Sheathed Knife on Campus?

A

aceofspades1217

Joined
Sep 13, 2010
Messages
9
Hey guys this is my first post here on bladeforums.com.


I just got into pocket knives and my girlfriend's dad (who is a cop) recommended the Spyderco Police Model (Classic). I absolutely love it and I'm ordering a custom sheath from vessleatherworks.com. It is going to look frikin' sweet.

Its
saddletan_sebenza_big.jpg
with darkened wolf stamp similar
88475-00-L.JPG
to darkness of this stamp
eagle_head_big.jpg
with the same color stitching as the stamp.


http://knife-expert.com/fl.txt
"Weapon" means any dirk, metallic knuckles, slungshot, billie, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device, or other deadly weapon except a firearm or a common pocketknife.
Click to expand...
790.10 Improper exhibition of dangerous weapons or firearms.--If any person having or carrying any dirk, sword, sword cane, firearm, electric weapon or device, or other weapon shall, in the presence of one or more persons, exhibit the same in a rude, careless, angry, or threatening manner, not in necessary self-defense, the person so offending shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Click to expand...

But I was just wondering whether or not I can get in any trouble for walking around with a sheathed pocket knife especially on my university's campus (FSU). I live in Florida which has the most vague and lax laws on pocket knifes. Basically the law simply states, "All weapons require a concealed weapons license to carry concealed, ordinary pocket knives are exempt from this rule." The thing is I'm not even kidding, and on top of that they changed the laws in 2009 to make all knives knives completely legal, they just classified them as weapons for the purpose of CWL.

However, ordinary pocket knives were never legally defined but the Attorney General has a relatively lax interpretation. He basically said that anything no longer than 3 1/2 inches, but that the length should be shorter for knives with "tactical features". As awesome as my knife is, it has absolutely no tactical features (It's just a manual folder with plain edge). When I was in orientation the campus police has a talk with our group and they showed examples of things you can't have such as swords, daggers, tazers, brass knuckles, etc. And they specifically said "only ordinary pocket knives are allowed". The big thing is that the knife I have is 4 1/2 inches so it is slightly over the line solely based on blade length.

I have been walking around campus constantly with it clipped onto my pocket and it pokes out a good inch because this knife isn't made to be discreet. This knife is about as discreet as Machete (the movie). However, no one has said a word to me or even really given me a look and I have walked by quite a bit of campus PD and security guards. I mean they really couldn't of miss it especially at night when the stainless steel glimmers glimmers against the light posts.

I just want to know if maybe wearing it in a sheath is too much...although it is pretty darn awesome. Or should I just beg my GFs father for a mini-badge since hes the one who recommended a $100 slightly less than legal pocket knife (he told me he had that one in the 90s).

And one quick question while I'm here. I'm looking too surprise my gf (and impress her cop father and captain step mom) by getting my GF a nice knife. I want to get a sheath made for it too since I'm ordering from Canada anyways and I could get a discount. The list of knives that the leather worker has on hand to make sheaths with are there but I could buy one off the net and ship it to him and he could just ship it with the sheath.

I'm currently choosing between Bram Frank's Tusok and the Spyderco Delica G-10.


Tusok pics - It's basically really feminine and has a more out there design which is kind of cool.
images

DSCF5604.jpg

12441502241201249102353.jpeg


Delica G-10 pics - Simple, Spyderco
SPY%20DELICA%20G10.JPG

C11GPFG_1.jpg



My Spyderco Police
images

Spyderco-01.jpg
 
Last edited:
You have some nice knives there! Open carry (belt or pocket clip) on campus is definitely not a good idea in today's environment. Personally, I don't think that it ever was. When I attended college (1978-1982), I carried a Gerber FS II lockblade folder on a daily basis. It was one of the very few "tactical" folders available at the time and it did not have a pocket clip (hadn't been invented yet; these were truly the "Dark Ages" in terms of knife development). It was slim, with a 3 3/4" blade and I carried it pivot-down in the right front pocket of my jeans. Sure, it was against the rules (and probably the law as well), but I kept it well-concealed while on campus and nobody ever was the wiser. I completed the business administration program and graduated. If I would have been caught, most likely I would have been expelled and maybe even criminally charged. I was a commuter, so I didn't have to worry about roommates "accidentally discovering" it, so that worked in my favor. Do your own self a favor and carry your folders completely concealed on campus. You may avoid expulsion and/or arrest by doing so.
 
Im not sure about your school in particular, I go to NCSU and Ive walked all around campus with a buck 110 on my belt, nylon and leather sheath, a spyderco endura clipped in my back pocket and never had anyone ever say a word. I don't take them out and wave them around but I have used them before with only a few odd looks. Mostly if I don't feel comfortable taking it out, I have a case yellow handle stockman that I use all the time that has never got me any bad looks, though it has started so conversations.
 
Did you read the weapons policy for your school?
http://policies.vpfa.fsu.edu/bmanual/weapons.html

. Florida State University students, staff and faculty must not have any type of defined weapon in their possession and cannot store a weapon in their vehicle while on any University property. A weapon could include non-lethal weapons such as pellet guns, knives, metallic knuckles, slingshots, billie's, tear gas guns, chemical weapons or device, or other objects defined as a deadly weapon.


It looks like you are SOL. I would take a more reasonable rule, keep it out of sight, use the slippie, don't kill anyone, don't take it to the bar...




Interesting, this school has exemptions for food prep knives (there is a chef program) and a small folder ..

http://www.conestogac.on.ca/security/guidlines/weaponpolicy.jsp

"Small folding or utility knives or knives used for food preparation or legitimate course requirements are exempt provided they are used for a lawful purpose and not brandished or work in such a manner as to cause concern or alarm. The decision of the Security Supervisor or designate shall be final in cases of dispute."
 
You might call the campus police and ask for the policy.

The college I attended in Texas allowed any legal knife to be carried (as defined by the state law). That will probably vary from campus to campus.
 
Pocket Knives aren't defined as knives under florida law, they are put in a different category and are specifically exempt from almost all laws.

In florida every single kind of knife and sword is legal, even to "openly" carry. You just can't carry it or use it in a threatening or rude manner, not neccesarily in a self-denfensive way. Thus you could get in trouble for carrying a sword into a shopping mall because it could seem threatening even if it was just carried. However, if you had a butterfly knife in a sheath it would be okay.

The chief of campus police gave us a powerpoint and part of it was about weapons. He had some pictures of katanas, tazers, some rediculous looking butterfly knives, and some random hunting stuff.

He said, "If its not a pocket knife you can't carry it." Pocket knives were pretty much a non-issue. Not to mention that this pesentation was long as hell, I'm talking at least 20 minutes. It was a pretty comprhensive speech so I can't imagine that he just forgot to tell us.

But my thinking is FSU just paraphrased the clause in florida laws about public universities and community colleges. Basically in this clause people aren't allowed to carry weapons on campus w/o a license.
 
uh... what is this "change" you're referring to, in 2009? the law has been pretty simple, and the same, since i went to the academy (1995). the only significant change i remember was in 2003 when they clarified the definition of "self propelled knife" so that people posessing switchblades were no longer (mistakenly) charged with that crime.

you've always been able to OC and non firearm weapon and "any knife other than a common pocket knife" has always been a "weapon".

edit to add - you read too much into 790.10 (imo). i don't see how simply carrying a sheathed sword/big knife/wtvr could meet the elements of that crime. there's barely any "exhibition" and definately NO "rude, careless, or angry" it simply applies to waving around a weapon, but not specifically threatening someone with it. basically, if they're smart enough to avoid the "agravated assault" charge (threatening someone with a weapon), but were still showin out, they win a misdemeanor :)
 
Last edited:
':D
zignal_zero said:
uh... what is this "change" you're referring to, in 2009? the law has been pretty simple, and the same, since i went to the academy (1995). the only significant change i remember was in 2003 when they clarified the definition of "self propelled knife" so that people posessing switchblades were no longer (mistakenly) charged with that crime.

you've always been able to OC and non firearm weapon and "any knife other than a common pocket knife" has always been a "weapon".

edit to add - you read too much into 790.10 (imo). i don't see how simply carrying a sheathed sword/big knife/wtvr could meet the elements of that crime. there's barely any "exhibition" and definately NO "rude, careless, or angry" it simply applies to waving around a weapon, but not specifically threatening someone with it. basically, if they're smart enough to avoid the "agravated assault" charge (threatening someone with a weapon), but were still showin out, they win a misdemeanor :)
Click to expand...

Yeah well thanks. You obviously know more than me, then again considering your probobly 10+ years older I would hope that you do. Then again if I THOUGHT I knew everything I wouldn't be asking you guys to begin with xD. I think I read someone else mistakening say "the law was simplified in 2009" when it was actually 2003. And yeah that's what I meant by simplifying it. Now switchblades are clearly not illegal (as long as you don't conceal without a permit).

But my point was basically that florida knife laws are pretty awesome.

BTW, I ordered the sheath for both the BM 940SBK and my Spyderco Police.

I also ordered some skateboard grip tape to make the knife a little more grippy. That stuff is a wonder for steel knives. 2 Strips of that will make it even less slippery than a G-10 Grip.

The sheath will actually be a lot more low profile than how I'm carrying it now because the knife sticks out of my pocket by at least an inch.

Also I'm going to go ahead and take off the belt clip that way the sheath is slimmer and I can add tape to both sides.

I'm looking forward to getting it. This leatherworker was simply fantastic, he really helped me pickout all the features of the sheath since I had no idea what went into making a custom sheath. He even suggested some knives to get for my GF.

I would recommend him but I haven't got the actual sheath :P so I will once I get it.
 
Lol, this is rediculous. People are so indifferent here about knives its rediculous. I bought some apples from the campus store and was peeling apples with my huge pocket knife right outside my classroom. No one even gave my a second glance. Well I guess it's settled, I'll just wear it sheathed. I got a nice horizontal one so it won't even get in the way.

I mean I didn't even get a "nice knife" comment or anything. I'm from South Florida (its not the South) and I didn't realize how ubiquitous pocket knives were here in the South.
 
I got the 940 for my GF. Its a little more high tech so it will be much easier for her to open and use, and its smaller so it fit her a little better for EDC. She's also a girl so no one is going to question her for having a knife with tactical features.

My spyderco is good because it is 100% ordinary pocket knife even if it does look rediculously awesome. The only feature it has is a liner lock (legally). I like my knife because even though its a little tough to open it only takes just a tad bit more effort. You just have to use the little hole. The benefit to having a knife without an easy open thumb stud is that it is much easier to close because the liner lock is on the handle. Its perfect cause I don't have to deal with turning it around and pushing down the liner lock from the inside.

I just figure that in the event I do need the knife for defense an extra half a second of time isn't going to kill me. Besides I won't have to get in any confrontations if its sheathed because no one is going to try a mug a guy that has large knife on their hip when there is probobly plently of easier prey.

Right now I'm trying to get a graveyard shift job (Denny's, Waffle House, maybe a gas station) because even though it tough having a job at night its usually not quite as much work and it is easier scheduling wise.
 
aceofspades1217 said:
':D

Yeah well thanks. You obviously know more than me, then again considering your probobly 10+ years older I would hope that you do. Then again if I THOUGHT I knew everything I wouldn't be asking you guys to begin with xD. I think I read someone else mistakening say "the law was simplified in 2009" when it was actually 2003. And yeah that's what I meant by simplifying it. Now switchblades are clearly not illegal (as long as you don't conceal without a permit).

But my point was basically that florida knife laws are pretty awesome.

BTW, I ordered the sheath for both the BM 940SBK and my Spyderco Police.

I also ordered some skateboard grip tape to make the knife a little more grippy. That stuff is a wonder for steel knives. 2 Strips of that will make it even less slippery than a G-10 Grip.

The sheath will actually be a lot more low profile than how I'm carrying it now because the knife sticks out of my pocket by at least an inch.

Also I'm going to go ahead and take off the belt clip that way the sheath is slimmer and I can add tape to both sides.

I'm looking forward to getting it. This leatherworker was simply fantastic, he really helped me pickout all the features of the sheath since I had no idea what went into making a custom sheath. He even suggested some knives to get for my GF.

I would recommend him but I haven't got the actual sheath :P so I will once I get it.
Click to expand...

dude, i apologize if i sounded like i was being a dick. i really didn't mean it that way. in fact, you're knowledge of 790 is impressive. i was just thrown off by the 2009 thing.

i understand where you're coming from wanting to not only stay within the laws, but also not go over board just because it's legal (if i read that correctly). i'm in a similar boat. no local laws against FB's of any size, but i'm not trying to be the focus of attention, either.

again, i'm really impressed that you had a good understanding of 790 before posting a question and i'm sorry if my post suggested otherwise :)
 
aceofspades1217 said:
Lol, this is rediculous. People are so indifferent here about knives its rediculous. I bought some apples from the campus store and was peeling apples with my huge pocket knife right outside my classroom. No one even gave my a second glance. Well I guess it's settled, I'll just wear it sheathed. I got a nice horizontal one so it won't even get in the way.

I mean I didn't even get a "nice knife" comment or anything. I'm from South Florida (its not the South) and I didn't realize how ubiquitous pocket knives were here in the South.
Click to expand...


that's good stuff right there!
 
zignal_zero said:
dude, i apologize if i sounded like i was being a dick. i really didn't mean it that way. in fact, you're knowledge of 790 is impressive. i was just thrown off by the 2009 thing.

i understand where you're coming from wanting to not only stay within the laws, but also not go over board just because it's legal (if i read that correctly). i'm in a similar boat. no local laws against FB's of any size, but i'm not trying to be the focus of attention, either.

again, i'm really impressed that you had a good understanding of 790 before posting a question and i'm sorry if my post suggested otherwise :)
Click to expand...
Actually I was being 100% not sarcastic. I really tried to word it like that xD.

I mean I would hope you would know more about it than me considering I'm 18. If I thought I knew everything about this than I wouldn't be asking it.

PS: I just received the BM 940 and I'm kind of jealous. Feature wise its much better than my knife and it is much easier to open. Although, I still like my knife better but it is bigger, prettier, and has a fantastic knife-to-handle ratio. This knife is probably much better for her than a spyderco delica because it is super easy to open and you don't need any practice to open it.

My knife takes a little practice and I had to open it a ton of times before it loosened up enough where it could open one-handed.

I'm sorry if I came out sarcastic, but I mean I am not a lawyer (yet) and don't exactly know what these vague laws translate to.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top