knives for wilderness use in the US and Canada

RescueRiley · May 3, 2009

Howdy Y'all I'm a wood bum, and while I normally edc a leatheman wave, I often like to tote a larger blade (7inch blade) along in the woods usually strapped to my buttpack..I know some places like the UK have insane knifelaws in regards to such. and I know may municpalities have certain laws in regards to edc carry, But does anyone know if I'll catch any legal flack in the woods either on or off the trail for such? also what about in National Parks? or if it is stored inside a pack? thanks...

wildmike · May 3, 2009

I've carried my kukri openly in National Parks and woods all over here in the USA. Here in Washington state it is legal to carry anywhere except in Seattle which still enforces a law already declaed unlawful by the state courts. Can't say about Canada. A seven inch blade wouldn't cause flack in most woilderness areas, with the exception of if you run into an unreasonable ranger who is overstepping his authority.

RescueRiley · May 3, 2009

Mike, Thanks for the reply.
In general I don;t think people will give me too hard of time but..you never know how pwople think these days.. Thanks again.

gdtrfb · May 3, 2009

I've seen plenty of folks on blm land in CO/Utah open carry firearms, knives from folders to machete, etc. Same for USDA forest service land (hunting camping motorsports, backpacking all mix in the places I've been. Not much of an issue, but I guess you could get some looks from uptight folks.

greenwoods · May 3, 2009

Hey there RescueRiley,
I hear what your asking. I carry at least a 7" openly in most of our wilderness hikes. From Niagara, Erie down to Catteraugus, Chautauqua and Allegheny Counties in our general area of NY State. Yet I have also gotten those sideways looks along the short trails from those that seem to tsk tsk all passers by for some reason. I end up throwing them in my pack if I get that vibe. On the other hand my wife and daughters always carry as well, as a self-sufficient rule

AND they never seem to get funny looks, must be me...

It sure does feel more and more that many folks are just hoping to make a call on their cell. The superhero complex...lol

Mark

tapedeck74 · May 3, 2009

I carry my Busse ASHI either on my belt or strapped to the shoulder strap of my pack when hiking and camping in Canada.
As far as fixed blades go:
As long as your knife doesn't have a knuckle guard or is a push dagger, you're good to go, there's no length restrictions in Canada.

gadgetgeek · May 6, 2009

Like what tapedeck said, the only length restrictions I've heard of, no one has been able to back up for me. and like he said, be careful of knuckle guards, it depends on who you ask, and while push knives are right out, "technically" the ka-bar tdi and the like are legal because the blade doesn't stick out between your knuckles. as long as you are in a park, you will be dealing with wardens or rangers, who do the work for the love of it, and in my experience go more on their impressions of you, than what the law may be.

stabman · May 7, 2009

gadgetgeek said:
"technically" the ka-bar tdi and the like are legal because the blade doesn't stick out between your knuckles.

It's because the blade ain't at a 90 degree angle to the handle, as far as I know.

joe-bob · May 7, 2009

Of course the laws vary wildly depending on where you are, but many states remove their length restrictions for knives carried while hunting, fishing, camping, etc. and travel to and from.

lk3331 · May 17, 2009

i am 14 and carry a 6" blade when i go hiking or camping no problems

Samael · May 17, 2009

I've never been hassled for carrying my 8" Randall (12-8) in those seriously off-the-beaten-path areas, and do it all the time. But it's technically illegal. I suppose if I were being a jerk or a ranger woke up on the wrong side of the bed, it could happen though.

charlesbjr · May 17, 2009

Doesn't it depend on the state? I do not think there is a blade length limit in the New York wilderness (correct me if I am wrong)? I believe that if you are hunting (with a license of course), you just need to stand clear of double edge knives.

artmichalek · May 18, 2009

charlesbjr said:
Doesn't it depend on the state? I do not think there is a blade length limit in the New York wilderness (correct me if I am wrong)? I believe that if you are hunting (with a license of course), you just need to stand clear of double edge knives.

The state of NY doesn't have a length limit, only individual municipalities. So, if you're on state land or in any town in the Adirondack/North Country area there won't be additional restrictions. Daggers are out, and switchblades are permitted with a hunting license. Beyond that, a knife only becomes "dangerous" if you look like you intend to commit a crime with it. A seven inch blade carried discretely won't get you into any trouble you don't go looking for.

HornyToad · May 19, 2009

The legal length of a knife in Texas is 5.5". Out in the woods or rural towns any length seems to be okay, unless you are waving it around at someone.

dougo83 · May 22, 2009

HornyToad said:
The legal length of a knife in Texas is 5.5". Out in the woods or rural towns any length seems to be okay, unless you are waving it around at someone.

That is the legal concealable length IIRC. In state parks, etc I carry a Frost survival w/ a 12" (?) blade with no problems. I also carry a 6" FB on my belt on occassion and cops, outside of Austin, don't have an issue with it...