NYC Resident / outdoors enthusiast

[ny_resident]

Hi all - I have browsed many threads already on here and it basically seems that having anything with a sharp blade is a risk to carry in NY. It seems that in many cases people which were stopped or frisked were displaying a knife somehow only if very little? Is this true?
I am not looking to carry any kind of knife on myself in the city on regular basis. However, I do have the 8 inch KABAR Tanto and the Kabar skeleton knife ( about a 3 inch blade). My question is , what am I supposed to do when I go backpacking or hiking. I can not have these buried in my backpack for transportation? What if I am driving out of the city to another state to hike or camp-- I can not have the knives in the trunk of my car in a backpack in their sheaths?
Is it a good idea to speak with the local police precinct about this? Basically the only time knive(s) would be on me is in my car on the way out of the city to go camping ande never ever in plain sight, always in sheath and Ina a bag under lots of other gear.

 

[2Dead]

I am not a lawyer but here's a link to the laws: http://knife-expert.com/ny.txt

You have to read the state and city laws separately. For State laws, there doesn't seem to be restrictions on fixed blades as long as its not

dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, razor, stiletto,
imitation pistol, or any other dangerous or deadly instrument or weapon
with intent to use the same unlawfully against another;

I'm not sure if a tanto Kabar will be seen as a "dangerous knife" or not. I think the skeleton knife would be ok.

As for City, 4" and over would be a problem however under 10-133 D it says

D. The provisions of subdivisions b and c of this sections shall not apply to (1) persons in the military service on the state of New York when duly authorized to carry or display knives pursuant to regulations issued by the chief of stall to the governor; (2) police officers and peace officers as defined in the criminal procedure law; (3) participants in special events when authorized by the police commissioner (4) persons on the military or other service of the United States, in pursuit of official duty authorized by federal law; or (5) any person displaying or in possession of a knife otherwise in violation of this section when such a knife (a) is being used for or transported immediately to or from a place where it is used for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or any employment, trade or occupation customarily requiring the use of such knife; or (b) is displayed or carried by a member of a theatrical group, drill team, military or para military unit or veterans organization, to from or during a meeting, parade or other performance or practice for such event, which customarily requires the carrying of suck knife or (c) is being transported directly to or from a place of purchase in such a manner as not to allow easy access to such knife while it is transported; or (d) is displayed or carried by a duly enrolled member of the Boy or Girl scouts of America or similar organization or society and such display or possession is necessary to participate in the activities of such organization or society.

Again, not sure if the tanto Kabar will be seen as an issue. I imagine a smaller hunting style knife with a drop point blade would be easier to pass. Again, IANAL so please read the laws in the link yourself and come to the safest conclusion you can.

 

[ny_resident]

Thanks 2dead, very helpful. I stopped by the police precinct today. The Sargent on duty said that the main thing about knives is to keep it out of plain sight. He also said if you are not sure and are randomly frisked in the subway station, you could walk away with a summons or worse, depends on the knife. His advice was just keep the knife in the trunk of your car so it's not on person. Police have no right to search my car in NYC without probable cause. It should be holstered and tucked away. This is what I will do with the 8 inch Tanto blade. That thing is ridiculous.