Karambit in Washington?

[MEJ]

I just got the master 5.11 in the mail... is it legal to have on me or is it viewed only as an immediate weapon?

 

[glistam]

Karambits are not singled out as weapons under any state's knife laws. Otherwise all contractors with hawkbill-blade knives (for linoleum, vinyl and drywall) would be arrested.

 

[MEJ]

alright thx

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

If you are carrying for self-defense or as a weapon in general you are breaking the law in WA. About anything can be carried outside the Puget Sound area as a tool but not as weapons. In my mind a Karambit is a weapon.

 

[glistam]

If you are carrying for self-defense or as a weapon in general you are breaking the law in WA. About anything can be carried outside the Puget Sound area as a tool but not as weapons. In my mind a Karambit is a weapon.

Can you back that up with any legal documentation?

Here's WA state law on the matter: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=9.41.250

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

"Or dangerous weapon." If you intend to use a knife for self-defense, it is a weapon if they are looking for a reason to charge you. It is the old "intent to go armed" clause that most states have on their books they can use if and when they want to nail you.

Other than self-defense, why would anyone want to carry a Karambit? And can you explain that in court?

Washington laws are actually pretty liberal about carrying knives as tools and I've never worried about size out side the Seattle/Tacoma area. But I'm carrying as an everyday work tool.

 

[canis42]

As long as you are carrying a folder karambit you should be fine. The strictest laws are in seattle, with a blade length of 3.5 inches.