Legal Carry

[gaijin]

I recently moved to Nevada and found out that the maximum blade length for a legally carried knife here is 2". I have a Spyderco Co-Pilot, and have just ordered an Almite Navigator IS CX02S and a Clipit Pegasus SP C61P - all meet this 2" requirement.

However, I am a big guy and I really miss the feel of a full-size handle.

Any plans to manufacure a carry knife with a full-size handle, but a "legal" 2" blade? I'm sure there's a market there, not just me.

BTW, good luck on your new forum!

[sal]

Gaijin - Welcome to the Spyderco forum. Where did you get your info on the legal blade length? Doesn't sound right to me. you may want to check the law yourself.

We not opposed to making what you are requisting if there is enough market. We can also grind down a blade to size for you. Like an Endura with a stubby 2 inch blade.

sal

sall

[gaijin]

You're right! I called my local sheriff (maybe where I should have started in the first place - duh) and was advised that the legal carry length for a pocket folding knife (no switchblades) is 3".
Back to the online catalog to pick up a couple of new 3" toys.
Tks

[Ewok]

That still doesn't sound right. You probably ought to find the Nevada laws online and read them for yourself.

[Ewok]

BTW, you can openly carry a loaded firearm pretty much anywhere in Nevada....

[James Mattis]

Knife law is the stuff of rumor and myth.

And asking a cop for legal advice is like calling a lawyer when you have a prowler. It ain't what they're trained for!

[Ewok]

Just found something interesting: it looks like "CA legal" mini-switchblades are also "NV legal."

[Ewok]

<a href="http://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/99NRSIndex/K.html#KNIVES">Nevada laws WRT knives</a> - I don't see any restriction on blade length, other than for "switchblades". It looks very similar to California law.

[Fozzy]

Although I usually agree with him, I must disagree with James on this one. Cops are usually (Not always) fairly well versed when it comes to criminal law. My limited knowlege of Nevada leads me to believe that if there were a limit on knife blade length that it would be in the form of a local ordinance. In virtually every part of the country municipalities have the right to pass their own local laws provided they don't trample the bill of rights and subject to other legal restrictions and approvals. For example, here in Mass. there is no state law against public drinking or public drunkeness. Most cities and towns however have some sort of public drinking or open container bylaw. So be cognizant that even without a state law, various and sundry items of which we are fond may indeed be illegal by local decree.

I still wouldn't call a lawyer for a burglar! :o)

[cerulean]

There are several different places you can go on the net to find municipal codes and local laws. Some good ones are:

www.municode.com
www.findlaw.com
www.spl.org/govpubs/municode.html and
www.lawresearch.com/v2/Codemun1.HTM

Edited by - cerulean on 7/25/00 9:09:45 PM

[jrollins]

Watch out for the local laws - city, county, etc. Here in Oregon the only thing I can find is no concealed carry of autos and the normal dirk dagger ice pick etc. clause. But when you look at the city code for Portland, they don't allow concealed carry of knives over 3.5 inches. Luckily it isn't too bad, not that I will ever obey. Another funny thing is that the city has its own assault weapon ban... Oh well. That's what I get for living in the city.

[Wolfpack]

Did you ever figure out the right answer on this for us Nevadaians? I am in Las Vegas and need to know if I can get the Lum Tanto or not. Thanks, Bob

[Wolfpack]

Sorry for adding this extra post but I'm just gonna comment that I do live in Nevada and I do have a Concealed Firearms Permit (CCW), I really think that 99% of LEO's would just ignore the fact you have a blade that is too long if you do posses a CCW.

The CCW does show you have had multiple backround checks and are a responsible citizen, I have been pulled over and the first thing I tell the officer is "I have a CCW and a legally concealed handgun on my belt", I offer my permit and gun registration card as I say it and have not even had a LEO tell me to take my gun off or have him pull me out of the car, so far they just write the ticket and go on their way. I do think if you guys live in a state that offers a CCW or CFP that you should go get it, it is a benefit some can't get in states such as CA or MA, it does show you are responsible and have a vested interest in protecting you and those around you. Thanks, Bob

[AllenETreat]

Hey gaijin :

Something to keep in mind with regards to laws as told to me by an attorney friend :
"Local laws are superceded by State laws, State laws are superceded by Federal laws.."

Blah, blah, blah....

What my observation has been is that LEO's
don't stop every John Q. Citizen to search for &quot;weapons&quot; ( this is not yet Soviet Amerika, but we're getting there! <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) My
cousin, a retired cop, told me it's the &quot;big
city, one cop&quot; theory on the &quot;beat&quot; ; your
behavior is what causes you to be stopped
( yes even a traffic stop!) &amp; usually searched, meaning, unless you're looking for trouble ( and you'll surely find it if it don't find you first!<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>) you should have no problem..but if you are stopped, the first thing the LEO does is check you with his computer to see if you have a &quot;record&quot; or &quot;warrants&quot; &amp; if you do...well, but, if you don't, and your blade is a tad over the &quot;limit&quot;, the worst that usually happens
is your blade gets &quot;impounded&quot;<img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> but that's not ALWAYS the case. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0> Now this is wisdom coming from a 21yr veteran of a police force. Something to think about. <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

ATE <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

[Zabrewolf]

gaijin,

I know the trouble you have trying to find answers to what is legal and what is not. I'm in MN but the same issue of where to look abounds. It drives me nuts that it should be so hard to find out what is and what is not legal. And I am not real thrilled about having to pay a lawyer to tell me something I think every citizen should be able to easily look up, for free. Most of the above advise sounds real good.

Me I want to know what is legal more so that I know if I'm outside of the OK length. Mostly I'm going to carry the blade I think is appropriate for the situation. ATE is right cops have better things to do then stop and search everybody. Behave and the odds are strong that you'll never have to deal with cops in that way, even if you carry a knife all the time.

Please keep in mind my opinion is technically a no-no. (bad disclaimer, bad)

The length of our days and time of our death have been fated long ago.

[Big-Target]

Being from NJ, the law is so vague, if a cop has a Hard-on for you, He could bust you for owning a <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>cricket if he felt like it!!!<img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

BIG-TARGET>>>>"Three weeks from now I will be harvesting my crops, imagine where you will be...and it will be so. Hold the line, stay with me! If you find yourself alone, lying in green fields with the sun on your face, do not be troubled...for you are in Elysium! And you’re already dead! What we do in life...echoes in eternity...” (Maximus)Gladiator

[Soviet]

not sure of the limit here in vermont...
dont think the cops really care how big it is if you dont wave it around in public in an un ethical way. some guy was using a 9&quot; on the job and the cops didnt care...yay

[glasshartt]

I don't understand not being able to find out about the statutes. The info should be readily available to anyone. You should be able to either go to the Library, or on line, and see what the State laws regarding knives are. Granted, some cities, like San Antonio, have municiple ordanances that are stricter than the state laws, but those ordanances are public information. If you think your city has such an ordanance, try calling the City Attorney's Office and ask about it. Here is an exerpt of the Texas law stating what is an illegal knife. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Linda
TITLE 10. OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND MORALS
CHAPTER 46. WEAPONS
&#167; 46.01. Definitions
In this chapter:

(6) &quot;Illegal knife&quot; means a:
(A) knife with a blade over five and one-half inches;
(B) hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown;
(C) dagger, including but not limited to a dirk, stiletto, and poniard;
(D) bowie knife;
(E) sword; or
(F) spear.

(7) &quot;Knife&quot; means any bladed hand instrument that is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person with the instrument.

(11) &quot;Switchblade knife&quot; means any knife that has a blade that folds, closes, or retracts into the handle or sheath, and that:
(A) opens automatically by pressure applied to a button or other device located on the handle; or
(B) opens or releases a blade from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or by the application of centrifugal force.

&#167; 46.02. Unlawful Carrying Weapons

(a) A person commits an offense if he intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries on or about his person a handgun, illegal knife, or club.
(b) Except as provided by Subsection (c), an offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) An offense under this section is a felony of the third degree if the offense is committed on any premises licensed or issued a permit by this state for the sale of alcoholic beverages.

&#167; 46.03. Places Weapons Prohibited

(a) A person commits an offense if the person intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly possesses or goes with a firearm, illegal knife, club, or prohibited weapon listed in Section 46.05(a):
(1) on the physical premises of a school or educational institution, any grounds or building on which an activity sponsored by a school or educational institution is being conducted, or a passenger transportation vehicle of a school or educational institution, whether the school or educational institution is public or private, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the institution;
(2) on the premises of a polling place on the day of an election or while early voting is in progress;
(3) in any government court or offices utilized by the court, unless pursuant to written regulations or written authorization of the court;
(4) on the premises of a racetrack;
(5) in or into a secured area of an airport; or
(6) within 1,000 feet of premises the location of which is designated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice as a place of execution under Article 43.19, Code of Criminal Procedure, on a day that a sentence of death is set to be imposed on the designated premises and the person received notice that:
(A) going within 1,000 feet of the premises with a weapon listed under this subsection was prohibited; or
(B) possessing a weapon listed under this subsection within 1,000 feet of the premises was prohibited.

(b) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsections (a)(1)-(4) that the actor possessed a firearm while in the actual discharge of his official duties as a member of the armed forces or national guard or a guard employed by a penal institution, or an officer of the court.

(c) In this section:
(1) &quot;Premises&quot; has the meaning assigned by Section 46.035.
(2) &quot;Secured area&quot; means an area of an airport terminal building to which access is controlled by the inspection of persons and property under federal law.

(d) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(5) that the actor possessed a firearm or club while traveling to or from the actor's place of assignment or in the actual discharge of duties as:
(1) a member of the armed forces or national guard;
(2) a guard employed by a penal institution; or
(3) a security officer commissioned by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies if:
(A) the actor is wearing a distinctive uniform; and
(B) the firearm or club is in plain view; or
(4) Deleted by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 318, &#167; 17, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.
(5) a security officer who holds a personal protection authorization under the Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies Act (Article 4413(29bb), Vernon's Texas Civil Statutes).

(e) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(5) that the actor checked all firearms as baggage in accordance with federal or state law or regulations before entering a secured area.

(f) It is not a defense to prosecution under this section that the actor possessed a handgun and was licensed to carry a concealed handgun under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code.

(g) An offense under this section is a third degree felony.

(h) It is a defense to prosecution under Subsection (a)(4) that the actor possessed a firearm or club while traveling to or from the actor's place of assignment or in the actual discharge of duties as a security officer commissioned by the Texas Board of Private Investigators and Private Security Agencies, if:
(1) the actor is wearing a distinctive uniform; and
(2) the firearm or club is in plain view.

(i) It is an exception to the application of Subsection (a)(6) that the actor possessed a firearm or club:
(1) while in a vehicle being driven on a public road; or
(2) at the actor's residence or place of employment.


Edited by - glasshartt on 6/22/2002 2:16:52 PM

[Zabrewolf]

Linda,

I have gone to the library and looked through the ordinances (that is were my search started). I was initially try to find out the legality of wearing a sword for a wedding. (A wedding I was in everybody was going to wear swords {Cold Steel Mag. Tantos really}) I couldn't find anything under weapons that even seemed to mention knives, blades, swords, daggers, dirks, etc. I did find out that exploding garbage cans are a strick No-No. I'm not quite sure if that means there really are no laws against knives or not.


The length of our days and time of our death have been fated long ago.

[glasshartt]

ZW,

From what I could find, under MN statute 624.61, you could wear swords as part of a social organization. I think that a wedding party could qualify as a social organization. Under MN statute 609.66, the only illegal knives are switchblades and auto openers. I hope that this helps.

Linda

<img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O> Integrity is being good even if no-one else is watching <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O>

[spidernoiree]

Well, it's good to see (sort of I guess) that the search for knife laws and what is or isn't legal to carry isn't limited to Michigan. Our state law reads: No Daggers, Dirks, Stilletos or other dangerour weapons. I have not been able to find out anything regarding legal length on the state level. The city of Ann Arbor is the only one I've found that has a knife law. 3&quot; folding blade.

Jeff <img src="spyder.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

[Zabrewolf]

Linda,

You continue to impress me. Thank you. How did you find this so that I don't have to trouble you again if others ask me?

The length of our days and time of our death have been fated long ago.

[dfmccarthy]

On this general topic...on another forum someone mentioned he wanted a nice shiny clip on his knife so that people (presumably bad guys), would see it and leave him alone. When talking to a police officer (LAPD) a number of years ago, I asked about transporting firearms that had recently been banned in LA through LA from a place where they were legal to another place they were legal. His response was, &quot;unless I'm doing something I shouldn't, why would he know I have them in the vehicle?&quot; This would seem to indicate that advertising what you may have on you is not a good idea.
When I go into a Federal building, and they ask to hold on to my Leatherman Wave that they see on my belt, I give it to them with a smile. I don't point out the Gerber Touche on my buckle or the Rescue that's worn quite invisibly elsewhere. If I were asked do I have any weapons, I would respond that I carry a number of tools, if they wish , I can show them what I have.
A ball point pen or tightly rolled magazine can be used as a weapon. If you define something you have with you as a weapon, I think that in most cases you can expect to have it taken from you, probably permanently. What you say, and how you say it will probably be likely to get you in trouble more than what you're carrying. A retired LASO in my family once said his job was to administer &quot;attitude adjustments.&quot; &quot;If you had an attitude, he'd adjust you.&quot; Keeping in mind that anything on the internet is public and permanent, would any currently serving officers like to comment?

[glasshartt]

ZW,

I searched under MN Laws, looked in statutes under weapons and found where to look. The reference numbers will help you find the specific laws easier.

Linda

<img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O> Integrity is being good even if no-one else is watching <img src="http://www.spyderco.com/forum/spyder.gif" border=O>

[gadfly]

Linda,

Municipal laws supercede State laws only if the state allows this to be so.

In Pennsylvania, the City of Philadelphia tried to pass an &quot;Assault Weapons&quot; ban. This law was so nasty that all semi-automatic hand guns (and even a revolver might have failed the squeeze the trigger once and the gun fires condition). Pennsylvania is a &quot;Right To Carry&quot; state and the legislature immediately rewrote the law to insure that no city or township could override State Law.

However, as stated by others, it's best to avoid activities that will draw unwanted attention.

[heretic]

i know its an old thread but here goes.......
im an avid knife guy
i also have a deficancy when it comes to state mandated paperwork
because of this ( and some monitary issues) i ended up driving a out-of-registration vehicle to work for several months
needless to say i had some contact with the local gestapo(wisconsin...fyi)
on one particular nidht i got pulled over ond discovered my dl was suspended
fast forward to the handcuffing and the inevitable pat down
the cop found the love of my life in my right front pants pocket
to whit my ss harpy which i think we can all agree is a pretty evil LOOKING peice of steel
this was soooooo not leagal as i found put very soon
not because the cop wrote me another ticket and/or conficacated(sp?) my fav blade but because i took the time to ask him &quot;hey, whats legal?&quot; to my suprise, the local ordinances allow just about anything to be declared a concealed weapon! just depends on the circumstances. So be nice those cops, mont of them are decent, regular guys( and gals) and thier just doing thier jobs

ps. it probably didnt hurt that he had a very nice custom engraved ss rescue clipped in his pocket!!! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

[Roshi]

I lived in NV for 12 years. Every time I had to go to the local courthouse I'd hand the deputy my 4 inch EDC before I went through the metal detector noting I'd pick it up on the way out. Never had a problem. I suspect the only place you'd have problems is in Las Vegas and then only if you did something wrong to start with. I would advise telling the LEO that you're carrying a knife if you are pulled over for a traffic stop and asked to get out of your car.