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Massachusetts Concealment?
- Thread starter Lock1454
- Start date
The law does not say anything regarding concealment.
It says:
Mass does not name a length limit in state law for regular folders. That is left to local jurisdictions.
Source: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/269-10.htm
It says:
It then lists the weapons that prohibited to be carried. If the weapon/knife is prohibited, concealment is irrelevant, it is always illegal to carry unless otherwise provided by law. Permissible knives may be carried completely concealed.
Mass does not name a length limit in state law for regular folders. That is left to local jurisdictions.
Source: http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/269-10.htm
I am a Massachusetts resident and I always carry completely concealed. Massachusetts is a very weapons-unfriendly state. Furthermore, state laws allow for local ordinances limiting blade length to be enacted at the city and town levels. For example, the cities of Boston, Lynn, Lawrence, Salem, Revere, Malden, Cambridge and Worcester prohibit the carrying of any knife with a blade longer than 2 1/2". Lowell is looking at such legislation as well. Typically, these ordinances subject the knife carrier to arrest and a large fine ($300 to $500). Since an arrest and court arraignment have occurred, the offender now has a permanent CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) criminal record for a weapons charge. The less the LEOs see, the better. This is why I removed the pocket clip from my Cold Steel "Voyager" and carry it completely concealed in my right front trouser pocket.
Thought as much, just wasn't 100% sure. Knew Boston had the length limit, didn't know about those other cities (are there any other to your knowledge? No jail time is attached for possession is there? Just arrest + fine?) I generally carry my knife clipped to my back pocket but I always have my shirt untucked and it covers the clip completely. I was concerned over the fact that I was possibly making things worse by full concealment rather than having it exposed - but if I'm screwed either way then so be it 
Never did quite understand the whole "must have knife visible" thing, would think that would just make other people extremely nervous having these knives in sight and what not.
Never did quite understand the whole "must have knife visible" thing, would think that would just make other people extremely nervous having these knives in sight and what not.
Thought as much, just wasn't 100% sure. Knew Boston had the length limit, didn't know about those other cities (are there any other to your knowledge? No jail time is attached for possession is there? Just arrest + fine?) I generally carry my knife clipped to my back pocket but I always have my shirt untucked and it covers the clip completely. I was concerned over the fact that I was possibly making things worse by full concealment rather than having it exposed - but if I'm screwed either way then so be it
Never did quite understand the whole "must have knife visible" thing, would think that would just make other people extremely nervous having these knives in sight and what not.
I know what you mean. The concept of a "concealed weapon" is something of a popular over-generalization, when the law is pretty variable. In two major cities, NYC and LA, it's actually illegal to open carry pocket knives, but perfectly legal to conceal. There are a couple of good theories why, but really who the heck knows with these politicians.
Arrest, large fine and a permanent CORI criminal record for a weapons offense is bad enough. It can cause the loss of a job, the inability to obtain a decent job, denial of public housing (if needed), revocation or denial of a License to Carry Firearms (issued at the sole discretion of local police chiefs in MA and required to own any handgun or large-capacity rifle/shotgun) and can affect a judge's decision if you should find yourself in legal trouble in the future. I have carried knives in MA my entire life, completely concealed and never had a problem. This included on-campus carry through four years of college. I would be willing to bet that 95% of knife carry/possession arrests could be avoided if people would only practice good concealment, good dress, good grooming, good manners and generally maintain a low profile in public.Thought as much, just wasn't 100% sure. Knew Boston had the length limit, didn't know about those other cities (are there any other to your knowledge? No jail time is attached for possession is there? Just arrest + fine?) I generally carry my knife clipped to my back pocket but I always have my shirt untucked and it covers the clip completely. I was concerned over the fact that I was possibly making things worse by full concealment rather than having it exposed - but if I'm screwed either way then so be it
Never did quite understand the whole "must have knife visible" thing, would think that would just make other people extremely nervous having these knives in sight and what not.
Thanks for the input, appreicate it :thumbup:
But it just gets me to thinking, maybe I should just downsize to a 2.5" blade... Granted that means I'd have less working area when cutting, my major gripe is that all the knives I like are longer than 2.5... Hell, that even rules out my Charge
But it just gets me to thinking, maybe I should just downsize to a 2.5" blade... Granted that means I'd have less working area when cutting, my major gripe is that all the knives I like are longer than 2.5... Hell, that even rules out my Charge
I wouldn't sacrifice the additional cutting power offered by a 3 1/2" or 4" blade. Just practice good concealment and you will be OK. As I said, the I have carried concealed for over 30 years without a problem.Thanks for the input, appreicate it :thumbup:
But it just gets me to thinking, maybe I should just downsize to a 2.5" blade... Granted that means I'd have less working area when cutting, my major gripe is that all the knives I like are longer than 2.5... Hell, that even rules out my Charge
Mmm. I've only been into knives and MTs since last December, but since then I've always been carrying ~3.5" on me. Guess I'd just like to cut it down if possible. I don't particularly use my blades all that much, just like having one around in case I do need to cut something (my Grip made quick work of a muffin a couple days ago ). If I found a 2.5" folder I liked I wouldn't have a tremendous problem with carrying it if I enjoyed it.
Of the concealment part, does it even matter if LEOs see a knife clip? A clip does not correspond to blade length, are they within their right to inspect you for legally carrying a knife to inspect the blade length? Or is it just a matter of practice that they will be more scrutinizing of you if they notice you have a knife? (Just asking out of curiosity, as I said before I always carry my knife concealed albeit clipped)
). If I found a 2.5" folder I liked I wouldn't have a tremendous problem with carrying it if I enjoyed it. Of the concealment part, does it even matter if LEOs see a knife clip? A clip does not correspond to blade length, are they within their right to inspect you for legally carrying a knife to inspect the blade length? Or is it just a matter of practice that they will be more scrutinizing of you if they notice you have a knife? (Just asking out of curiosity, as I said before I always carry my knife concealed albeit clipped)
Some LEOs might look the other way, but if you happen to be in one of the MA cities that has the 2.5" blade limit, the presence of the clip will indicate that you are carrying a knife. You could be subjected to a "Terry" frisk or be asked by the LEO to hand it over. If the knife is, in fact, not legal to carry due to blade length, you will likely be arrested and charged. Why take the chance? I am a firm believer in TOTALLY concealed carry.Mmm. I've only been into knives and MTs since last December, but since then I've always been carrying ~3.5" on me. Guess I'd just like to cut it down if possible. I don't particularly use my blades all that much, just like having one around in case I do need to cut something (my Grip made quick work of a muffin a couple days ago
Of the concealment part, does it even matter if LEOs see a knife clip? A clip does not correspond to blade length, are they within their right to inspect you for legally carrying a knife to inspect the blade length? Or is it just a matter of practice that they will be more scrutinizing of you if they notice you have a knife? (Just asking out of curiosity, as I said before I always carry my knife concealed albeit clipped)
Most of the towns have passed basically the same law. It gives us some wiggle room. If you use it for work or are going hunting or fishing they say they will not touch you. So I keep a handline in the truck. I also keep my business card handy. I'm an Executive Chef.
We have to wait till the 2nd Amendment is incorporated. Then I believe all these insane prior restraint laws will just go away. Along with the nitwits that wrote them. I know I'm asking for a lot. But you gotta have dreams.
We have to wait till the 2nd Amendment is incorporated. Then I believe all these insane prior restraint laws will just go away. Along with the nitwits that wrote them. I know I'm asking for a lot. But you gotta have dreams.