye.

4)N/A due to lack of length limit.

Be mindful of local county and cities ordinances, as well as rules for specific establishments.

 

[deermaster]

1) State law of VA (§ 18.2-308) does not proscribe any limitation on knives that are not a "dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, or razor". In plane terms, folders have no limitation, but fixed blades ("dirk" and "bowie") must be carried openly.

2) Carried in a sheath, but otherwise plainly visible, is considered open carry unless your shirt is covering it. Basically, if I can see that you have a knife there and I know it's a knife, it's open. It's even legal in VA to carry a gun openly in a hip holster, though other people and local police WILL give you a hard time.

3)There is no length limit on anything that is open carried, legally speaking. However, there are social limitations of course. If you shop at the 7-Eleven with a Rambo knife on your hip, it may result in a "weird guy with a huge knife" 911 call and some uncomfortable conversations with the police. Out in the woods camping however nobody will bat an eye.

4)N/A due to lack of length limit.

Be mindful of local county and cities ordinances, as well as rules for specific establishments.

thanks, i appreciate the great answers :thumbup::thumbup: