So I've read a few posted and looked at the laws but I'm still a little confused. In NYC I think you can carry as long as it is totally concealed (so no pocket clips where you can see it) as long as it isn't a gravity blade and it is under a 4 inch blade? But then there is something to the effect that if the folding blade locks it may not be permitted. Can I carry a Chris reeve Small Sebenza or is that not permitted? Also is this only NYC. It's not clear to me how to interpret the locking notion? Thanks
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New York law question
- Thread starter Wdh777
- Start date
In NYC,not the rest of NY State, the law is being interpreted that any knife that can be opened by flicking into a locked state causes it to be classified as a gravity knife. Therefore it is then a crime to be in possession of such a knife. That includes say something like a Spyderco Delica being opened by grasping the blade by the hole and flicking it open using the weight of the handle to help it open easily. This has been happening more and more often from what Ive been reading on these and other forums. There arent very many knives that lock open that can't be opened by flicking in some way. It is risky carrying any knife in NYC,but if you do,a non-locking one that otherwise fits the criteria would seem to be the best alternative. Personally, I avoid NYC as often as possible and avoid carrying anything sharp there. The most I would consider would be something like a Leatherman Micra or SAK Classic.
Thanks. So if you can't flick it open with gravity are you ok even though it locks. If you think of william henry, chris reeve and strider non of these you can use gravity to open. You need to use the thumb post to physically open them but they do all lock. What do you think? Also, I assume outside of nyc all of these would be fine? Final question, can I use the clip to fasten it on my pocket or since others can see this does this not work? I assume in NYC no way but what about the rest of new york state? Thanks
We can parse the law all day, but in practice it depends on the police officer that stops you. Here's my approach -- in NYC never show your clip, that's enough for a cop to demand to see what you have. And once that happens, plan on losing your blade. So, that means my knife is buried deep in my pocket. It doesn't keep me from pocketing a Strider or a CRK or an Emerson, but don't carry anything you are not willing to lose, and never get back. Arguing with the cop about what is a gravity knife or what is a lock is useless. And many cops are not knife people, so if it looks dangerous, then it is. It's not the cops fault, it's the ridiculous DA, but what it means is be careful in the city. What goes along with deep pocketing your knife is your mindset and situational awareness. There is no need to look or act suspicious, and no need to wander through transit checkpoints where your bag is searched.
Outside the city, I clip my blade to my pocket.
mercurial
Outside the city, I clip my blade to my pocket.
mercurial
NeoClassic
Gold Member
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- Aug 18, 2009
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If I were to carry any of those knives you mention in the City, I'd tighten the pivot screw down so that it takes deliberate force to open the knife and it can't be flicked open in any fashion.
That said, I choose to carry a Swiss Army Knife or Great Eastern Cutlery slip joint. Neither have ever been a problem for me b/c I keep them in my pocket, completely out of view. The most important part is that I don't look or act like a thug.