Legal Knife Size in NYC ?

[Texas Star]

I watched SVU last night, and a scumbag suspected of knifing someone was turned loose (for a time) after someone else was found to have stabbed the victim.

The cops tried to get the first suspect just for having a knife, but the brunette detective (Olivia) pointed out that the blade was under four inches, so the knife was legal.

I have about as much faith in TV writers as I do in politicians. Can some officer or other resident in NYC tell me if knives there are in fact legal, if blades are four inches or less?

I know that New York has a bad rep on knives in general, and one custom knife show pulled out of the city, lest those attending the show get arrested for buying illegal knives. If I ever have to go there, I want to be in compliance.

I also want to know if the TV writers knew what they were talking about...in this case, anyway.

Thanks,

T-Star

 

[Erich]

Here's some reading to start you off:

NEW YORK CITY CHARTER, CODE, AMENDMENTS & RULES
NEW YORK CITY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 10. PUBLIC SAFETY
CHAPTER 1. PUBLIC SAFETY.

The Currency up to Local Law 22 of 2010 and Chapters 1 - 223 of the Laws of the State of New York for 2010.


§ 10-133. Possession of knives or instruments.

a. Legislative findings. It is hereby declared and found that the possession in public places, streets and parks of the city, of large knives is a menace to the public health, peace, safety and welfare of the people of the city; that the possession in public places, streets and parks of such knives has resulted in the commission of many homicides, robberies, maimings and assaults of and upon the people of the city; that this condition encourages and fosters the commission of crimes, and contributes to juvenile delinquency, youth crime and gangsterism; that unless the possession or carrying in public places, streets and parks of the city of such knives without a lawful purpose is prohibited, there is danger of an increase in crimes of violence and other conditions detrimental to public peace, safety and welfare. It is further declared and found that the wearing or carrying of knives in open view in public places while such knives are not being used for a lawful purpose is unnecessary and threatening to the public and should be prohibited.
b. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry on his or her person or have in such person's possession, in any public place, street, or park any knife which has a blade length of four inches or more.
c. It shall be unlawful for any person in a public place, street or park, to wear outside of his or her clothing or carry in open view any knife with an exposed or unexposed blade unless such person is actually using such knife for a lawful purpose as set forth in subdivision d of this section.
d. The provisions of subdivisions b and c of this section shall not apply to (1) persons in the military service of the state of New York when duly authorized to carry or display knives pursuant to regulations issued by the chief of staff to the governor; (2) police officers and peace officers as defined in the criminal procedure law; (3) participants in special events when authorized by the police commissioner; (4) persons in the military or other service of the United States, in pursuit of official duty authorized by federal law; (5) emergency medical technicians or voluntary or paid ambulance drivers while engaged in the performance of their duties; or (6) any person displaying or in possession of a knife otherwise in violation of this section when such knife (a) is being used for or transported immediately to or from a place where it is used for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or any employment, trade or occupation customarily requiring the use of such knife; or (b) is displayed or carried by a member of a theatrical group, drill team, military or para-military unit or veterans organization, to, from, or during a meeting, parade or other performance or practice for such event, which customarily requires the carrying of such knife; or (c) is being transported directly to or from a place of purchase, sharpening or repair, packaged in such a manner as not to allow easy access to such knife while it is transported; or (d) is displayed or carried by a duly enrolled member of the Boy or Girl Scouts of America or a similar organization or society and such display or possession is necessary to participate in the activities of such organization or society.
e. Violation of this section shall be an offense punishable by a fine of not more than three hundred dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding fifteen days or by both such fine and imprisonment.

 

[zercool]

Well, there's the official law...

I got stopped and talked to by NYPD coming out of Grand Central for my everyday carry knife, clipped to my pocket like I always had.

People like to bash NYPD, but I had a pleasant interaction with them - they asked what it was clipped to my pocket, checked the knife to make sure it wasn't an auto (it wasn't), asked what I do (wearing a fire department jacket), and told me to put the knife in my pocket all the way out of sight and have a nice visit.

 

[JcMack]

Chicago had, or has a 2" blade law. Yes 2". I carry a plastic fork when on rare visits.

 

[ladder13]

When I was a kid, I seem to remember the "4 finger rule". Anything over 4 fingers was illegal, that was back in the 60's. When I was 12 or 13 I saw a man get stabbed to death in a pizza shop, the knife looked much larger than 4 fingers. The body lay there for quite awhile, until the "meatwagon" came to pick him up. No such thing as ambulances staffed with medics back then, just station wagons or vans used for transport.

 

[Texas Star]

When I was a kid, I seem to remember the "4 finger rule". Anything over 4 fingers was illegal, that was back in the 60's. When I was 12 or 13 I saw a man get stabbed to death in a pizza shop, the knife looked much larger than 4 fingers. The body lay there for quite awhile, until the "meatwagon" came to pick him up. No such thing as ambulances staffed with medics back then, just station wagons or vans used for transport.

Erich-

Thanks! Just what's needed. I was hoping they'd allow four inches.

Ladder 13-

The four fingers technique varies with the cop's fingers and seems a little capricious, unless a questionable knife is then measured properly. And does that include the tang, or just the edge length?

I do sort of understand the reaction of many to knives worn in a pocket on a clip. That can look intimidating, although most people whom I see wearing knives that way are just good ol' boys not likely to misuse a knife. Those sporting a lockblade folder in a floral-stamped belt pouch mostly look like what they are: truck drivers, warehousemen, cowboys, etc. But they frighten some, especially the bikers. ( I know that we have some here, and this isn't meant to upset them. Many are no doubt fine people. But the public sees the stereotype, not the real person, who is a stranger after all.)

That said, knives so worn are so common in some parts of the nation that they don't raise many eyebrows. But if a more discreet image is desired, a plain Cordura belt pouch may avoid some experiences that might be very vexing.

Again, I'm not trying to offend anyone here, just saying that discreet carry may be wiser in some social settings. The hassle thus avoided may be your own, even if your knife is ultimately deemed to be legal.

I think our answer in the NYC case is that if a folding knife has a blade under four inches, and is not a switchblade, gravity knife, or (maybe) a one-handed opener, it's apparently legal there. Could be worse: that two-inch blade in the Chicago case just plain scares me, not that I'd willingly go to either city. Some Euro countries are also very restrictive, as is the UK.

Thanks to those who've contributed to our knowledge today and to those who still may.

T-Star

 

[David LaPell]

Another reason I stay out of NYC.

 

[chief38]

General rule of thumb for NYC

If it is a useful tool, or gives you pleasure or fun, helps you protect yourself or a loved one, THEN IT'S ILLEGAL IN NYC!

CHIEF38

 

[Erich]

TS, you're welcome. Be advised that the "gravity knife" category is being used there as a prybar to go after Spyderco folders.

 

[tripledipper]

Its gotta be small like Bloomy and Kelly.

 

[truckemup97]

Texas Star, be advised that any knife, of any size, will not be allowed aboard the ferries to Liberty Island. They have no place for you to leave one, either. They tell you to either throw it away or leave with it. I learned that the hard way. And no, I didn't throw $100 worth of knives in the trash. We came back the next day, which was better, because it wasn't raining.

Have fun in NYC. It's not as bad as some folks make it out to be. I usually have quite a good time there.

 

[JcMack]

I've worked in and around Chicago for 50 yrs. Daley II improved it immensely using his gentrification plan. The museums, Planetarium and Aquarium are all downtown and basically the only reason a family might venture there. It's really expensive, and the the city has additional taxes designed to screw visitors. It's really easy to get lost and in 10 minutes you're someplace you don't want to be. I was mistaken (again) Chicago knives can be 2.5". Don't take this as gospel: Illinois seems to view a switchblade or automatic design as a knife with the release (like a button) in the handle. Spyderco and Ken Onion designs that use the blade to open it are O.K.. Some knife forums seem to promote the idea that the clip takes the knife out of the "concealed" category. Good luck with that.