Number Of Knives Allowed To Carry

M

manwithplan

Joined
Dec 12, 2013
Messages
3
I usually everyday have four knives on my person:

1. Buck metro 1in folding -- key chain in pocket

2. Ka-Bar Last Ditch TDI in a kydex sheath 1.5in -- on belt front left

3. Master USA Tactical in a kydex sheath 3.25in on belt back right

4. Gerber Bolt Action folder in nylon sheath 3in -- on belt back left

I was just wondering if there are any restriction on the number of knives allowed to carry
 
Laws can be different depending on your country, state, county, or city. I don't know every knife law in the US, but I've never heard of any restrictions on how many knives a person can carry.

If you say where you live, that might help narrow down the laws that apply specifically to you.
 
There is most likely no true law about the number of knives you may carry, but most officers would question your need and intent on carrying that many.
 
At one point or another, I have read the laws for all fifty states, plus numerous county and city statutes. While I don't have them memorized, I have never once encountered any law limited the number of knives to be carried.

However, lawful knife carry is more complex that simply statutory language. It is often the case that certain knives are in a "grey area" wherein certain laws may apply, but lack proper definitions. In these cases, when you are in a police encounter the officer has to use his or her judgement, and that judgement is colored by context. This context includes why he is talking to, stopping, searching, or detaining you in the first place (the mere possession of a knife is virtually never the reason for the stop), your attitude towards him, where you are, what your stated reason for carry is, and any other available evidence beyond your word as to what you intended to do. Having a large number of knives without a compelling reason might sway the officer's judgement against you, especially if the knives are of a type used for combat and are carried in a way designed to make them readily accessible.

A good explanation of Michigan's law can be found here:
http://www.knifeup.com/michigan-knife-laws/
 
tom19176 said:
There is most likely no true law about the number of knives you may carry, but most officers would question your need and intent on carrying that many.
Click to expand...

Thats my take on it as well. If i were a cop, i would definitely raise an eyebrow on a civilian having that many knives on them.

As a fellow knife person, I understand the desire to carry many of your favorite knives! I am quite guilty of this at times. However, and this is just my opinion of course, not knowing your situation at all... perhaps your pocket/backpack space may be better served with a different peice of gear in place of one or two knives? For example, i think a flashlight or phone charger might come in handy more often than a backup knife or two.
 
well i have a many pairs of Black Deluxe EMT Tactical Paramedic Pants and the standard for equipment carried is:

1. keys on a lanyard with metro knife. in left pocket attached to belt

2. lansky knife sharpener. left small pocket

3. two pens. right pocket

4. headphones in carrying case. right leg pocket

5. 1/8th in male to male audio cable. right leg pocket

6. a moleskin cashier booklet. left leg pocket

7. wallet. back pocket

8. 3 cell mini mag-light. belt back left

9. popup towel wipes tube. right leg pocket

I'm not paranoid or anything. its just that having been Boyscouts the mantra "Always Be Prepared" was drilled into my head. all the knives are for different uses like everyone knows, the last time you cut yourself it was most likely the wrong knife for the job.
 
I EDC 3 knives. Buck 482 and 486 front L/R pockets (one-hand opening) and a 4" fixed (Kabar 1232). Why multiple knives for me? If you have a hand engaged and need a knife, there's one available for the other hand to pull out and open for use. The fixed is for those "fixed" cutting jobs. On the farm or around machinery, it's a fixed blade on each hip. I've only had 1 cop has ever questioned me about why 3. The simple explanation of multi-handed use fixed that.
 
manwithplan said:
I live in Dorr Michigan
Click to expand...

I live in MI too and there's no laws regulating how many knives you can carry. But if an LEO is having a bad day and you live in an area with a over zealous prosecutor then you could be looking at a few potential felonies on your person.
 
Perfect- in that case... if *I* were an officer looking through all the things on you, i would be much more apt to look at you as "prepared guy" instead of "paranoid stabby guy" :)

manwithplan said:
well i have a many pairs of Black Deluxe EMT Tactical Paramedic Pants and the standard for equipment carried is:

1. keys on a lanyard with metro knife. in left pocket attached to belt

2. lansky knife sharpener. left small pocket

3. two pens. right pocket

4. headphones in carrying case. right leg pocket

5. 1/8th in male to male audio cable. right leg pocket

6. a moleskin cashier booklet. left leg pocket

7. wallet. back pocket

8. 3 cell mini mag-light. belt back left

9. popup towel wipes tube. right leg pocket

I'm not paranoid or anything. its just that having been Boyscouts the mantra "Always Be Prepared" was drilled into my head. all the knives are for different uses like everyone knows, the last time you cut yourself it was most likely the wrong knife for the job.
Click to expand...
 
Every knife I carry has been assigned a purpose to make it necessary.

BK9 - chopping through shrubbery and undergrowth in order to address outside air conditioner and water heater units, especially around trailer parks where trees grow wild without maintenance.

BK14 - small, delicate jobs that the BK9 is inappropriate for.

Sheffield folding utility knife - in case somebody asks to borrow my knife because they don't know to use a screwdriver or pry bar for the job.

Gerber Paraframe - for lending to a know-nothing, or scraping rust/dirt off a pipe.

Victorinox Fieldmaster - it's obvious.

Leatherman Sidekick/Rebar - equally obvious.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top