Maryland knife laws

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levs18

Joined
Jun 25, 2000
Messages
643
Hi all. Im hoping one of you fine knife people can help me with finding out the laws for carrying a folder in Maryland. I have heard a couple of versions: 4 inches and under, 3in and under, and its a law of intent with no length restrictions. Also, is carrying a knife using the pocket clip considered concealed. If it is than I carry my knives concealed. Thanks everyone.
-Lev
 
A quick response from someone in Maryland. I am not aware of any specific length restrictions in the state law, but there may indeed be local length restrictions in places like Baltimore city.

The concealed law is something I looked into very carefully. It appears that Any knife, whether carried conceal OR openly (e.g. on a belt sheath) IS ILLEGAL if carried with the Intent to use as a weapon.

So it looks to me like you are completely at the mercy of the LEO's. If they think you may be a bad guy, any knife of any length will be considered illegal. If they think you are a good guy, will finding a knife during a search make them change their mind? I dunno. But I don't let concern for the law scare me too much. I do not fit into any sort of 'profile' and would be astonished to be searched.

I do openly carry fixed blades from time to time. But only when I have a good reason so I qualify for the hunting/fishing exception. When I carry small fixed blades during my daily non-sporting life, I carry concealed to avoid unwanted scrutiny. Because a LEO can treat an openly carried knife the same way as a concealed knife, I prefer not to ask for trouble, and carry concealed
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Paracelsus, somewhat confused but trying to help
 
I should mention something else. I honestly NEVER carry weapons. I do carry tools. But I have no intention of using any tool I may happen to be carrying as any sort of weapon. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. Cus its true.
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Police Officers in Maryland have an extraordinary amount of discretion in this matter. Everything should be considered illegal, it all depends on the Officer and the situation you find yourself in.

If the guy is fresh out of the Academy and is on his own a few weeks free of the FTO, you're going to jail.

If he just viewed "Surviving Edged Weapons" in his In-Service Training, you're probably going to jail.
 
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