Ka-Bar in OH

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Runawayemu

Joined
Sep 30, 2012
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Hi, I'm thinking of buying a classic Ka-Bar 7" Black fighting knife just because it's totally badass! I live in OH and the laws are pretty vague. I don't plan on carrying it anywhere it's just for my own enjoyment and to put on display. Something about knives just interests me, but if the police come into my home for some reason, would I get in trouble for having it? The way I understand it is I can posess any type of knife but the problem lies in carrying it. And if I can have it in my home, what about transporting it? If I had it in the back seat of my car to show my uncle (he likes knives too) and got pulled over, would I get in trouble for that? Thanks in advance!
 
No state prohibits owning a fixed blade knife in your home. That would be absurd and unenforceable, because the kitchen knives are really big too (and strangely enough are the most common type of edged murder weapon).

Ohio state laws says:
No person shall knowingly carry or have, concealed on the person’s person or concealed ready at hand, any of the following:
(1) A deadly weapon other than a handgun;
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[Source: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2923.12]

Take note of the underlined words. This is a specific prohibition. If the knife is carried openly in plain site, or is in a concealed location but is mostly inaccessible, (packed up in a box in side a backpack or in the trunk of a car), it is legal.
 
glistam said:
No state prohibits owning a fixed blade knife in your home. That would be absurd and unenforceable, because the kitchen knives are really big too (and strangely enough are the most common type of edged murder weapon).

Ohio state laws says:


[Source: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/2923.12]

Take note of the underlined words. This is a specific prohibition. If the knife is carried openly in plain site, or is in a concealed location but is mostly inaccessible, (packed up in a box in side a backpack or in the trunk of a car), it is legal.
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So I could legally strap it to my hip in the sheath in public? I don't really plan on doing it but I like to know the law even if it doesn't apply to me. Would you have to be a certain age or have a permit to do so?
 
Though you would undoubtedly be questioned for walking around with a fixed blade.
 
you wouldnt need to have a permit but you have to be careful where you carry it for instnace you couldnet carry it in most towns or citys they usually have their own ordinance like my town says that fixed blades must be under 4 in to carry it in town but once you get out of the city limits you can carry what ever you want
 
Runawayemu said:
So I could legally strap it to my hip in the sheath in public? I don't really plan on doing it but I like to know the law even if it doesn't apply to me. Would you have to be a certain age or have a permit to do so?
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Like the others pointed out: Sort of. Some cities might have municipal laws against the open carry of knives like this. And even if they don't, urban people are usually more scared of big knives and might call the police anyway even if there is no law. Even if the cop who shows up technically can't arrest you, that's going to be an awkward conversation.

On the other hand, if you wanted to wear you Ka-bar out in the bush like on a hike or while fishing, that's almost always fine because large knives in those situations make sense and are obviously possessed to be used as a tool.
 
I don't know Ohio law and I've never met any Ohio police officers, but I just want to comment on the idea that if a person openly carries a fixed-blade that they will automatically be stopped/hassled by the police. I live in San Diego, and I have openly carried a fixed-blade throughout the urban areas of San Diego every day for the past eight years. I carry one in restaurants, stores, and all other maner of public places. Several cops have seen me carry it, I've walked right past cops in stores and fast-food joints, close enough to exchange "howdys" and polite smiles. On one occasion a group of cops were in a fast-food joint sitting at a table and I stood right in front of them, knife fully exposed to them, while I placed my take-out order and stood there for a while waiting for my food. And yet, despite all the cops who have seen me carrying, despite the fact that one of my fixed-blades is black, very "tactical"-looking and was carried in a drop-leg sheath, and despite the fact that I am a biker and look the part, not one single cop has ever said a single negative word to me about my knife.

Only on ONE occasion did a cop stop me, and that was to give me a friendly warning that the bottom of my jacket had momentarily covered my knife (in a back-pocket sheath) and he didn't want me to get into trouble for carrying a "conceald" knife. The cop never took the knife from my possession, he never asked my name, never asked to see my ID, and never questioned why I was carrying the knife. He just gave me a quick "heads-up", I adjusted my jacket, thanked him, and I was on my bike and on my way. The entire event took less than a minute.

Now naturally, experiences may vary. And naturally if a person openly carries a knife where it is illegal to do so they should expect to meet some cops. I just provide this post, and my personal experience, to try and dispel the myth that openly carrying a legal fixed-blade will automatically bring unwanted attention from the cops.

I should also point out that in the past eight years that not one single civilian has ever said a negative word to me about my knife.

I say, enjoy your rights and enjoy your freedoms under the law without fear. Isn't that what America is all about.
 
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killgar said:
I don't know Ohio law and I've never met any Ohio police officers, but I just want to comment on the idea that if a person openly carries a fixed-blade that they will automatically be stopped/hassled by the police. I live in San Diego, and I have openly carried a fixed-blade throughout the urban areas of San Diego every day for the past eight years. I carry one in restaurants, stores, and all other maner of public places. Several cops have seen me carry it, I've walked right past cops in stores and fast-food joints, close enough to exchange "howdys" and polite smiles. On one occasion a group of cops were in a fast-food joint sitting at a table and I stood right in front of them, knife fully exposed to them, while I placed my take-out order and stood there for a while waiting for my food. And yet, despite all the cops who have seen me carrying, despite the fact that one of my fixed-blades is black, very "tactical"-looking and was carried in a drop-leg sheath, and despite the fact that I am a biker and look the part, not one single cop has ever said a single negative word to me about my knife.

Only on ONE occasion did a cop stop me, and that was to give me a friendly warning that the bottom of my jacket had momentarily covered my knife (in a back-pocket sheath) and he didn't want me to get into trouble for carrying a "conceald" knife. The cop never took the knife from my possession, he never asked my name, never asked to see my ID, and never questioned why I was carrying the knife. He just gave me a quick "heads-up", I adjusted my jacket, thanked him, and I was on my bike and on my way. The entire event took less than a minute.

Now naturally, experiences may vary. And naturally if a person openly carries a knife where it is illegal to do so they should expect to meet some cops. I just provide this post, and my personal experience, to try and dispel the myth that openly carrying a legal fixed-blade will automatically bring unwanted attention from the cops.

I should also point out that in the past eight years that not one single civilian has ever said a negative word to me about my knife.

I say, enjoy your rights and enjoy your freedoms under the law without fear. Isn't that what America is all about.
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Thats really cool! Like I said I really don't plan on carrying it in public or anything, but if I ever do I will think of this post! I will remember what you said and will probably quote you on that last line for a while. Thanks for posting!
 
Ohio law on knives isn't that vague, pretty simple compared to most states.

unless its a weapon,(ballistic, switch blade, or double edged) and you answer the questions right when asked, its a tool.

some municipalities do have some different laws but per state law, if its carried as a weapon and concealed its not legal.

if its not carried as a weapon then its legal.

don't know what city you live in but state law is pretty simple.

the info i have didn't come from some cop or deputy, it came from a prosecutor in the city I live in.

ymmv, good luck.
 
As noted, there are municipal (city and village) ordinances.

For example, it is unlawful to possess any "knife" (not a "weapon" any "knife") in public in Cleveland, Ohio, that has a blade 2.5" or longer. So don't pick up that knife next to your plate in a restaurant - including Micky D's. Mandatory minimum of six months in jail. Enforced? Very selectively. Probably unconstitutional under Ohio state law, but jail is an unpleasant place if you run into a LEO who has some motive to "throw the book" at you. (Mom says, be polite.)

There are 851 municipal corporations (cities and villages) in Ohio, each of which can have its own distinct ordinances governing possession of knives. I think that creates a pretty vague situation if you plan on traveling much.

And as to state law, when is a tool a "weapon"? That is largely a matter of your "intent as determined from the totality of the circumstances" as decided by a jury (or judge if you waive a jury. How would you appear to a jury OR can we clean you up? ^___^ ). Sounds clear as mud to me.

Of course, YMMV, as this thread shows -- from the totality of the circumstances.
 
http://codes.ohio.gov/orc

"851 municipal corporations" from what i could find about 845 went by the ORC.

the ones that don't tried to pass laws about high cap magazines and handguns the State decided that wasn't going to fly.

do what you want, look it up in the ORC and go by state law or, don't carry anything over 2.5".

I've been to Cleveland, didn't have any trouble.

like i said, YMMV, i find it easier to go with ORC instead of a few municipal codes.

here's another link for some of those municipal codes.
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife2.pdf
 
Not sure where you "find" law. Each and every municipal corporation has the power to enact and enforce their own ordinance on carrying or possessing in public any knife. These ordinances have existed, in most cases, for over fifty years and have not been held to be preempted by state law.

The list of ten Ohio municipalities at the site linked is incomplete. It omits, for example, Cleveland, Columbus (where a jury found that a "butterfly knife" was a "deadly weapon"), Toledo, Cincinnati, and Rocky River.

As noted, enforcement is selective. What does Officer Friendly see? If you "didn't have any trouble," good for you. Neither have I had any "trouble," even in Cleveland. Neither of us is the legendary "Everyman" - or the OP.

State law? For purposes of the felony of Carrying a Concealed Weapon:

(A) "Deadly weapon" means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon.
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Ohio Rev. Code Sec. 2923.11(A) [emphasis added]

So you are carrying a Cold Steel product, say the "Warcraft Tanto" or "Marauder," and the prosecutor introduces what Cold Steel says about how it rips, tears, eviscerates, and exsanguinates. The jury (few of whom will be BF members.) will decide if the knife violates 2923.11(A) under the totality of the circumstances. (Wear nice clothing. Smile. Say "sir" a lot.)
 
killgar, I don't doubt that was your experience. I would wager your conduct and personal appearance, and the exact appearance and size of the knife play a role. If you had a 18" dagger with a skull pommel you might not have had the same experience.

I admit the possibility of trouble while lawfully open carrying a fixed blade is unlikely, but it does happen. I know of several cases where store managers of places like Walmart have asked customers to leave the premises solely because of an openly carried fixed blade, in some cases police being called when the customer refused to leave under the argument that they were not breaking any laws. Sadly, unless you're being picked on for your race, sex or creed, businesses can more or less throw you out for any reason they please with impunity, and refusal to leave is trespassing, a crime. Also in my state there was even an illegal arrest of a person with a legally carried folder (though the charge was dismissed, and the officer sued and fired). Despite my rational mind telling me these are rather aberrant events, I can't help but feel cautious about it, especially on this sub- forum where we seem to have a lot of teens and young adults who don't have the best judgment and in many cases are open carrying primarily to have a weapon. I've known a few early twenty something's who, if I told them open carry was legal and nothing else, just might be dumb enough to strap a katana to their back and go to the mall.
 
I wear my blades in public when going to and from camping and hunting and have never been hassled. I have worn my sheath knives in fast food restaurants and gas stations all over Ohio. You will be fine. It's a tool.
 
glistam said:
killgar, I don't doubt that was your experience. I would wager your conduct and personal appearance, and the exact appearance and size of the knife play a role. If you had a 18" dagger with a skull pommel you might not have had the same experience.
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I don't know why the cops have never hassled me about my knife. I'm a rather rough looking biker with a knife so you would think that I would be a cop magnet. But this isn't the case. Perhaps the cops here in San Diego are just knowledgeable when it comes to knife laws and don't see any point in hassling someone who isn't acting like a "criminal". I've seen quite a few people here in urban SD openly carrying fixed-blades over the years, from hard-core bikers to the most clean-cut-preppy-college-looking kids. I consider myself very lucky to live in such a "knife-lenient" county. Naturally I recognize that it's always possible to have a bad run-in with the police, but I won't let that stop me from exercising my legal rights.

I admit the possibility of trouble while lawfully open carrying a fixed blade is unlikely, but it does happen. I know of several cases where store managers of places like Walmart have asked customers to leave the premises solely because of an openly carried fixed blade, in some cases police being called when the customer refused to leave under the argument that they were not breaking any laws. Sadly, unless you're being picked on for your race, sex or creed, businesses can more or less throw you out for any reason they please with impunity, and refusal to leave is trespassing, a crime. Also in my state there was even an illegal arrest of a person with a legally carried folder (though the charge was dismissed, and the officer sued and fired). Despite my rational mind telling me these are rather aberrant events, I can't help but feel cautious about it, especially on this sub- forum where we seem to have a lot of teens and young adults who don't have the best judgment and in many cases are open carrying primarily to have a weapon. I've known a few early twenty something's who, if I told them open carry was legal and nothing else, just might be dumb enough to strap a katana to their back and go to the mall.
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I agree completely. As always, experiences will vary and every cop is different. My post was in response to the frequency of posts I see on Bladeforums where people suggest that openly carrying a fixed-blade will automatically bring unwanted attention from the police, including the possibility of knife-confiscation and arrest. I hate to see people be "frightened" out of exercising their legal rights and personal choice. But don't get me wrong, I certainly don't consider you to be one of those people trying to scare others.

And since I'm posting here agin, just for the heck of it, and because it was a very good experience, I'll provide more details about the one encounter I had with the cop-

I was visiting a Home Depot and parked my bike right up in front of the store among the barbeques and shrubbery. There was an empty cop car parked nearby in front of the store. When I had arrived my jacket was zipped up but while shopping I unzipped it (leather gets hot) and I didn't realize the jacket was low enough to cover the knife.

When I left the store there were two cops sitting in the cop car. I walked past them to my bike. I noticed the two cops exit their vehicle and one said "Excuse me sir, can I talk to you for a moment?", he immediately followed-up by saying "Don't worry you're not in any trouble or under arrest or anything". Naturally I said "Sure" in response to his request. They didn't draw any weapons or put their hands on their guns. The cop didn't ask me to put my hands up or keep them away from my knife or put my hands on the car. He just told me about my jacket and how he didn't want me to get into trouble with any other cops. I thanked him, and as I zipped up my jacket I asked him if he wanted to see my ID (this was my way of trying to reassure him that I wasn't a criminal). But he just smiled and said "That's not necessary" and he and his partner went back to their car and I left.

Now if we think about it, that cop could have justifiably arrested me for carrying a conceald weapon. At the very least he could have given me a really hard time. The other cop was obviously a rookie, he looked like he was fresh out of high-school. If the lead cop had wanted to he could have played the bad-ass and put on quite a show to impress his rookie partner, but he didn't. He was as cool as a guy could be. I honestly wish I had gotten his name, but I didn't think about it at the time.

I've had some very bad experiences with cops (not knife-related), but I never hesitate to tell this story of a very good experience I've had with cops.
 
From my experience living in Ohio it depends on the town. I live in Marysville, OH and have never been stopped. I grew up in Columbus and, as fast as it's gone downhill, I would think you'd be stopped for carrying a knife. I travel north to Ashtabula and wear a 12" blade on my leg and have never been stopped (stores, gas stations, restaurants...) Seems like if it's a small town where everyone can be trusted you're ok. If you live in a highly populated area it may be an issue, even if you don't look the part someone will freak out and call the police. Hold your ground and they won't hold you for inducing panic ;)
 
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