Wondering about the legality of a few stuff in the VA

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QuestionsFrmVA

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just to start off i know nothing about knife laws so im writing here so i make sure im doing everything lawfully (Writing from Arlington, Virginia in the United Sates)

Firstly, i am wondering what the legality of a minor owning a knife and the restrictions if any there are to do so
Secondly, what are the laws on the type of knifes and the manner of which i can carry them (ex: blade length, knife type, conceled carry, etc... )
Lastly, where i am prohibited or have certain restriction with carrying my knife
 
QuestionsFrmVA said:
just to start off i know nothing about knife laws so im writing here so i make sure im doing everything lawfully (Writing from Arlington, Virginia in the United Sates)

Firstly, i am wondering what the legality of a minor owning a knife and the restrictions if any there are to do so
Secondly, what are the laws on the type of knifes and the manner of which i can carry them (ex: blade length, knife type, conceled carry, etc... )
Lastly, where i am prohibited or have certain restriction with carrying my knife
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Great questions, but rather than wait for the answer from a lot of non-lawyers, check out https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/virginia/

Then anything you want to kick around we can try to help with.
 
Good Link from The Zieg.
Lived in VA my whole life.
should not be any issue with a minor owning a basic knife (as long as its not one of the items listed below)
concealed carry of dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, throwing star, oriental dart, or “any weapon of like kind.”, is illegal. your typical pocket knife should not be an issue.

prohibited, generally, schools (with limitations), courthouses, government buildings. be aware of where you are going, museums, sporting events, convention centers, concerts, etc. , sometimes have signs on the doors and/or metal detectors.
 
I read the info at the link and am still confused! I will be in VA on vacation for a week coming up. I usually carry a fixed blade (or two), with blade length under 4" long (2.75-3.5"). I have them on the belt, but under the shirt, so they are "concealed". Is this OK or no? They aren't daggers/dirk/machete, etc. that is specifically listed as not being able to conceal them.

Also, is the 3" or less blade restriction only for schools and for folders? Like is my Cold Steel 3.5" Airlite or 4" Voyager allowed? Not planning to go to any schools, gov't buildings, etc.
 
You can not carry fixed blades concealed in Va. Open carry of most all is allowed by state, city/county may be stricter.
 
Ok, thanks! Are folders restricted to less than 3" blade or is that just at schools? Gotta look around and see what I have in smaller folders besides my bugout!
 
Taz said:
I read the info at the link and am still confused! I will be in VA on vacation for a week coming up. I usually carry a fixed blade (or two), with blade length under 4" long (2.75-3.5"). I have them on the belt, but under the shirt, so they are "concealed". Is this OK or no? They aren't daggers/dirk/machete, etc. that is specifically listed as not being able to conceal them.

Also, is the 3" or less blade restriction only for schools and for folders? Like is my Cold Steel 3.5" Airlite or 4" Voyager allowed? Not planning to go to any schools, gov't buildings, etc.
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Ignore everything to do with blade length because no part of the law considers measurements with the exception of schools.

The risk with concealing fixed blades is that they can be considered a "weapon of like kind" to a dirk or bowie. However, McMillan v. Commonwealth determined that the to meet this criteria, the knife has to be both be close to the dictionary definition of a dirk or bowie, and has to be a type of knife that is designed as as a weapon.
 
OK, cool. So most of my folders are good to go then! We are driving, so I will leave the fixies at the Air BNB we are staying at and carry the folders.
 
I lived in Alexandria VA for over 30 years. I had friends who were police. There is the law and then there is interpretation and application of the law and I don't mean in court but on the street.

In the unlikely event you are stopped and searched, treating the police with respect (even if you dispute the stop) is really important. And calling your knife a tool, not a weapon, if you are discussing it is helpful. If your knife looks like a weapon, tactical, like some of the Cold Steel ones, personally I'd leave those at home.

I'm talking about psychology: don't look like a guy looking for trouble. That's my 2 cents for what it's worth.
 
Thanks! I work University security, so I am used to interfacing with police departments. I got accustomed to carrying fixed blades to test out new steels, designs, etc.
 
Taz said:
OK, cool. So most of my folders are good to go then! We are driving, so I will leave the fixies at the Air BNB we are staying at and carry the folders.
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Taz - what part of that state are you visiting?
If you are going to be in one of the bigger cities or metro areas, I'd recommend being more careful about what you are carrying.
If you are going to be in a rural area, its likely less of an issue.
 
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You should look up schools, I carry a knife in VA schools all the time. Legal as long as blades less than 3". But like I said, don't take my word for it, double check nothings changed. But schools are not a completely off limits area like they are for guns.
 
One thing to keep in mind too. Va is not like some commie states, most people in VA carry pocket knives daily. Your the odd man out if you don't have one. When I was in high school it was normal to pull your knife out and sharpen a pencil at your desk. My point is, if your not acting crazy, no one cares or will bat an eye, so if your not going into schools or gov buildings, carry what you like. I used my paramilitary2 to cut tomatoes on my salad in a restaurant last night. Totally normal.

Not like NYC where only my hillbilly accent and VA license kept my 18 year old self from being arrested while sight seeing with my family. I was walking innocently minding my business and some cop comes and harrases me about my pocket clip, sees it's a knife and wonders why I have this "weapon" on me. I said everyone carries a knife where I'm from, to open stuff and cut stuff. He said put it down in your pocket and leave it at the hotel the rest of your trip.
 
Yeah, made it back home with no issues. I got a nice little damascus folder from my wife for my birthday, so that was my carry for the trip when I was in VA. To and from VA I had my normal fixed blades and the pocket knife on me. It was a nice visit and a nice relaxing vacation!
 
Taz said:
Yeah, made it back home with no issues. I got a nice little damascus folder from my wife for my birthday, so that was my carry for the trip when I was in VA. To and from VA I had my normal fixed blades and the pocket knife on me. It was a nice visit and a nice relaxing vacation!
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Glad all worked out and congrats on new knife!
 
I've read all the Virginia specific laws, but I am still confused. May I legally carry a utility fixed blade concealed in Virginia? I have a Tops Little Bugger. It's a wharncliff/sheepsfoot style blade built for utility/construction/outdoor work. I prefer it over my folders as it cannot close on my fingers and is also easy to sharpen and maintain. I do not intend to brandish it or fight with it. I just use it for utility tasks.

Would it be legal to carry this knife concealed in Virginia? I don't want to break the law and try to do everything right, but if this is not legal, I'll start carrying my Cold Steel Tuff-lite as it is a very similar design and has a strong lock.

Thank you.
 
katguy said:
I've read all the Virginia specific laws, but I am still confused. May I legally carry a utility fixed blade concealed in Virginia? I have a Tops Little Bugger. It's a wharncliff/sheepsfoot style blade built for utility/construction/outdoor work. I prefer it over my folders as it cannot close on my fingers and is also easy to sharpen and maintain. I do not intend to brandish it or fight with it. I just use it for utility tasks.

Would it be legal to carry this knife concealed in Virginia? I don't want to break the law and try to do everything right, but if this is not legal, I'll start carrying my Cold Steel Tuff-lite as it is a very similar design and has a strong lock.

Thank you.
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I am not a lawyer but my reading of state law says no fixed blades concealed. Style, type, or use is irrelevant. Love the Tuff lite as well (regular and mini). Why not open, belt sheath, carry? Commonly done ‘round here- specially us blue collar types.
 
This is the part that confuses me... "It is unlawful to conceal carry a dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, throwing star, oriental dart, or “any weapon of like kind.” McMillan v. Commonwealth ruling said the concealed knife has to meet that definition and be designed as a weapon. A utility knife is not like those knives and is not designed as a weapon. It has no pointed/stabby tip. It's built for cutting tasks below the blade.

I open carry now, but sometimes, I get odd looks and I'm concerned that some people are uncomfortable when they see the knife on my belt. Also, sometimes my shirt might come untucked and may fully or partially over the knife. Which would also be illegal.

I'm just trying to do things right and was curious about other people's opinion.

I am also considering a pocket sheath that would keep the handle visible but would be less noticeable than the belt sheath.

I appreciate the advice!
 
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