Knife Laws and Concealed Carry

[blujax01]

I just read an article in the Dispatch (Officer Shoots Armed Man) about a guy who first ran from, then confronted police and was shot. He was charged with a misdemeanor count of carrying a concealed weapon. Two knives were found at the scene. He did not have a gun.

I know that in Ohio, for carry purposes, blade length determines whether a knife is considered a weapon.

That length is currently 4 inches. I suppose that anything longer must be carried openly.

Are there Concealed Carry Licenses that cover knives?

And Mods, if this belongs in the CC&SD Forum, please accept my apologies in advance.

 

[Rangerpat]

In Florida the Jack Hagler Self-defense Act defines concealed weapons or firearms a follows: handguns, electronic weapons or devices, tear gas guns, KNIVES and billies.
So, in Florida... YES, knives are covered under the Concealed Weapon or Firearms License.
While Florida's law allows licensees to carry stun guns, knives, and billie clubs in a concealed fashion, the law in Ohio covers concealed carry of handguns or pistols ONLY, NOT WEAPONS IN GENERAL. Florida license holders are prohibited from carrying other types of weapons while in Ohio.
You should check with your state's concealed carry laws for more information.
I am not a lawyer or claim to be an expert in this matter. I looked up this information on the paperwork I received when I renewed my concealed carry license.

 

[cmort666]

1. The Ohio CHL authorizes the carrying of a concealed HANDGUN. Anything else that can be used as a defensive weapon, be it knife or club, is a matter of UNPREEMPTED local law.
2. There is NO state preemption of local knife laws. That means that driving or walking through three adjacent communities, you could be subject to THREE very DIFFERENT sets of statutes covering the carrying of knives.
3. There are other states which issue a general "concealed weapons" license, covering things like knives and clubs.

Personally, while I'd like to see the Ohio CHL become a "concealed weapon" license, and for ALL "weapons" laws to be state preempted, I have no interest in carrying anything for self defense besides a handgun. I'm not a cop, and have ZERO desire to "apprehend" or "detain" anyone.

Nor ESPECIALLY do I want to get into knife fights with people. I carry a gun PRECISELY to AVOID getting cut by somebody with a knife (among other things). In EVERY case where possible, I want to bring a gun to a knife fight.

 

[30-30remchester]

In Colorado, aka California East, a concealed weapons permit is for handguns only, no exceptions. Colorado has a laws stating that carrying a knife is considered a misdemeanor . However our not overly enlighten legislators describe a knife as any cutting object with a blade over 3 1/2" as knife. Anything under this length is not a knife. Cant quite get my head around that. Colorado also has a law forbidding automatic knives. Nobody can even own one. Many enlightened states have a law against carrying an automatic knife but no objections on owning one. I am a military knife collector, so I have a giant hole in my WW II collection with this overly restrictive law.

 

[Doug M.]

This will vary a lot from state to state. A knife is a great response to a disarm attempt, and useful for lots of other purposes. I try to carry one all the time.

 

[Hodgin]

In TN the conceal carry permit is for handguns alone. It's illegal to conceal carry a knife whose blade is over 4 inches. No switch blade or butterfly knifes. Can't open carry a knife blade over 4 inches with "the intent to go armed." I believe I read somewhere that there is an attempt to change the knife law.

 

[blujax01]

This will vary a lot from state to state. A knife is a great response to a disarm attempt, and useful for lots of other purposes. I try to carry one all the time.

Then, if you're a fan of the TV Show "NCIS" you'll know what I mean by...

Rule 3.

 

[American1776]

Knife laws vary from state to state, and municipalities as well.

Generally, weapons charges involving knives are 'additional' charges added on to someone arrested for something else. I've had many LEOs tell me that they would almost never arrest someone only on the basis of a knife, it's only another thing to charge a criminal with for when they are already doing something really bad.

IANAL.

 

[Kiteman72]

In Colorado, aka California East, a concealed weapons permit is for handguns only, no exceptions. Colorado has a laws stating that carrying a knife is considered a misdemeanor . However our not overly enlighten legislators describe a knife as any cutting object with a blade over 3 1/2" as knife. Anything under this length is not a knife. Cant quite get my head around that. Colorado also has a law forbidding automatic knives. Nobody can even own one. Many enlightened states have a law against carrying an automatic knife but no objections on owning one. I am a military knife collector, so I have a giant hole in my WW II collection with this overly restrictive law.

I encourage you to check out the (almost) monthly Tanner show in Denver. I have seen a number of military automatics for sale at this show over the years. I'm generally not in the market, so I can't really speak to price or whatnot. Tons of non military autos for sale as well, I just fondled a $400 pro tech that was beyond sweet.

I've found that LEOs in Colorado tend to admire Spyderco knives, as that company is located in Golden. But you're totally right, your CCW only allows handguns, not knives. Because of this I rarely carry larger type folders at all anymore, sometimes a Case Cheetah in a belt pouch.

 

[Alk8944]

Knives are regulated, or not, depending on the particular state, and, as mentioned above, the counties or municipalities within the state mad have the right to regulate themselves.

In Utah there are no laws regulating knives, but you may still be charged with carrying a concealed weapon depending on the circumstances of the particular situation. If it is determined by investigation that you were carrying the knife with the intent of using it as an offensive weapon you can be charged. Because of this the Utah license is the "Concealed Firearms License", and only applies to firearms, not knives.