Is it legal to carry a large knife openly?

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9mmforMe

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I was wondering what the laws are regarding carrying...say a Bowie knife on the waist openly? Is this regulated solely by local law? Are there federal laws as well?

Also, I carry a 3 inch benchmade folder clipped in my front pocket...would this be considered concealed? You can see the clip and the top of the folder.
 
It depends on your state law.

Google "Indiana Knife Laws" for an answer. Your state statutes can also be found on your state's website.
 
Thanks Kingpin. There isn't too much on the books so I could find. Looks like IN does not have any particular blade length restrictions, throwing stars are a no-no and of course switchblades/auto-openers. Couldn't find anything prohibiting carrying a large knife on the belt. I'm thinking that carrying a large Bowie would draw a great deal of attention though. I couldn't find anything about carrying a knife concealed though...Ill keep looking.
 
don't sweat how much attention you'll pull, just figure out if it's legal or not. in my state (FL), it is legal to openly carry a large fixed blade. i DO and wish others would, too. a lot of folks worry that if we push the envelope, they'll make more laws. i believe it's important to desensitize sheeple to the presence of cutlery. btw - YES, i get stares and dirty looks, nobody has asked me to leave their store though :D

and i noticed you said "... of course.." when stating switchblades were illegal. be careful accepting tyrany as the norm. we have no state statute targeting switchblades or balisongs, in FL. when it comes to posession laws, there is no "of course". there's only "why are you in my business" hope i'm explaining this correctly.
 
Zignal,

I agree and I don't plan on worrying too much about carrying a large blade.

When I said of course I meant it more from a cynical perspective since they
are illegal in many places to carry. In my opinion they are are just knives that open when a mechanism is activated. I can get my folders open just as quickly and with about the same fine muscle movements. Its tyranny and ignorance!

You explained yourself perfectly!! :evil:
 
Re: Indiana Knife CCW Law
ARTICLE 47. WEAPONS AND INSTRUMENTS OF VIOLENCE

IC 35-47-5-2

Knife with blade that opens automatically or may be propelled

Sec. 2. It is a Class B misdemeanor for a person to manufacture, possess, display, offer, sell, lend, give away, or purchase any knife with a blade that:
(1) opens automatically; or
(2) may be propelled;
by hand pressure applied to a button, device containing gas, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife.
As added by P.L.311-1983, SEC.32. Amended by P.L.70-2000, SEC.2.


IC 35-47-5-2.5

Possession of a knife on school property

Sec. 2.5. (a) As used in this section, "knife" means an instrument that:
(1) consists of a sharp edged or sharp pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds; and
(2) is intended to be used as a weapon.
(b) The term includes a dagger, dirk, poniard, stiletto, switchblade knife, or gravity knife.
(c) A person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally possesses a knife on:
(1) school property (as defined in IC 35-41-1-24.7);
(2) a school bus (as defined in IC 20-27-2-8); or
(3) a special purpose bus (as defined in IC 20-27-2-10);
commits a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a previous unrelated conviction under this section and a Class D felony if the offense results in bodily injury or serious bodily injury to another person.
(d) This section does not apply to a person who possesses a knife:
(1) if:
(A) the knife is provided to the person by the school corporation or possession of the knife is authorized by the school corporation; and
(B) the person uses the knife for a purpose authorized by the school corporation; or
(2) if the knife is secured in a motor vehicle.
As added by P.L.72-2006, SEC.9.
 
2000 & 2006 revisions (current as of 4/12/2009)

IC 35-47-5-12
"Chinese throwing star" defined; related offenses
Sec. 12. (a) A person who:
(1) manufactures;
(2) causes to be manufactured;
(3) imports into Indiana;
(4) keeps for sale;
(5) offers or exposes for sale; or
(6) gives, lends, or possesses;
a Chinese throwing star commits a Class C misdemeanor.
(b) As used in this section, "Chinese throwing star" means a throwing-knife, throwing-iron, or other knife-like weapon with blades set at different angles.
As added by P.L.318-1985, SEC.2.
 
Great, Zignal...What's your favorite 9mm?




Mickey...thank for the statutes, that's what I found too.
 
Sig P250. had absolutely no intention of getting one. i was in a pawn shop to pick up a Berretta i won on an auction and the guy showed it to me. the second i dry fired it, i knew i had to have it. i couldn't afford 'em both and was committed on the PX4. so, i found someone to buy the Storm (within 24 hours) and went back to get the Sig. doubt i'll ever need another handgun. i know some people have reported issues with them, but mine has been totally reliable and deadly accurate, i love it.

you?
 
The Sigs are very nice pistols...good purchase!

My favorite 9mm is my Ruger P95. Everything about it fits my hand perfectly (I'm a lefty) From the grip config. to the ambidextrous controls. The gun is very accurate and I've had no failures at all. IMHO its the best deal out there on the market. I'm just glad I found the right one for me.
 
Looks like the knife legal question is answered so this one is closed. Feel free to start a handgun thread.

We try to keep the Legal forum pretty tightly on topic.

Thanks!
 
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