Switchblades in Ohio
Hi all, I just joined this forum to add my two cents worth on this topic. I read all the previous posts and everyone is correct...to a point.
Ohio gets seriously freaked out about concealed weapons of any sort. However, and somewhat ironically, they don't seem to care much about weapons carried out in the open.
As far as edged weapons are concerned, the term "deadly weapon" applies to knives with a blade length longer than 3 inches. A blade 3 inches or less is not considered a deadly weapon. This is not obvious in the text of the statute, however it has been determined by case law and precedent.
It is legal to possess a switchblade knife of any size in Ohio. They are not considered any different from any other kind of knife in that regard. It is illegal to SELL such knives in the State though, and it is illegal to carry one concealed IF it's blade is longer than three inches. Open carry is fine. Everyone should also be aware, if you have any type of deadly weapon in your home, and it is concealed, either on your person, or ready at hand, you are technically breaking the law. This includes that handgun in your bedside table drawer (assuming you don't have a concealed carry permit). However, and this is kind of funny....it's perfectly legal to walk down the street in Ohio with an AR-15 slung over your shoulder. But a .22 single shot derringer in your pocket? Forget it!
The laws are deliberately vague in order to give LEOs wide latitude in making decisions on the street. They have the ability to make judgment calls regarding weapons, and they do so on many occasions. If you are stopped, and you just so happen to have a knife or a gun in a place where they can't see it, tell them about it immediately. That way it is not considered being "concealed". Don't try to bluff your way past them, because if you don't happily inform them of it's presence first, and they find it, you are going to be in trouble. Maybe not convicted...case law contains many loopholes that may allow you to slip through the cracks...but you'd still have to get arrested, post bail, miss work, hire a lawyer, yada, yada, yada. It's much better to say, "Officer, I've got a _______ under the seat here." Be nice to the cops, and usually they'll be nice to you. I've done alot of research on this topic, and my brother is a detective, so I know what I'm talking about.
If you do get arrested for CCW, make sure your lawyer does thorough research of all applicable caselaw, or if you can, do it yourself. Jails are full of people who could have beaten their case had they just done their homework. Don't trust anyone to know your rights for you. They're your rights, and it is your responsibility to know what they are, and to properly raise them when the time is right. If you don't, they're considered "waived". So, educate yourself on all the fine points where your weapons are concerned...it may keep you out of jail someday. (Pay particular attention to the Ohio Constitution's protections on keeping and bearing arms. It's alot stronger than the U.S. Constitution's 2nd Amendment.) Have fun, and be safe.
But then, I guess it all depends on the kind of business you're in!
