State definitions of open carry for knives.

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VolundoftheForge

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Jan 3, 2012
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Hello all, I'm a resident of Florida and am a tad confused. I am not allowed to "conceal" a switchblade, yet "openly" carrying one IS legal. what does this mean? If a clip is showing, is that "open" carry, or is there some other way to do it? Thanks.
 
State laws do not, in my experience, clearly explain what "concealed" means in their statutory laws. Often the details of such matters is decided in appeals court opinions. However, I generally advise using the most cautious definition. If you and I are having a conversation on the street, I should be able to see that you have a knife, and also recognize that it is a knife and not, say, a pen or screwdriver. Assume in this instance I am neither a cop (who are trained to spot weapons) or a knife enthusiast (who knows what a pocket clip is). If your body is turned a certain way were I can't see it, that is not concealed, but if I cannot see and recognize it from any side of you, it is concealed.
 
glistam said:
State laws do not, in my experience, clearly explain what "concealed" means in their statutory laws.
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I never understood why there is even a distinction. Seems utterly ridiculous to me. In Texas, a legal knife is.....legal! It doesn't matter how you carry it.

I did read a case ruling from somewhere...don't remember where, but the judge said a knife in a belt sheath (like a Buck 110) was concealed and therefor legal there.
 
joe-bob said:
I never understood why there is even a distinction. Seems utterly ridiculous to me. In Texas, a legal knife is.....legal! It doesn't matter how you carry it.

I did read a case ruling from somewhere...don't remember where, but the judge said a knife in a belt sheath (like a Buck 110) was concealed and therefor legal there.
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That's just it, it really does vary by jurisdiction. There is popular misconception that the only thing that is illegal is a "concealed weapon," and this is US wide. But obviously some states (like TX) don't even mention "concealed." Mere carry is regulated. And some places like NYC and LA actually have the reverse: concealed is legal, but open carry is illegal.
 
VolundoftheForge said:
Hello all, I'm a resident of Florida and am a tad confused. I am not allowed to "conceal" a switchblade, yet "openly" carrying one IS legal. what does this mean? If a clip is showing, is that "open" carry, or is there some other way to do it? Thanks.
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if folks can see you are carrying a knife...... think like a shirt tucked in and a belt sheath with the handle of the fixed blade showing and no jacket over it, basically in no way trying to hide it....you should be fine. the problem is what may be fine in one part of the state might get you arrested in another. think dixie county vs. miami/dade county. in dixie knife carrying openly on a belt not weird/suspicious. where as miami dade...i wouldn't do it legal or not. of course cities and counties can have their own laws that override state law, so always be aware of what the counties and cities you are going to or live in have as far as knife ordinances on the books.

from what i have heard and take this as heard, not as an absolute....knife clips don't count as openly carried. most seem to think belt carried sheaths are okay for carrying automatic knives, but i haven't looked up any case law to find out the truth. the easiest way to carry an automatic knife legally in florida (barring you live in a county or city where local ordinances forbid it) is getting a ccw permit.

once again, i'm no lawyer, so always do your own research and verify the laws and the case laws on topics before taking a risk and losing your rights for life by carrying a forbidden knife.
 
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