Question concerning definition of blade length in regards to legality?

C

cordoba

Joined
May 7, 2010
Messages
5
In regards to the law and blade length, I was curious if on a folding knife the interpretation would mean the actual cutting edge, or the entire length from the tip to where the handle begins? This isn’t addressed in any of the statutes I could find regarding legally carryable blade lengths.
As an example, lets say the law where I lived only allowed a person to carry a knife with a maximum blade length of 3”. Would a folder like the Spyderco Para-military that has a length of 3-3/32” from the tip to where the handle starts but an edge of only 2-15/16ths still be considered legal?
 
I have often wondered about the many different ways to measure a blade. In addition to the two methods that you mention, I think it is also possible to measure the cutting edge of the blade. It would make no difference for a wharncliffe, but an enormous different if the blade had deep serration.

To help you with your question, I think, at worst, para-military might be confiscated without a charge by a policeman. However, I doubt anyone would want to go to court to try and burn you on just knife length. If you had a pound of weed with you, it might just be chucked on the list of charges, though.

TC
 
Does it really matter? If they allow 3 inch blades something 3 3/32 wouldn't even be discernible... Knife laws are around just to keep knives under control so you aren't carrying around say a spyderco police; not there to be not picky about 3/32 of an inch.
 
It varies greatly from state to state.

My state, Connecticut, specifically states "the edged portion of the blade" for legal blade length.
 
Personally I would err on the side of safety and measure from the handle to the tip. Depends what the penalties for carrying an 'illegal' knife are in your area as to whether you want to take the risk I guess... the risk of 3 years in jail make me cautious! :)
 
Im almost positive that the law refers to the entire length of the blade when

the balde is measured.

A long as youre not something stupid with your knife in public I dont think

have anything to worry about. Im incluuding a 4-41/2" blade. If you dont

have it out of your pocket whos going to know you have a knife.

Most non knife people dont know what a pocket clip is.
 
Moved to Knife Laws.

You need to question the specific laws for a specific jurisdiction. Generalized advice by people who don't know can get you in a lot of trouble.

In NYC, clipping your knife to your pocket can get you arrested.

The usual definition of blade length is tip to handle. But there's no guarantee the local law accepts that and especially there is no guarantee the local police won't use a rule of thumb instead.
 
bladefixation2 said:
Personally I would err on the side of safety and measure from the handle to the tip. Depends what the penalties for carrying an 'illegal' knife are in your area as to whether you want to take the risk I guess... the risk of 3 years in jail make me cautious! :)
Click to expand...

+1 Much better to be conservative.
 
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