(Irrational, perhaps) fear of getting hassled

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Nov 28, 2003
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Hello:

I hope this isn't too sensitive an issue, but I'd like to know if anyone on this forum has ever ended up in trouble with law enforcement simply due to carrying a knife. Here's why I ask:

I've carried a SAK as my EDC for over 10 years. I'm thinking about adding a mid-sized folder (like a Griptilian or Delica) to my daily carry. But in the back of my mind, I have this semi-paranoid worry that the folder could get me in trouble. My line of thinking is that a SAK is easier to explain away to law enforcement as a tool, whereas a single-bladed, locking folder is clearly a KNIFE.

I live in a regular town and mind my own business. I suspect there are hundreds of other guys around here like me that carry mid-sized EDCs with no worry at all.

I actually hope this thread gets no replies. I'm just interested in carrying a regular EDC and not being hassled. Is this a legitimate worry? Your experience and advice is welcomed. :)

Thanks.
 
If there's a local knife shop or sporting good store in the area, ask there, chances are they have a good idea of local laws and attitudes about such things. Good Luck.
 
I never had any problems. The police aren't going to just stop you and ask to search you for illegal weapons if you aren't doing anything to warrant it.
 
As long as it's legal to carry, and as long as you're not doing anything questionable whilst carrying it, you shouldn't run into any hassle whatsoever, except perhaps the occasional sheeple remark or funny look (stuff like "oh my god, who you gonna kill with that thing?" when you trim a loose thread on your shirt).

Words like "weapon" and "tool" are subjective in that they can apply to the same object. What matters is how it's used. Obviously, a knife carried and used as a tool is just that, a tool. It's only a weapon if used or intended for use as such.

I find the best way to shrug off sheeple remarks is to be straightforeward, calm, and nonchalant. As tempting as it is to be argumentative and annoyed at ignorant people like that, going off on them with a knife in your hand isn't the best way to go about things. :D

The fact is that if you're within the law, then that's that. Clearly, you have the right attitude, so you should be just fine. It still doesn't hurt to carry a SAK as well as a regular folder, for those situations where you'd really feel awkward pulling out a bigger knife, like clipping coupons in line at Safeway, or trimming a fingernail.

FYI, there is no length limit in the state of Virgina (although county/city ordinances might have some), concealed or open, folding or fixed. No autos though, and I'm not sure about balisongs. A Griptillian or Delica would be just fine.
 
Moving to Knife Laws ...
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Sorry about posting in the wrong forum. But thanks for the replies. I appreciate the input.
 
I wouldn't worry too much, here in Virginia, certainly not with a Delica, Griptilian, or any other folder that is intended (by the maker, not you) to be used as a tool, rather than a weapon.

A folding dagger could be questionable, given the case law holding that a balisong is a "weapon of like kind" to a dirk or dagger. Even then, it's only illegal to carry a balisong concealed.
 
Walking Man said:
If there's a local knife shop or sporting good store in the area, ask there, chances are they have a good idea of local laws and attitudes about such things. Good Luck.
Click to expand...

Yeah well i was just in a knife shop recently when I asked about the law and he fed me something absolutely safe albiet wrong about the knife laws in my state. This is in a shop devoted to knives and other sharp objects too! If the knife/practice is legal make sure you know your rights, be polite but don't be overly submissive.
 
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