Visiting TN - Hiking and EDC Qs

myright

myright

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I'll be in Gatlinburg hiking the parks with my wife. I had originally planned on bringing a small fixed blade to strap to my daypack, but after reading some laws I'm not to sure I'll be doing that anymore.

My EDC Mini-grip - Case Canoe and Gerber multitool will be with me.

Anyone have any pointers for me? Are fixed blades ok? I can't imagine it would be a big deal hiking in the mountain, but it is a park.
 
Nothing over 4" in Tennessee. Rules may be different in national parks though.
 
Thank you for your help.

I've spent the last couple days trying to find the answer. Maybe I'll just call down to the park and see what they say.
 
IIRC, hunting, camping and fishing are exceptions to the 4" knife law.

39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.

(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.

39-17-1308. Defenses to unlawful possession or carrying of a weapon.
(a) It is a defense to the application of § 39-17-1307 if the possession or carrying was:

(4) Incident to lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or other lawful activity;
 
i know that in sportmans warehouse in tennessee, they have a sign that says it is illegal to carry ANY KNIFE with a blade over 3" concealed.
 
Thanks Codger - Makes sense.

I don't plan on bringing any fixed blades with me. Just a multi tool, mini-grip BM, and my Case canoe.

Black - thanks buddy! I appreciate you posting that.
 
Anyone know if TN makes a distinction between fixed and folding knives? I'm picking up a Graham while I'm down there and would like to try it out on the trails.
 
In any case, keep the knife in the trunk with your gear. If you are actually going hiking don't think twice, bring the knife. If they seriously charge you something call the ACLU and do us all a favor. You are 100% within the scope of legal use.
 
Codger_64 said:
(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.
Click to expand...


Well, I read this several times, and it seems that in TN the authorities should not care what you want to do with your knife, as long as it's not over 4".

However, I am probably wrong as I suspect 1)there is a paragraph of fine print following this and 2)you only have those "rights" you have the money and luck to win in court. I mean, you gotta maintain job security for prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Nevermind that we have the 2nd Ammendment, and nevermind that our soldiers go all over the world to fight and die for other people's freedoms.

End of rant.
 
Your mileage may vary, but I'm a leo in Knoxville. We were told anything with a blade not more than 4" is ok. No switchblades though.
 
shootist16,
Thanks for your experience, service, and knowledge of the law. I live in Memphis and have a question: So, basically what you're saying is a person can carry any type of knife so far as the knife is NOT:
1) a switchblade?
2) longer than 4 inches?
 
The Motivator said:
shootist16,
Thanks for your experience, service, and knowledge of the law. I live in Memphis and have a question: So, basically what you're saying is a person can carry any type of knife so far as the knife is NOT:
1) a switchblade?
2) longer than 4 inches?
Click to expand...


According to state law that is correct.
 
do yourself a favour. Listen to this advice, but stop in at Smokey Mountain Knifeworks on your way in to the mountains. It is the finest knife shop in North America and quite possibly the world. They could have some input. Tell your wife, that you've been told that stoping there and finding out the rules is a must. :D
:D
They got girl stuff too, downstairs, so she'll be OK for a couple of hours.
 
Silverdagger said:
do yourself a favour. Listen to this advice, but stop in at Smokey Mountain Knifeworks on your way in to the mountains. It is the finest knife shop in North America and quite possibly the world. They could have some input. Tell your wife, that you've been told that stoping there and finding out the rules is a must. :D
:D
They got girl stuff too, downstairs, so she'll be OK for a couple of hours.
Click to expand...

LOL

Thanks - I'm marking that on the list. I'm already making a trip over the Graham Brothers to pick up a knife I'm having made, so I'm sure she won't mind me heading over there either :)


Thanks SHOOTIST - great input!
 
I also live within in 20-minutes of all the Dolly-Wood things in the area. I actually live in Sevier Co. TN right here in the middle of it.... 4" blade is correct........everyone's telling you right.... But.............don't get too freaked out over carrying a knife with you hiking. I'm all over the Mountains.....car, bikes and Jeeps.......COMMON SENSE rules. They're not out there waiting to NAB you on a trail and see if your carrying a legal knife...or any tobacco substance....etc..etc...... COMMON SENSE! If your a conceal carry person......and TENN accepts your permit...(as some do) in other states.....this too helps........Again- COMMON SENSE. Don't go treking around after 2am in the back alleys.....or somewhere you shouldn't be.....YOU'LL be fine. I attend alot of shows in the area............EVERYTHING IS available.....here! As for the Smoky Mtn Knife Works...if you do not visit it...........YOUR missing a very unusual knife stop in your life. You will not forget it.....be sure.........................YOU have at least 2-hours. And also visit the Knife Collectors Club top side of the store.......1-hr minimum to visit...and its FREE! Buy some knives...........BEST prices...anywhere!
 
Thanks blackout

Sounds like my wife is going to be making a secondary trip for knives with me..
 
what about a carrying a hatchet in the park, is that legal? ya know for camping and all
 
Codger_64 said:
IIRC, hunting, camping and fishing are exceptions to the 4" knife law.

39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.

(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.

39-17-1308. Defenses to unlawful possession or carrying of a weapon.
(a) It is a defense to the application of § 39-17-1307 if the possession or carrying was:

(4) Incident to lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or other lawful activity;
Click to expand...

reading this would lead me to believe if i went hiking and camping i could carry a blade longer than 4". these laws are just rubbish if you ask me, not much clarity. i have steak knives longer than this, i can trust my 8 year old with em'.
 
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