US & CAN Knife Laws for a visitor

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keluangus

Joined
Jul 11, 2006
Messages
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Hi all - I know in one form or another, my query would have been addressed in this forum in the past. But I am being lazy so here goes. In Sept., i will be in South America, Canada and US for 3 weeks - all over and most probably driving across states too.

My question is - what's absolutely the maximum blade length and carry condition that will keep me out of legal trouble there? I know in some states its very liberal, but some are not.

Certainly i don't intend to carry a bali, kerambit, or anything automatic. And I would be happy just with an SAK, but something like the workchamp.

I don't think South America is a much a concern as the North. But please tell me if I am wrong..going to be in Mexico and Venezuela there.
 
With the exception of Boston, MA and Chicago, IL I think you would be safe with a 91mm SAK pretty much everywhere. In the US though some buildings, especially government buildings and museums may not allow ANY knives regardless of length. I may have missed some cities but Chicago and Boston have 2.5 inch (63.5mm) blade limitations. SAKs are generally seen as tools not weapons in the US. Just to be safe you should check the local laws where you will be travelling.
 
In Canada, the federal law has no lenght limit.

BUT some cities have different laws (but not mine :) )

The important thing in Canada is to never ,I MEAN NEVER! tell a cop your knife is for SD.
 
Some more Canada info:

As was mentioned,
No blade length limit and, if questioned by police, your knife is a tool, not a weapon.
It is illegal to carry a knife concealed, so if you're carrying a folder, make sure the clip is visible. However, if your shirt is covering the knife, I'm not sure if that's considered concealed.
There are some municipalities in Canada that prohibit carrying knives.
 
Gadgetman7 said:
...but Chicago and Boston have 2.5 inch (63.5mm) blade limitations...
Click to expand...
Correct as to Chicago, and if you're coming to Chicago and planning to see some of the big buildings like the Sears Tower or the Hancock, don't bring the knife. If the security level goes up, as it often does unpredictably, the metal detectors come out.
 
Regardless of the technical readings of the law you are least likely to run into any trouble with a 91mm SAK. Even the larger lockblade SAKs are usually OK. For perception I would definitely carry one with the familiar red scales and NOT carry a one-handed model.

Again this is dealing with perception, not legality.
BTW: I know this goes without saying but....if you are flying, do not try to carry any blade onto the aircraft.
 
91mm is 3.5", over the legal maximum blade lengths for several jusrisdictions in the US, including Washington, DC. 3" or 76mm is a pretty good working limit for most jurisdictions of which I can think off hand. The rule in federal government buildings other than courts, the US Capitol, and the White House is 18USC930, which bans "dangerous or deadly weapons" but then goes on to define a pocketknife with a blade of less than 2.5" or 63mm as not being such a weapon. But, as a visitor, I would not be inclined to fight with the security people at most of federal buildings.
 
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