Seeking Clarification For WA Sate Laws

[Nicegy525]

Here are direct quotes taken from Washington State's revised code:

(1) Every person who:

(a) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;

(b) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or

Basically what I am reading here is that fixed blades or any knife except automatics are legal to carry concealed in the state of Washington (barring any limits imposed by cities or counties)

My question is what does Washington state classify as a Dagger or Dirk? I believe it would mean a knife that has a cutting edge on both sides.

1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons...

(a) Any act committed by a person while in his or her place of abode or fixed place of business; ...

(c) Any person acting for the purpose of protecting himself or herself against the use of presently threatened unlawful force by another, or for the purpose of protecting another against the use of such unlawful force by a third person;

(d) Any person making or assisting in making a lawful arrest for the commission of a felony; or

And this RCW seems to clearly confirm that knives are okay so long as they are used lawfully and not to threaten or intimidate.


My issue is wanting to EDC some larger fixed blades (4-5") to open up my options for adding to my collection. I currently live in Clark County and often travel to Olympia. I am aware Seattle has a ban on fixed blades and any folder over 3.5".

 

[fishface5]

I don't know that there is any caselaw defining dagger or dirk in WA. For fixed-blade carry your problem issues will generally be (1) open carry is preferable to concealed, which can get you a violation insofar as it is "furtive" (2) limits on allowed open-carry fixed blade length can change from one municipality to another, so if you are going into Oly or Vancouver a bunch you would want to check their municipal codes. Whereas they are less likely to have stringent restrictions in smaller towns like Chehalis.