Arizona has no laws regarding knives except those which affect carrying.
IOW, automatics, regardless of size are not even addressed by law, EXCEPT they are not "legal" to be carried "concealed" without a CCW permit.
The "Legal" definition of "Carrying" AND "Concealed" deliberately leaves a lot of leeway, and anyone busted for a "knife" violation has already undoubtedly violated at least one other SERIOUS law. The "knife" violation is usually added only as another charge to assure prosecution.
I live in Phoenix, and ALWAYS carry my HALO III in it's belt pouch, and use it frequently for "normal" knife chores without undue attention or negative comment by others.
FWIW, Arizona also only addresses weapons otherwise, like firearms, if carried concealed. State law recognizes "open carry", and only a few localities try to get around the "Pre-emption" law by requiring that they be unloaded, or some other drivel.
Despite the carpetbaggers who imigrate here from other states where "cliff-dwellers" (apartment renters) are the norm, and try to turn AZ into another statist paradise, most of us here despise these illegal anti-American efforts, and show it clearly. Like myself, those of us who refuse to be intimidated just ignore any ILLEGAL (hence invalid) laws, and go about our business, usually unmolested, even by the police, who are generally pretty cool about it.
Interestingly, on the few occasions over the years I've had to call the police over unusual/suspicious noises at night, or what sounds like possible shots fired, I always tell the dispatcher to be sure to tell the responding officers to not "throw down" on the gray haired guy in the blue warmup suit (or whatever I'm wearing at the time) who's carrying an AR 15 and a SureFire 6P, and investigating the immediate area. The reaction has ALWAYS been accommodating, even encouraging, and I've NEVER had the slightest flak from either a dispatcher or responding officers, other than asking if I'm sure I want to take the risk of getting involved. While exercising due diligence, they have ALWAYS been respectful and polite, and never threatened me, intimidated me, or even asked me to put up my weapon. Somehow, they seem to appreciate, as they should, armed citizens who have a social conscience, and care enough about the community to take REASONABLE action until they arrive. Naturally, upon the arrival of the police, my carbine (actually a Carbon 15) is always slung, and I make it a point to keep my hands clear of it, carefully indicating as best I can that I'm no threat. Perhaps I'm known some way and/or identified to NOT be a Rambo wannabe or irresponsible nut. I don't know. All I know is that shown respect and consideration, the PPD is willing to return it, an excellent example of police/community cooperation that results in MUCH lower crime, at least in my neighborhood. Fortunately, none of the incidents were determined to be of major concern, but of course, even the responding officers are quick to affirm the wisdom of being alert, and of notifying them of ANY suspicious or questionable activity. They ALWAYS thank me for calling them, and being concerned over the safety and security of my neighborhood.
Can you tell I love it here? Sorry for the "epistle", but after being born and raised in Chicago, then living in AZ for 26 years, I wouldn't return to one of our communist dictatorship states EVER again, not for any amount of money.
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George
StarPD
[This message has been edited by StarPD (edited 10-08-2000).]
[This message has been edited by StarPD (edited 10-08-2000).]
