What knife to carry in PA

G

gadgetaddict

Joined
Aug 14, 2003
Messages
177
I am going to the Poconos, PA with the kids, can someone tell me what is the carry law down there?

Can I carry my Spydie Chinook II?
Neck knife?
Consealed?

Thanks in advance,
- gadgetaddict
 
I`m from the Philly area and I frequently carry my Delica, even in the city...especially in the city (North and West Philly has some rather not so pleasant areas), so I would give a major YES to your question. PA is a very weapons-friendly state (not like it`s neighbor to the east :( :mad: ) so don`t worry. Hell, since you`re going to be in the Poconos, you could probably walk around with a short sword on your hip just as long as you don`t draw attention to yourself.
 
Shoot if you're worried about maybe losing your good knife go down to wal mart and get you one of those cheap winchester folders for just over $8 plus tax and carry that one. That way if you get stopped all you are out is a 10 spot. They are actually pretty nice knives. Much nicer than the sticker might indicate.
 
Yes to all of the above. I'm a native of PA and never had problems carrying anything like the knives you listed in rural areas. I wouldn't try it in the big cities but then again that goes for any big city. Have a nice trip. :)
 
TheFacts said:
PA is a very weapons-friendly state (not like it`s neighbor to the east :( :mad: ) so don`t worry.
Click to expand...
You talking about NJ? Where there is no length restriction on folders?
 
Esav Benyamin said:
You talking about NJ? Where there is no length restriction on folders?
Click to expand...

But where you have to jump through hoops to own a handgun?

PA is very weapons-of-most-types friendly. No autos, but most else is allowed without too much troubles.
 
Patryn said:
But where you have to jump through hoops to own a handgun?

PA is very weapons-of-most-types friendly. No autos, but most else is allowed without too much troubles.
Click to expand...

Pennsylvania - Pa. C.S.A. 18.908. Prohibited offensive
weapons. (a) Offense defined.--A person commits a
misdemeanor of the first degree if, except as authorized
by law, he makes, repairs, sells, or otherwise deals in,
uses, or possesses any offensive weapon. (b) Exception.--
It is a defense under this section for the defendant to
prove by a preponderance of evidence that he possessed of
dealt with the weapon solely as a curio or in a dramatic
performance,(PA even has an exception for autos) or that he possessed it briefly in
consequence of having found it or taken it from an
aggressor, or under circumstances similarly negativing any
intent or likelihood that the would be used unlawfully.
(c) Definition.--As used in this section "offensive
weapon" means... any... dagger, knife, razor or cutting
instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic
way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or
otherwise...
- also see 24 P.S. 13-1317.2. re: students bringing weapons
on to school property.]

Pennsylvania case law:
Where opening knife required lock to be released, and
once lock was released blade could be exposed by flip of
wrist, knife did not have blade which could be "exposed in
an automatic way"... by "otherwise" legislature referred
to knives that were opened by some sort of mechanism which
is not a "switch," "push-button," or "spring" mechanism
but still a mechanism... (1979)


http://www.knife-expert.com
 
Last year the two largest black bears taken by hunters in the Poconos were over 800 lbs ! Welcome to the Poconos !! They're not a problem, actually PA is a shooter, hunter friendly state so knives won't be any big deal.
 
Pennsylvania case law:
Where opening knife required lock to be released, and
once lock was released blade could be exposed by flip of
wrist, knife did not have blade which could be "exposed in
an automatic way"... by "otherwise" legislature referred
to knives that were opened by some sort of mechanism which
is not a "switch," "push-button," or "spring" mechanism
but still a mechanism... (1979)


We need a lawyer on here to help translate this stuff. Is this saying my Axis locks and Kershaw speed safe knives could be illegal in PA?
 
I've never handled an Axis lock, but I would be more than a little nervous with a Speed Safe here in PA. The law reads a little to vague for my liking.

Paul
 
WadeF said:
Pennsylvania case law:
Where opening knife required lock to be released, and
once lock was released blade could be exposed by flip of
wrist, knife did not have blade which could be "exposed in
an automatic way"... by "otherwise" legislature referred
to knives that were opened by some sort of mechanism which
is not a "switch," "push-button," or "spring" mechanism
but still a mechanism... (1979)


We need a lawyer on here to help translate this stuff. Is this saying my Axis locks and Kershaw speed safe knives could be illegal in PA?
Click to expand...

I am not a laywer, but it appears to me that such laws are only applied and/or enforced when a suspect is arrested for other more "heinous" activities. That Axis Lock or Kershaw Speed Safe could be considered such a weapon if the arresting officer wants to "add" another charge to insure some type of prosecution. The law regarding "offensive" weapons, not just in PA but in most other states are vaguely written probably to provide discretion for the arresting officer while not trying to provide that officer with a "mandate" to enforce. Just my opinion on a very controversial and confusing issue, but I could be wrong.
 
The problem with easy-opening knives like axis locks is that they can be defined as gravity knives by any officer with normal function in his wrist. Gravity knives are illegal carry practically everywhere. It's not a matter of discretion, it simply violates the law. The officer does not have to hunt around for another charge to get you on when you hand him that one for free.

That most jurisdictions don't seem to be defining them that way doesn't mean the definitions won't change. They frequently do change, often simply as a matter of case law. They don't generally change in our favor. Even if the jurisdiction eventually agrees the officer was wrong and you don't have to pay a fine or go to jail, you've still been put through an unpleasant ordeal.

The same goes for assisted openers, as they can be described as switchblades. Again, you may very well go free -- later.

Better safe than sorry. When you're at home, you have a fair idea of what you can get away with, and how your local police treat people anyway. Away from home, a little extra discretion goes a long way in avoiding trouble.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top