PA knife law in a nutshell?

[jlamb]

I have read and re-read the knife law in PA. Can somebody please tell me in a nutshell what the hell it means? Are there any length restrictions to carry? Im assume autos are not permitted, but assisted openers are? Thanks in advance!!

 

[Morrow]

I have read and re-read the knife law in PA. Can somebody please tell me in a nutshell what the hell it means? Are there any length restrictions to carry? Im assume autos are not permitted, but assisted openers are? Thanks in advance!!

In a nutshell....no auto's unless you meet specific requirements....disabled etc..

There is not Pa. state restriction on blade length. Always check to see if local laws are more restrictive.

For example...Philly has very restrictive laws that pertain to "weapons" and even the most diminutive knife can be considered a weapon.

 

[jlamb]

Thank you!!

 

[Cauldra]

As far as assisted openers, and balisongs, they are legal, but again check local laws to make sure. There is no state length, but again, check local laws. I have also heard the general, unwritten, rule is that blade shouldn't be bigger than the palm of your hand.

 

[Morrow]

As far as assisted openers, and balisongs, they are legal, but again check local laws to make sure. There is no state length, but again, check local laws. I have also heard the general, unwritten, rule is that blade shouldn't be bigger than the palm of your hand.

I've never heard of specific local laws in Pa. that specifically address assisted openers or balisongs. As you say...it is always a good idea to check anyway.

There is no "unwritten rule" about the blade being bigger than the palm of your hand. It's like an urban legend. So if I have big hands, I can carry a knife with a bigger blade than the poor sap with small hands?

 

[Eyegor]

I've never heard of specific local laws in Pa. that specifically address assisted openers or balisongs. As you say...it is always a good idea to check anyway.

There is no "unwritten rule" about the blade being bigger than the palm of your hand. It's like an urban legend. So if I have big hands, I can carry a knife with a bigger blade than the poor sap with small hands?

I agree that this is an urban legend, BBUUTTTT..... I have known and/or seen several fellow LEOs attempt to apply that standard when someone being interviewed is found to have some type of knife in their possession. So it does exist, even if only in some minds. Note: This comment is not PA specific. More of a general observation.