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Philly and NYC Trip Tips
- Thread starter gdog363
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Any sort of slipjoint should be relatively legal. I'd recommend looking into a Spyderco Urban or a Spyderco UK Pen Knife. Both non-locking blades, they both have removable clips, and each can be opened with one hand.
Other than them, just about any traditional knife should keep you out of trouble even if you are stopped. I've driven to Philly(or close to it) every Saturday for the past 3 weeks. Each trip I had a Lion Steel CK01(first two trips were a Dom, third was a Shuffler).
I'm in the mindset that you could carry an OTF automatic without any issues as long as you're not doing something that could get you in trouble in the first place, but if you want legal, it's tough to beat a slipjoint.
Other than them, just about any traditional knife should keep you out of trouble even if you are stopped. I've driven to Philly(or close to it) every Saturday for the past 3 weeks. Each trip I had a Lion Steel CK01(first two trips were a Dom, third was a Shuffler).
I'm in the mindset that you could carry an OTF automatic without any issues as long as you're not doing something that could get you in trouble in the first place, but if you want legal, it's tough to beat a slipjoint.
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Technically any knife unrelated to your trade is illegal to carry in philly. I generally avoid philthadelphia as the place is a bit of a cesspool. When I do go, I carry my pistol, as i am legally allowed to do with my ltcf. Can't carry a knife though
(I do anyway)
The philly law is so ridiculous and unenforceable I doubt you will have much trouble. It is more of one of those add on offenses. Just don't get in trouble.
As for nyc? Forget that noise. Carry at your own risk. They will prosecute for no reason. I avoid going to nyc way more than philly. That should tell you all you need to know.
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Not true. Relatively legal is not a legal term. Look up the law before giving advice please. Driving near philly opposed to in philly are two very different things. Two different sets of laws. Philly vs the rest of the state is completely different gun and knife law wise.
Did I claim to be a lawyer, pal? I gave my advice through my own experience. I've been to Philly enough, I hit the Electric Factory on a monthly basis and I've carried just about every platform of knife down there with me(save for when I actually go into the venue).
So, OP, I guess you shouldn't carry a knife. As per Craytabs advice.
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Calm down. You gave bad advice. No big deal. This is a forum with a lot of knowledgeable people. Bad information will be corrected. Even happens to me on occasion
Relatively legal is not legal. That would be illegal. The law is not gray on this matter. Now, it is not a law often enforced, but it is still the law. Nowhere near as bad as what goes on in nyc. If I were the OP, nyc would be the place I'd be most concerned about. Average citizens do real time there for simply having a folder clipped. It is particularly ridiculous.
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And? You have been breaking the law. Don’t advise others to do the same.
SpySmasher
Lead Guitar
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I think craytab's point is that there's no such thing as "relatively legal." Something is either legal or it isn't.
When I carry in NYC (as opposed to Long Island, where I live) I make sure whatever I carry doesn't show at all or even "print" in my pocket. Furthermore, NYCPD are INSTRUCTED to take the most liberal (not in the political sense) interpretation of NY's anti-gravity-knife laws: anything that can be wrist-flicked open (as hard as they can flick) by a cop is against the law so make sure it has a strong detent.
I have some knives that make the cut (pun intended) but I still choose to carry "cheap" just in case. I've never been hassled but, you know, I'm a middle-aged white guy. :/
When I carry in NYC (as opposed to Long Island, where I live) I make sure whatever I carry doesn't show at all or even "print" in my pocket. Furthermore, NYCPD are INSTRUCTED to take the most liberal (not in the political sense) interpretation of NY's anti-gravity-knife laws: anything that can be wrist-flicked open (as hard as they can flick) by a cop is against the law so make sure it has a strong detent.
I have some knives that make the cut (pun intended) but I still choose to carry "cheap" just in case. I've never been hassled but, you know, I'm a middle-aged white guy. :/
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To be fair, every time I've gone to philly I've had a knife. I was breaking the law too, even though I also have my legal to carry pistol. However, i knew I was doing so. I also advise folks here that if they carry a knife in philly unrealated to their trade, they are also breaking the law. I don't see it as a huge deal but as with everywhere one goes, you should know the rules. Now, nyc is a different deal altogether. They enforce those laws even if you haven't done anything else wrong.
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The reason I have my GEC 47 is for travel it's not scary and is quite useful.
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Still technically illegal in philly. How dumb is that?
As I said, I was speaking from experience. To me, carrying a knife in Philadelphia is akin to driving a truck/car with tires that are wider than your fenders. In Pennsylvania that's illegal, but you'll pass a hundred of them on the Turnpike at any given time.
Technically speaking, you're right. Maybe if I wasn't a resident of Pa, I wouldn't risk it. When I go to New York I'll always bring a knife along, but I usually leave it in the car if I'm walking around NYC.
So it really depends on you, OP. I can't say for 100% that carrying a knife in Philly won't get you in trouble, but in my time there I haven't had any trouble because of it.
Technically speaking, you're right. Maybe if I wasn't a resident of Pa, I wouldn't risk it. When I go to New York I'll always bring a knife along, but I usually leave it in the car if I'm walking around NYC.
So it really depends on you, OP. I can't say for 100% that carrying a knife in Philly won't get you in trouble, but in my time there I haven't had any trouble because of it.
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I get exactly what you are saying. I carry a knife when I go to philly too. Don't get me started on all the messed up unenforced laws here in pa
It's just that people should at least know when they are breaking the law, which carrying a knife in philly unrelated to your trade certainly is.
I think there was a long period of time when you couldn't sell a motorcycle on Sundays. Go figure.
In NYC you have to be careful, even a Leatherman Wave, which has the blades outside the handles can be "wrist flicked" and can get you in trouble. A small SAK or slip joint is probably best as mentioned above. Be extremely careful about belt sheaths or even keeping it loose in the pocket where the outline is noticeable. It goes without saying that a clip should not be visible at all!
Likely already answered, and speaking only of NYC...
any knife visible is automatic frisk and arrest....period...including visible clips, even of clip all which is visible. Pads arrest records and pads deadly weapon siezure numbers.
Also, if any well practiced expert can take your knife, somehow manage to flick open the blade, it is deemed an illegal gravity knife, even if gravity has nothing to do with it. And perhaps a pivot screw loosened while in their possession. All the cops must do is be able to flick it open even once out of 10 tries in front of a judge, and you are also then paying court costs.
Not going to court results in a fine for 1st time offender and a deadly weapon charge forever on record.
Best legal (any knife with blade UNDER 4") folder still able to be opened one hand, but unflickable, which I could come up with while there was the German/Swiss current issue knives or civilian Trekker by Victorinox, as they have a slipjoint backspring, but Sydercoish hole and liner lock.
Of course, you may carry a sheath knife with blade of under 4", I had a Spyderco Salt Enuff serrated, but the longer handle is a pain, and ANY knife MUST be completely concealed to point of not printing.
They do not play, there. They still can stop and frisk at whim, even if toned down of late to tune of also rising crime rates.
PS- stay away from train platform edges and stay alert for someone pushing you in front of a train for funsies. At least every other day a train "incident" happens there.