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Pennsylvania carry laws
- Thread starter lerchr
- Start date
- Joined
- Dec 7, 2006
- Messages
- 1
I thought no more than 3-1/2 " blade allowed for carry in PA and WV.
I stand corrected. I just called the PA State Police and they said 3" is the blade size accepted. They said without looking it up that's what they think it is. He also said they will ask you if you use it for anything like hunting, boating, use it for work, etc. I got the DISTINCT impression that if I say I have it for hunting they will say ok. I asked "so wouldn't I have to be in the woods to use it for hunting?" He replied "no, just if that is the reason you have it with you we won't hassle you".
Like that is the correct answer, is what I gathered. I was going to say "to defend myself" but he had already instructed me in the more correct response.
He said they only really hassle anyone if they think it is used for a criminal purpose. So it appears their main concern is making sure it isn't used for a criminal purpose by asking you. So if you work with a knife, or hunt, they consider those reasons to have it. I also got the impression that if I don't say I have it for a reason if questioned they don't like that.
Hope this helps a little bit.
I stand corrected. I just called the PA State Police and they said 3" is the blade size accepted. They said without looking it up that's what they think it is. He also said they will ask you if you use it for anything like hunting, boating, use it for work, etc. I got the DISTINCT impression that if I say I have it for hunting they will say ok. I asked "so wouldn't I have to be in the woods to use it for hunting?" He replied "no, just if that is the reason you have it with you we won't hassle you".
Like that is the correct answer, is what I gathered. I was going to say "to defend myself" but he had already instructed me in the more correct response.
He said they only really hassle anyone if they think it is used for a criminal purpose. So it appears their main concern is making sure it isn't used for a criminal purpose by asking you. So if you work with a knife, or hunt, they consider those reasons to have it. I also got the impression that if I don't say I have it for a reason if questioned they don't like that.
Hope this helps a little bit.
bullshit, bullshit, bullshit, bullshit
there is NO SIZE LIMITATION in PA. No switchblades, that's it.
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2006
- Messages
- 6
That's correct. There is no size limit and you can carry fixed blades. The only thing not allowed is automatics. You can read the official text here: http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/pa.txt
I have also talked to some PA police and they confirm this to be true. But I go by what the laws say, not all police know the exact text and they aren't lawyers.
I have also talked to some PA police and they confirm this to be true. But I go by what the laws say, not all police know the exact text and they aren't lawyers.
Jaxx
Moderator
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2006
- Messages
- 19,791
Also no daggers... MOST Penna. police WILL CONSIDER any fixed blade with both edges sharp to qualify as a 'dagger', especially in metro areas. I'd avoid carrying anything double edged, even a folder.. Fixed blades MUST be carried OPENLY, i.e. PLAIN SIGHT AT ALL TIMES unless you are licensed to carry concealed weapons. BE ADVISED that this may cause some police to claim that you are DISTURBING THE PEACE or that the very sight of the sheathed knife qualifies as DISORDERLY CONDUCT, and may try to confiscate the knife pending a hearing. There is NO LENGTH RESTRICTION, but with THAT said, the bigger the knife, the longer the questioning by the officer, and with more suspicion. PA. knife laws are vague at best, and even after making it a point to ask every officer/trooper/sheriff who might be cool enough to discuss it with me, NEVER EVER EVER have I heard the same answer from any two LEO's EVER. Yes, I live in PA. on the eastern side.
I hope this helps ya!
Jaxx
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2006
- Messages
- 6
I see nothing in there that says fixed blade daggers or non-automatic folding blade daggers aren't allowed. With all the commas it's a bit confusing what "the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way" applies to, but it is my understanding that it applies to all of the mentioned "dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument." It is not saying that daggers aren't allowed, just a dagger that it a switchblade. There is also nothing that says fixed blades must be carried openly.
If you look here there is a nice chart of some laws. As you can see PA has many blank spots as the laws are vague, but since it doesn't say "NO" to anything then there is no law that says you can't carry whatever you want as long as it isn't an automatic.
If you have an official source in writing that states otherwise please let me know, as I also live in PA.
Jaxx
Moderator
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2006
- Messages
- 19,791
Well, you may have me there. However, remember that:
A. Just because you can doesn't mean that you don't have to obey any LEOs' request EVEN if this LEO asks you to turn over your knife and proceeds to take it into his/her custody AND you know that YOU are in the right. It can be very expensive in legal costs to recover your knife even if you are right. Government trumps citizen 99 times out of 100.
& B. There may be a host of local ordinances that may be more specific on the issue for EACH and EVERY township or borough or city. /State/County/Local, I'd check 'em all, OR just carry a small to medium folder. I mean, anywhere that you can walk around with a rifle, then don't sweat the knife. Nearer to metro areas, Pitt./Harr./Philly, and I'd play it safer and carry something less tactical and more workhorse. Easier to explain as a tool.
JMHO, partially based on past experiences of mine and others.
Jaxx
False. There is no law against concealing a fixed blade knife, PA does not issue a concealed weapons permit, they issue a concealed firearm permit which has no bearing on your ability to carry any other weapon but firearms.
I bet you can't find any case law on that because it's another work of fiction. First, there is no statute in PA called "disturbing the peace" that's totally make believe. Secondly, "Disorderly Conduct" requires "intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk thereof" which does not exist in the act of simply carrying a knife. secondly, the act must "serve no legitimate purpose of the actor".
You can not be charged with disorderly conduct for openly carrying a legal weapon, period.
This opens up that police officer and their department to lawsuits. Confiscation of property without cause is a clear constitutional violation. Police will not take this risk simply to fuck with you because it entitles you to sue for your property, legal costs and punitive damages.