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Ohio Laws.
- Thread starter Engles
- Start date
What exactly is concealed? does a pocket clip with handle partially visible considered concealed?
Yeah Ohio state law is actually pretty vague. It doesn't even use the word "knife" in the main statute (§ 2923.11), just "deadly weapon."
That's all it says. Therefore, there is no proscribed length limit. However, such a definition allows for a judgement call by law enforcement. Even short knives can be considered deadly weapons, if the circumstances of the discovery or the design of the knife would seem to indicate the knife's purpose as a weapon. Telling an officer it is for self-defense unfortunately screws the pooch to that end.
This interpretation has been manifested in cases like OH v. Port, and OH, v. Manning. I'm actually getting depressed reading the latter, where a man was convicted for a 1.75" that he said was supposed to be for cutting wires, merely because it was concealed. One of the three appeal judges dissented, but the other two upheld his conviction. It is a miscarriage of justice in my opinion, but it set precedent.
The pocket clip issue generally is considered to be open carry, in that if a police officer notices it from a distance or when speaking with you casually, that is not generally considered concealed under the test from OH v Pettit (1969). Mind, this is a twitchy subject, so some cops might vary in their opinions.
That's all it says. Therefore, there is no proscribed length limit. However, such a definition allows for a judgement call by law enforcement. Even short knives can be considered deadly weapons, if the circumstances of the discovery or the design of the knife would seem to indicate the knife's purpose as a weapon. Telling an officer it is for self-defense unfortunately screws the pooch to that end.
This interpretation has been manifested in cases like OH v. Port, and OH, v. Manning. I'm actually getting depressed reading the latter, where a man was convicted for a 1.75" that he said was supposed to be for cutting wires, merely because it was concealed. One of the three appeal judges dissented, but the other two upheld his conviction. It is a miscarriage of justice in my opinion, but it set precedent.
The pocket clip issue generally is considered to be open carry, in that if a police officer notices it from a distance or when speaking with you casually, that is not generally considered concealed under the test from OH v Pettit (1969). Mind, this is a twitchy subject, so some cops might vary in their opinions.
Ok cool man so either keep it visible or completely not visible and don't get caught. check! I think i'd rathher have y knife on me then worry about the law preventing me. Not like I carrying around an offensive dagger, just a 3" EDC/self defense blade. Thanks for the interpretation, that was kinda how I read it also. As long as its for self defense, they technically can't touch you. (My interpretation of course)
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2008
- Messages
- 747
yea, i live in Dayton and i was told 3" or under with a pocket clip visible and NO fixed blades seems to be the general rule of thumb. But, it all depends on the situation and officer involved.
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2000
- Messages
- 14,444
State law has no length stipulations, however municipalities/cities/towns may have their own ordinances concerning blade length.
Thus the dilemma of Ohio laws....
It is still amazing how many people come to the table saying a blade can't be "wider than the cops palm". Amazing....
Thus the dilemma of Ohio laws....
It is still amazing how many people come to the table saying a blade can't be "wider than the cops palm". Amazing....
I live in Ohio as well and I was under the impression of 3 inches or under. I have yet to hear anything concrete in all of my searching. I know in Cleveland heights they have a 2.5 inch limit. State law leaves most of it up to the municipalities, but most of the cities I've checked don't even address it. I am a bit concerned about the post where it stated a man that was convicted for a 1.75" folder. My EDC is similar. Could someone elaborate on the circumstances of the arrest.
That was Ohio v. Manning. I cannot link directly as it's in private database. But the contact was initiated like this:
Before I continue, ssssshhhhocker. Oh gee, this innocent man was just minding his own business when that mean cop shook him down for no reason at all, wasn't he?
Ahem, anyway, the knife was one of those kubotan shaped ones on a keychain where you have to unscrew it to take the blade out, then screw it back in the opposite way to make a little dagger. The blade is 1.5"
They go on to say this: