Legality Of Sheath Partially Concealed - Ohio

Renthalkx · Oct 20, 2015

Hey everyone, first post, semi-new to knives. Hopefully someone can help me out.

I just got my first fixed blade last night, it's an SOG Seal Strike. It came with a nice little sheath but it flops around a LOT. Is it still considering open carry to carry it like this assuming my shirt never covers it in Ohio?

Thank you in advance.

glistam · Oct 20, 2015

Ohio's high court decision State v. Pettit (1966) operates under the Shipley v. State definition of concealment:

By a recognized test a weapon is concealed if it is so situated as not to be discernible by ordinary observation by those near enough to see it if it were not concealed who would come into contact with the possessor in the usual associations of life, but absolute invisibility is not required; since ordinary observation does not extend to a search unusually careful, thorough or detailed, made because of suspicion that contraband which is not visible by ordinary observation may in actuality be present.

Renthalkx · Oct 20, 2015

So if my interpretation of that is correct, I'm perfectly legal in doing so?

Lieblad · Oct 20, 2015

......

Renthalkx · Oct 20, 2015

I'm due for some new jeans, been puttin' it off for quite awhile.

killgar · Oct 20, 2015

glistam said:
Ohio's high court decision State v. Pettit (1966) operates under the Shipley v. State definition of concealment:

Damn Glistam, you're like a case law encyclopedia. You're the man, and a definite asset to this forum. :thumbup:

Renthalkx · Oct 21, 2015

Whelp, carried at work today. Manager was less than thrilled. Other than that haven't had any problems.

Thanks for helping.

glistam · Oct 21, 2015

Renthalkx said:
Whelp, carried at work today. Manager was less than thrilled. Other than that haven't had any problems.

Thanks for helping.

Remember, just because it's legal doesn't mean it's acceptable. Your employer has the right to restrict knife carry in any way they want, and businesses can still tell you to leave (if you refuse, you can be charge with trespassing). You might want to read this essay I wrote:
http://weaponlaws.wikidot.com/start

jkwithawave · Oct 21, 2015

Now if the handle was under the shirt and the bottom half of the sheath exposed would that make it illegal? Or at least questionable?

glistam · Oct 22, 2015

jkwithawave said:
Now if the handle was under the shirt and the bottom half of the sheath exposed would that make it illegal? Or at least questionable?

If a random person comes up to you to ask directions, and can tell it's a knife immediately when they look at you, it's open carry. If not, it's concealed.