Washington State knife laws question

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illmannered_1

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May 10, 2009
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I've read the Washington state knife laws, and I am a bit confused. If I am correct, it is against the law to carry folding knives with a blade length greater than 3 1/2", as they are considered "dangerous knives", along with ALL fixed blades. Am I interpreting this wrong? I'd like to think that since they trust me with a pistol (I have a CPL), why should I not be able to carry a Tyrade, or a ZT 0301. On the other hand, If I'm interpreting these laws right, it's more like "I don't want to lose my CPL for carrying an illegal weapon" (knife:jerkit:).

Anybody from Washington that has more familiarity with these laws that can explain this to me? I find it hard to believe that it is illegal to carry a fixed blade, period.
 
I was under the impression that the 3 1/3" law was only in the city of Seattle and for the most part Washington had no length limits on folders. I live in Seattle and almost exclusively carry knives with blades greater than 3 1/2 inches. I don't believe that a cop will give you a hard time about it if you are polite and otherwise lawful.
 
ac1d0v3r1d3 said:
I was under the impression that the 3 1/3" law was only in the city of Seattle and for the most part Washington had no length limits on folders.
Click to expand...

After reading it a few times , this appears to be the case. Thanks for the input, I've been hoping that's the case, just wanted some opinions. I remember when I was about 12, some friends and I got stopped by local cops in Grandview while we were walking in the middle of the night. One cop took our folders and laid them against his palm (apparently "measuring" the blades) and then gave them back to us. Maybe there is a city ordinance there regarding blade length. I agree that your demeanor would most likely play a part in an officer's reaction to a knife being carried. The only time I would really worry is if I had to use it in a self defense situation where a prosecutor could use a "dangerous knife" argument.

I suppose I should be fine to carry my ZT, so long as I have a good belt :D.
 
The state in general doesn't have a length restriction. Individual jurisdictions can and sometimes do (Seattle is just the most-cited example.) If you think it'll be a problem, check before you go somewhere. Most cities and counties have their codes online these days.
 
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