Legal Issues?

[corbon]

Most states have the 4" or less blade length laws, and I noticed that the Microtech Socom is slightly longer than 4". Would I run into legal problems with it, since it technically is longer than the required length?

 

[Yosemite Sam]

I read your post as, "Technically, would I be breaking the law by breaking the law?"

Technically, yes.

-- PG

 

[shootist16]

Originally posted by corbon
Would I run into legal problems with it, since it technically is longer than the required length?

Unfortunately you could. Of course how many people during the course of the day are searched by the police? You know the odds of getting stooped in your area better than any of us. To take the risk is a personal decision that you have to make. Some people would say yes and some would say no. I can't tell you which way to go only that there is potential risk.

 

[DancesWithKnives]

You should use www.findlaw.com or www.romingerlegal.com to check the actual law in your area. For years dealers, manufacturers, and LEOs told me that LA had a 4" limit. Imagine my surprise when I looked it up and found the general rule (subject to exceptions) to be <3". You may be luckier---you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your area has no limit or a limit longer than 4".

 

[Mike990]

Most states are not 4 or less. The 50 states are all over the map as to regulations. The state I live in has no limit, but you cant carry concealed weapons. A knife is not considered a weapon, unless it was your intent to use it as a weapon. So if mr. cop asks whats this for, and you say, protection, your busted same as carrying an illegal firearm concealed. You say opening boxes and cutting my apples as well as general utility, and you go on your merry way. Then towns, counties and cities can enact ordinances that further restrict things too. So you cant just go by state law.

 

[anthony cheeseboro]

For anyone who travels alot and who is worried about searches, I would recommend a knife around 3" or slightly less. Although some juriscidtions have 2.5" limits, I suspect that a 3" or less knife carried by someone who is not otherwise engaged in negative activity will be accepted as a simple pocketknife by most LEOs. Although many people prefer a larger knife, I have found that there are many really sturdy folders in the 3" or less category that are more than capable for everyday chores and even have considrable tactical ability for those who are concerned.

 

[R.W.Clark]

Dances, is that a muni or PC. As far as I have found in PC and what we were taught in the Academy (along with case law), there is no size restrictions relating to non-fixed bladed knives.
Now granted that the City of LA has gone out of control on Munis so it would be understandable. I also mostly performed LE work on Federal property. Any info would be great.