MA knife laws

E

edb

Joined
Aug 30, 2002
Messages
740
I realize this probably belongs on the laws forum, but since
there seems to be almost no activity there, I thought I'd post it here first, and then it can be moved appropriately...

In Massachusetts, it seems that knife law is described in Chapter 269,
Section 10. I've read it several times, and it does mention "length".
Yet, in other places/forums/newsgroups, I've read things to the effect
that "...there is no blade length limitation..." when it comes to folders that have only 1 sharpened edge (e.g. your typical Spyderco Endura, etc.).

Does anyone have the knowledge to reconcile this? Is there a blade length limitation in Massachusetts when it comes to typical folding pocket knives, or not?

I realize that there are always per-area exceptions (e.g. schools, govt buildings, etc.), and I know there can be specific exceptions in large cities (e.g. Boston) but I wondering about the scenario where I'm not in any of those exception areas.

Thanks in advance!
 
First a larger bit quoted:

Section 12. Whoever manufactures or causes to be manufactured, or sells or exposes for sale, an instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as a dirk knife, a switch knife or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which the blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches or ...

I have two issues, but because i'm not a lawyer it doesn't matter but:

1) The way the comma is in the above, it's not clear to me that the phrase about length is standing by it's own, or is in rference to the automatic spring release clause preceding it.

2) Maybe I'm a semantic weenie, but "may not fall" seems diiferent than "shall not fall".
 
The correct law is 269-10b

The only mention of length is in relation to the auto knives [ nothing over 1 1/2" in length ].

Folding knives, swiss army knives, and kitchen knives are exempt from the statute by 1994 case law.

No blade length restrictions in Mass. for folders or straights.

Brownie
 
You've hit on it, DaveH. The punctuation is so ambibuous that it
seems to me that one could interpret it either way...:confused:
 
Section 12 simply involves restrictions on manufacturing/selling/distribution of the restricted items listed under 269-10b.

Brownie
 
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