what is the legal fixed blade you can carry?

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BLADECARVER

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Apr 8, 2007
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you know i really never thought about it to tell you the truth but does anyone know what the legal length blade you can carry while hunting? i know it probably differs from state to state i live in new york state is there someplace i can find the info i am looking for?
 
I'm not a lawyer, so my advice is just that, advice, I found a cop who was friendly and got him to photocopy all of the weapons laws in his book of laws that he carries as a reference (I think they call it the "loose Leaf Law Book") In upstate NewYork there isn't really a limit unless there are local ordinances. New York City is a different animal altogether, of course the interpretations of the local constabulary can and do play a part in "toofer" charges, If you are wearing a blade while they arrest you for something else, suddenly your tool is reclassified as a "DANGEROUS WEAPON" and as such you are kinda screwed.
I wore a fixed blade 5 1/2 inch knife every day for 4 years while I lived in Ithaca, and got hassled in the diner a couple of times by rookies who were eating lunch, never actually any problem, as their buddies would inform them by producing the little book.

-Page
 
In Texas, if I remember my knife laws correctly, you CAN carry a larger than 5 1/2 inches (legal blade length in Texas) if you are engaged in sporting or outdoor pursuits, BUT keep in mind that you have to prove to the officer that you ARE engaged in outdoor pursuits. It is entirely up to the officer's discretion. If, for example, you were driving to the location of the hunt and got pulled over, if you have the blade on or around your person, the officer has the authority to take you to the slam. Also, keep in mind that if the bloke has a partner in the cruiser, if the officer speaking with you asks you to hand him the knife, you might make sure he knows his partner is aware of what you are doing. Some of them can get right touchy around any "weapons" even if they are lawfully used.

--nathan
 
NY has always been 4" fixed blade unless you are engaged in occupation or pastime and need something bigger. I remember a funny incident .Some hunters from NYC stopped for gas here in the Catskill Mtns and suddenly realized there was a Trooper there .There was a mad scramble to hide the 6" hunting knife but the Trooper couldn't have cared less !!! And then there was the hunter [?] all dressed in orange who had a 6" knife in 4" sheath !! A 4" blade will do well for hunting .A larger blade is only needed for chopping brush.
 
The last time I checked the laws it was 6" for being in public but up here people don't care if you carry machete unless your in town. Well except for schools, the local school only allows folding knives with a blade up to 2.5 inches.

edit- Mete is that for NYC or all of NY?
 
I thought that was NY and NYC. Better not quote me as there may have been changes....I've had other knife experiences too .The last one was a Trooper stopping when he saw me with my kukri. "What are you doing ?" "Cutting down jungle with my jungle knife " Which is exactly what I was doing. I started out in the old days and have been carrying a pocket knife since I was 8-10 years old !!
 
Same here, mete. I have always carried a knife since I was about 10 years old. I carried a tactical folder to school every day. One day, when drug dogs were sniffing about in our highschool classroom on a random search (a 2-3 times a week event where I went to school...small town, bad drugs), I had left my pocket knife in my jacket, and as the dog brushed by, it rattled out onto the ground. The police officer says, "who's is this?" and I said, "it's mine." She then proceedes to tell me how I have a weapon at school and I'm in trouble. I told her that it is perfectly legal according to the school code of conduct which states you couldn't carry an illegal pocket knife. My knife is perfectly legal (4" blade...she didn't even know the legal length limit until I told her), and besides, people have been killing each other with rocks and sticks long before the knife was ever around. She said I had to take it up with my principal, so I grabbed my student handbook and didn't have a problem. He just suggested I not bring it back, so I didn't. I just brought a little bit larger one the next day!

--nathan
 
I started carrying a knife long before the term "tactical " existed , long before there were drugs in school . On the 'mean streets' of Brooklyn which as far as my neighborhood went was very safe .
 
short answer is no state blade lenght, and while hunting almost any blade is OK ( even switchblades and gravity knives as long as you have a valid hunting license) ( NYS PL 265.20 #6)
 
Just though I would toss this out there. In new york state the balisong knife is legal to carry as long as it does not have an automatic locking system, if it has an automatic locking system then it is a gravity knife.

Will you be hunting on private land or state?
 
BLADECARVER said:
you know i really never thought about it to tell you the truth but does anyone know what the legal length blade you can carry while hunting? i know it probably differs from state to state i live in new york state is there someplace i can find the info i am looking for?
Click to expand...

NYS: With a valid hunting licence, during hunting season, you can carry any size of single-edged knife you want . . . even to get a beer at the pub. Double-edege of any size is illegal. If a LEO refers to your knife as a "weapon" and you do not refute it you may be charged with carrying a "dangerous knife" with "intent".
 
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