Virginia-West Virginia-Pennsylvania laws?

S

Sword and Shield

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Apr 3, 2004
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Howdy. :)

I'm going on my honeymoon in a few weeks, and we're driving the length of US250- from Lake Erie to the Atlantic. We'll be running through WV/PA/VA on the way, so I was curious about knife laws.

Pretty much all knives I carry are traditional folders (aside from a Ka-Bar in the trunk for emergencies), but I don't know about length laws along that stretch.

Any clues as to what to avoid? (Besides being an idiot and flashing stuff, I mean)
 
You'll be fine in all 3 states. :thumbup:

Delaware and Maryland have length restrictions on folders, though.
 
WV is pretty mellow. I picked up a homeless hitchiker recently. He said he had attempted to pitch his tent behind a gas station. The police routed him and took him to the local shelter to pitch his tent in the backyard. I noticed when he got in the car the guy was carrying a buck sheath knife and a folder on his belt and the law didn't give him any hassle.
 
West Virginia and Virginia seem to be the best in terms of openness with knife laws. You can carry basically anything. If you'd like to keep yourself safe, you can get a concealed weapons permit. It doesnt amount to anything aside from proof that you can carry something, if the situation arises. I keep a survival knife in my car, in my trunk. I carry my Leatherman and a folding Buck and a small Schrade Old Timer. I use all of them (not the survival knife, thankfully) daily I'm sure. But be careful. I make an effort to not flaunt my blades.
 
Pancakeman157, please note that Virginia does not have a concealed weapons permit. The VA permit is for concealed handguns only, and provides no protection for the carry of knives. It is always good advice to not flaunt your blades.

VA specifically forbids the carry of switchblades, throwing stars, ballistic knives, and saps/spring whips. Other than that you are in good shape.
 
Blade length of 3 5/8" for a pocket folder in WV. Automatics illegal to carry,except Law Enforcement or Active Duty Military,or transport accross State Lines.
 
Except that if they enforced the sap law, a large segment of our Virginia population would be booted out - for being saps. :)

On a serious note, no autos in VA and just don't flaunt your big-ass tacticools and you will be fine. D.C. is a whole 'nother matter.

WolfG said:
Pancakeman157, please note that Virginia does not have a concealed weapons permit. The VA permit is for concealed handguns only, and provides no protection for the carry of knives. It is always good advice to not flaunt your blades.

VA specifically forbids the carry of switchblades, throwing stars, ballistic knives, and saps/spring whips. Other than that you are in good shape.
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