When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

If I wanted to carry a fixed blade knife on a chain under my shirt/coat, would that be illegal? Does it depend on the state? Are there federal laws? Does the size or the type of knife matter?

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

I'm just getting ready to take a cross-country trip, and I don't like the fact that my CC permit is not recognized in any of the states through which I'll be traveling. Last year I carried a SOG Twitch II lockblade with spring-assist open, but I felt like it was a little less than what I need to feel that I'm adequately protecting my family. I'm looking at carrying a SIG fixed blade with kydex sheath and kneck chain this time around.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Excellent resource. It appears that Wisconsin is the worst and Nebraska a close second.

I wonder if those laws are the type just to tack something on to a thug if they can't find another reason to hold him. I have a feeling most cops wouldn't frisk me if I was stopped for running a yellow light. In fact, most cops probably wouldn't care even if they way the knife on me as long as I was just minding my own business.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Natural law trumps man made law every time in my book.

Carry your pistol or at least have it very handy in the car.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Most "concealed" knives have to have a cutting edge of 4" or less. That's why most folding knives have a blade length of 3 7/8". Just to make sure some jerk cop doesn't measure a 4" knife and say "this is 4 1/16", you're coming to jail". 3 7/8" is pretty safe.

Anything longer than that has to be "open" as in a sheath on your belt so anyone can see it.

That's what I've heard.

Be redundant. Carry a knife, pepper spray, Taser. ALL OF THE ABOVE.

And remember, if your gun is concealed no one will know you have it.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

According to Nebraska law the blade must be less than 3.5". Also, several states had provision for "open carry" knives ONLY if you are currently engaged in the sport of hunting/fishing.

Call me old-fashioned, but I go out of my way to abide by every law. It brings great personal peace to know that there is no reason to fear the attention of the "authorities". I'm the guy that drives with the cruise control set exactly on the speed limit (maybe 1 mph below just to be safe).

Based upon what I've read I'll probably just carry my SOG Twitch II again this year. It is very unsuspicious looking and it can be opened quickly. Last year I made it a point to hold it in my dominant hand with my finger on the spring lever in my coat pocket whenever I was in a public place. I know it isn't much, but it is better than nothing -- at least to make the BG think twice.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

I would consider it concealed right after you "conceal" it between the 4th and 5th ribs of the well deserving. :bear_w00t:

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Paranoia can destroy ya.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Unless of course you bring a knife to a gun fight.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Well said Andy the protection of your family is first,foremost and ALWAYS

May sure you have that abilty to defend them and let the pieces fall where they may.

T

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Unfortunately the cops dont read your book. :wink:

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

And I don't make it a point to show them my book, or my weapons.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Knife laws are some of the most oppressive bullshit in the world...

I can't believe in my state it's technically a misdemenor (whatever the hell THAT even means...) to carry any blade longer than 3 inches!!!

We're getting into some ancient greek, who's a citizen and who's a slave, stuff here. I should be able to carry a freaking sword if I want to. And if I threaten anybody with it, then just shoot me and take it away.

I shouldn't be scared to carry a 5 inch tanto for my own protection. It's not like anybody innocent will ever even see it.

Re: When does a knife become an illegal "concealed weapon"?
 

Where I live at the minute in the UK, a (legally held) gun cannot be left visible, it must be concealed - and not left unattended in a vehicle unless it's in a safe. So I can walk into a shop with a pair of handguns on my belt as long as my shirt conceals them, or with a rifle/shotgun as long as it is in a slip case.
But if I carry a knife with longer than a 3" blade without "good reason" (i.e I'm going hunting or fishing - self defence is not a good reason apparently), then it's going to be a court appearance.
Stupid f**king laws. I carry my SOG Tac-Auto everywhere - and it's actually regarded as a firearm, because it's an automatic knife.
Thankfully most cops here are reasonable and decent, and ignore the knife law unless you are a cock. The majority of them don't even know handgun law though, so I keep a copy of the relevant sections in the glove box of my car to explain!