New Hampshire Knife Laws

[shortlid]

I moved from New York (one of the most restrictive stae for knives). To New Hampshire, anyone know the laws on having a fixed blade or a large folder in a motor vehicle. I am a licenced hunter and use it for cleaning game.

 

[glistam]

Only law NH has on knives (unless you're a felon or a minor) is 156:16 Carrying or Selling Weapons:

Whoever, except as provided by the laws of this state, sells, has in his possession with intent to sell, or carries on his person any stiletto, switch knife, blackjack, dagger, dirk-knife, slung shot or metallic knuckles shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; and such weapon or articles so carried by him shall be confiscated to the use of the state.

The named knives appear to all be terms that historically refer to fixed double-edged blades. None of these terms appear to have any relation to non-auto folders, and no length limit is proscribed. In case law, I only found one instance of a single edged "hunting knife," but the defendant was a convicted felon (which is a separate law) who was getting in a fist fight downtown and tried to pull the knife on responding officers. Even then, they had a hard time convicting him.

The northern New England states seem to be rather weapon/blade friendly in my experience, even the LEOs. Heck in Vermont, you don't even need a permit it stick a pistol in your pocket.

 

[TOM1960]

Only law NH has on knives (unless you're a felon or a minor) is 156:16 Carrying or Selling Weapons:



The named knives appear to all be terms that historically refer to fixed double-edged blades. None of these terms appear to have any relation to non-auto folders, and no length limit is proscribed. In case law, I only found one instance of a single edged "hunting knife," but the defendant was a convicted felon (which is a separate law) who was getting in a fist fight downtown and tried to pull the knife on responding officers. Even then, they had a hard time convicting him.

The northern New England states seem to be rather weapon/blade friendly in my experience, even the LEOs. Heck in Vermont, you don't even need a permit it stick a pistol in your pocket.

They tried to nail a convicted felon in NH on a charge of possession of weapon by felon (bow and arrow that he used for hunting). The felon was convicted on the possession charge, but the conviction was overturned by an appelate court. A female judge on the appelate court, the lone dissenter, wrote that the bow/arrow could inflict a fatal wound (no kidding, genius!) and therefore should be defined as a dangerous weapon. She was out-voted by the other judges and the guy walked. Be careful if you have a restraining order outstanding against you in NH though. Although civil in nature, restraining orders become criminal if you violate them. New Hampshire restraining orders prohibit the possession of firearms and other weapons, which can include large knives, swords, machetes, etc.