Virginia laws

K

KaBar

Joined
Dec 30, 2004
Messages
609
does any body know the virginia knife laws or know where i can look them up? i carry a short black Ka Bar with me at work (dealership) i hang it from my belt in the factory sheeth but i have it on my right side with the sheeth about 1/2 way in my pocket. would this be illegal because i carry it with me where ever i go. i think the blade length is twice as long as legal but i just wana make sure. if its illegal ill just keep it on my belt at the shop and take it off before i leave work.

i was at a store buying a diamond sharpener today and i told the guy i needed one for my ka bar, he was real shocked when i said ka bar and asked "you own a real ka bar" i said yeah, you can buy them any where, i own a few. this one i use at work.

so i pulled it out of its sheeth and handed it to him by the blade. even though i was holding the blade and i was moveing slow he jumped out of his skin. for a second i thaught that i was gona get the cops called on me. turns out he is a book nut who likes military books and have read about but never seen a real ka bar, i told him where he could get one and seemed truely interested about getting one to desplay. he asked questions for about 30 mins.



1256_large.jpg


0.38 lbs. Lock Style: N/A

Length: Blade length 5 1/4", Overall length 9 1/4"
Grind: Flat

Shape: Clip Handle Material: Kraton G

Stamp: USA HRC:
56-58

Edge Angle: 20 Degrees Butt Cap /Guard: Pwdrd Metal/1095 Carbon

Steel: 1095 Carbon Country Mft'd: Made in USA

Pocket Clip: N/A
 
well, its where you can see it all the time so i guss its not illegal then :)
 
From the Code of Virginia, § 18.2-308 (Personal protection; carrying concealed weapons; when lawful to carry.):

"If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation . . . (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor . . . or (v) any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he shall be guilty" etc., etc., etc..

You can be fairly certain that your KaBar falls within the dirk or other weapon of like kind designation. No concealed carry allowed. On the other hand, a fixed-blade knife that's clearly meant for hunting, fishing, utility purposes, etc., would not necessarily be considered a concealed weapon (at least not out here in SW Virginia).
 
well, my old work knives consisted of a blue point folder with a changable box cutter blade and a switch blade. i guss the kabar aint that much worse :rolleyes:
 
The Virginia code applies to concealed knives, so if you wore yur knife in plain view in a sheath on your hip the law wouldn't apply? Or am I just being too literal?

Dave
 
But please do remember that local jurisdictions also have laws restrictng what you may carry and how you may carry it.
 
i did a search on the forums, and on google, and looked at the "state knife law" links on this forum, they only say that folders are legal. however, im trying to figure out the legal maximum blade length in northern virginia (fairfax county). i have HEARD from friends that they think it is 4 inches, but nobody can confirm this. does anybody know for SURE where i can confirm the legal blade length here? all of my searches have turned up nothin!
william
 
To the best of my knowledge, there are no maximum blade lengths for folding knives carried visibly in Arlington or in Fairfax Counties, nor am I aware of any in Falls Church, Fairfax City, or Alexandria, although there may be such in the independent cities.
 
I think the four inch limitation comes word of mouth from the military folk--I know that to be the law on base (onboard, etc.) -- concealed or otherwise, it's four inches.

Searching, I've only found a measurement limit mentioned with regard to educational and government facilities--which is three inches.
The problem is the law(s) are exceptionally old and vague.

Push comes to shove, if they feel like it, they can call just about anything beyond a swiss army knife a dirk, bowie, or 'any weapon . . .'
 
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