Ohio knife laws?

[KevinA]

Could someone tell me what the knife laws are for Ohio and more specifically the blade length limits? Could you also put it in plain english? I hate trying to figure out the legal terms and the way they word some of the things is really confusing. Well at least to me it is. Thanks for any help you can give me.
Kevin

 

[Mickey]

KevinA,
Go to the library and ask for a copy of Anderson's Ohio Criminal Code book.If they do not have it, go to a University book store.Start reading the "2923"section.Specifically,2923.12 Carrying Concealed Weapons.I do not believe there is a blade length listed statewide,but their may be a blade length restriction in your city, township ,or municipality.Check these areas out by conferring with your prosecutors office.
Ballistic knives and switchblade knives are covered in Ohio statutes.

 

[shootist16]

Here is the code that Mickey refers to:

Ohio - 2923.12. [prohibits carry and concealment of "any
deadly weapon" except for self-defense, without explicit
mention of knives].
- 2923.20 Unlawful transaction in weapons. (A) No person
shall... (3) Manufacture, possess for sale, sell, or
furnish to any other person other than a law enforcement
agency for authorized use in police work, any...
switchblade knife, springblade knife, gravity knife, or
similar weapon...

Here is a searchable Ohio database:

http://www.lawsource.com/also/usa.cgi?oh#Z3R


------------------
Dennis Bible

 

[Mark Weldon]

2923.11 Definitions.

Text of Statute
As used in sections 2923.11 to 2923.24 of the Revised Code:
(A) "Deadly weapon" means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon.

(J) "Ballistic knife" means a knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism

K) "Dangerous ordnance" means any of the following, except as provided in division (L) of this section:
(1) Any automatic or sawed-off firearm, zip-gun, or ballistic knife;


2923.12 Carrying concealed weapons.
Text of Statute
(A) No person shall knowingly carry or have, concealed on his or her person or concealed ready at hand, any deadly weapon or dangerous ordnance.


2923.17 Unlawful possession of dangerous ordnance; illegally manufacturing or processing explosives.
Text of Statute
(A) No person shall knowingly acquire, have, carry, or use any dangerous ordnance.


Ohio law does not specify any blade length as legal or illegal, and as you can see the definition of "weapon" is very broad. The only specifically prohibited knife type is the ballistic knife. However, many cities and villages do limit blade lengths in their local ordinances. Typically these prohibit the carrying of any knife with a blade length greater than 2 1/2 inches.