NYC knife laws

I

itsmibilly

Joined
Mar 15, 2012
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Hi, still new to this all this knife stuff so I'm just wondering about the laws in nyc.

Trying to understand these knife laws in nyc. I know we can't own certain type of knives like daggers, gravity blades, assisted daggers, etc.

But can I legally own a a blade like the busse ash 1? Is it legal to purchase these types of combat blades?

Thanks for the help!
 
The Busse ASH-1 is a single-edged fixed blade, so of course you can own one. There is no jurisdiction in the entire country that prevents you from owning a single-edged fixed blade knife because any such law would affect common kitchen knives and tableware.

Carrying such a knife is a completely separate matter, which is a long story. If no one has replied with the details by the time I get back from work, I'll expand on it.
 
Glistam, thank you for the reply! That's what I was thinking, but while reading the laws what is classified as a "dangerous knife"? I know for NYC it is illegal to carry anything longer than 4".

Thanks again!
 
Dangerous knife is anything the officer in question doesn't think you should have - in that place, at that moment. Unfortunately, it isn't a defined term.
As stated above, yes, you can own it...no, you can't carry it
 
Thanks hhmore!!!!What is classified as carry? What if I am ordering a knife and I have it boxed up in my bag to bring home, is that considered "carrying"?
 
hhmoore is correct in that "dangerous knife" is not defined by law. Note that's part of NY state law rather than NYC. It could be applied to anything, but it only is illegal to possession a dangerous knife "with intent to use the same unlawfully against another." Cases I looked at all involve a person doing something illegal and the knife being found after they were detained.

itsmibilly said:
Thanks hhmore!!!!What is classified as carry? What if I am ordering a knife and I have it boxed up in my bag to bring home, is that considered "carrying"?
Click to expand...

NYC Law says:
b. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on his or her person or have in such person's possession, in any public place, street, or park any knife which has a blade length of four inches or more.
c. It shall be unlawful for any person in a public place, street or park, to wear outside of his or her clothing or carry in open view any knife with an exposed or unexposed blade unless such person is actually using such knife for a lawful purpose as set forth in subdivision d of this section.
Click to expand...

Enclosed within a box from a place of purchase or mail is not generally considered "carry" since the knife is not readily accessible, and you'd have to do something suspicious before anyone would even know. The majority of knife law violations in NYC are due to carrying a knife exposed in some way where the cop sees it.
 
Hi itsmibilly,
Not sure if this will help, but I take my fixed (single edge) knives with me when going up state to fish or hunt. I have the appropriate licenses on me and keep the knives locked in the back of my truck until I get to my hunting camp. I have never had a problem, not yet anyway. I love Japanese style tantos, large bowies, kwaikens, and always have a couple with me.
Two years ago a hunting buddy and me found a run away 11 year old in the middle of the Adirondack mountains in November. We had to hike out just to find cell service. We called the State police and when they showed up they didn't even take a second look at my knives. It was no secret that I was hunting considering I had a rifle, pack and was wearing orange. The funny thing was the comment from one of the officers. He said that he was happy we found he kid, as they hate going into the woods at night on a search and rescue, as it's pretty hazzardous terain up there.
Last year we were trout fishing up there way back in the woods. This was the same time the police were looking for those two escaped convicts. I had my SOG Seal Pup on me and a machete. The police were all over and again, never looked twice at us. I guess the fishng license on my back and the trout rod were pretty self explanatory.
While in the city, I just carry a non locking, under 4" Opinel, Kabar Dozier or something along those lines.
hope this helps a bit
 
Great information! Thank you all for your help! I'll be brining my knives for camping and fishing trips in the near future!

Thanks again!!!
 
NYC is simply too liberal. No firearms and knives... Only LE and criminal thugs have weapons there (or good guys who risk it and disregard their strict laws)..It's in the discretion of the LEO if you carry any kind of blade at all.. and it will get serious FAST..
I take nothing to NYC to appease the law....
 
How about New York State in general. I'll be there in August.. Buffalo area.
 
Jedi NO....There is not a ban on locking folders, only one that can be flicked open.....
 
I knew NYC was strict but had no idea it was this bad. I recently went through a two month ordeal where I was stopped with a griptilian and had to get a lawyer to get the case dismissed. Are there any folders that have been explicitly confirmed legal to carry in NYC?
 
Balisongs tend to be lumped into the same legal status as switchblades and gravity knives.

Jim
 
socalknifecollector said:
How about New York State in general. I'll be there in August.. Buffalo area.
Click to expand...

I am not familiar with any specific ordinances in Buffalo proper, but Upstate you have to try to get into trouble for regular pocket or belt knives. Nothing with a sharpened back edge and stiletto patterns not a good idea, otherwise you should be fine. This doesn't mean you couldn't be busted by some blade flicking export LE from downstate but is not likely at all.

I'm just down the Thruway in the Rochester area, pocket clip knives are prolific and is not unheard of to see the odd fixed blade belt knife. I generally carry folders or fixed blades in an IWB sheath - blade length < 4".

As for NYC, I'd stick to slip joint or smaller fixed blade and make sure it isn't visible.
 
I guess I just have to hope the cops don't stop me with that knife on me. I do work at a warehouse so I can use that as an excuse but if electricians have been getting arrested then there is no hope. NYC sucks!
 
Not that I have any plans to go to NYC at the moment, but am I to understand they allow 4 inch blade? Most places that restrict blade length only allow 3 inch or three and a half inch blades. I guess the complaint is they don't like flickable blades which could be most any OH openers.
 
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