Aren't some knives with specific physical traits illegal?

[TWiley]

A knife is actually a tool. It is one of the most used tools in the kitchen and around the house. Multiple uses per day are common in households across the country. The knife truly has a purpose and a place in our history and society.

It is also true that some knives are illegal to own due to specific physical characteristics. What is the criteria used in determining what makes a knife a tool versus an illegal weapon?

[Traveling_Home]

1. Here's a link to Federal and State laws ...

http://www.donath.org/Rants/StateKnifeLaws/

US Knife Law Summary
Ballistic knives (automatic blade throwers) are prohibited.
Switchblades may not be transported/mailed across state lines unless the recipient intends to use it for military use.
Possessing a knife in a federal facility is prohibited unless it is a pocket knife with blade under 2.5".

[Hoopla Phil]

2. How about this specialty knife?

[Iktomiwicasa]

7. Handy little guthook

[TexasProgresive]

3. Some of the features that make a knife a weapon are

Length greater then 4inches.
Blood groove.
Hand guard at the hilt.

But as to being illegal - I don't think so.

[Iktomiwicasa]

8. "Blood groove"

Have to laugh at that one. There is no such thing. That groove is properly called a "fuller" and allows one to make a blade of a given cross section with less material and less weight while maintaining rigidity.

[Vini_Vidivici]

4. It does depend on YOUR state laws.

The knife is the most useful, most basic tool for humans. Everybody, pretty much, would do well to carry some sort of knife.

As to what's legal varies from state to state. Some cities and municipalities will have their own ordinances pertaining to this as well. It behoves one to know the laws in ones own area, as they can vary greatly.

[Bonhomme Richard]

5. I never go anywhere without a knife.

I would feel like I wasn't completely dressed without one.

[Taitertots]

6. City of Dearborn maintains that no knifes can be carried

To my understanding it is illegal to carry a knife of any length in the city of Dearborn.

[givemebackmycountry]

9. That ain't no knife, now THIS is a knife!

Funny line in a funny and stupid movie.

[paulsby]

10. it totally depends

on what jurisdiction you are in.

GENERALLY speaking, many jurisdictions criminalize carrying knives specifically designed for fighting (vs. utility) such as butterfly knives, stilettos, etc.

but the laws vary greatly jurisdiction to jurisdiction.

as they should in a nation such as ours.

iow, some knives are going to be what is referred to as "per se" illegal. based on their design.

others are only illegal if USED a specific way.

[spin]

11. Fighting knife...

Any type of knife can be dangerous in a fight, but some types are as dangerous to the user as they are to the attacker, such as a cheap folding knifes with a weak blade lock that allow the blade to close on your fingers. Some points to remember when choosing a fighting knife are:


*Fixed blade is stronger than a folding blade.

*Double edge blade better than a single edge blade, since both sides may cut.

*Point should not be so sharply tapered that it may easily be broken off.

*Slightly oval handle is better than a round one, so you may know by feel which ways the edges are facing.

*Handle should not be slippery when wet, too soft when hot, or too hard when cold.

*Handle should be slightly longer the width of your hand so the butt may be used for striking. Some knifes have a metal pommel on the butt to make striking more effective. If handle is too long, it may snag on clothing or be grabbed by the opponent.

*Blade with a shiny surface is intimidating, while a blade with a matte finish is more easily hidden.

*Should have a guard to protect the hand from opponent's blade. Guard that angles upward helps trap an opponent's blade and makes the knife easier for you to grip.
http://tkdtutor.com/16Weapons/Offensive/KnifeFighting/KnifeFighting01.htm

Something like this:


Böker® Applegate - Fairbairn

[Indy Lurker]

12. Check state and Local Laws

In Illinois, all knives are weapons, and knives with blades over 3" are deadly weapons. Neither are illegal to carry, but there are enhanced penalties for crimes committed with deadly weapons.

Having said that, in many parts of Illinois, if you insist on walking around with a machete you will most likely be charged with disorderly conduct, but it would not be a weapons violation.


In Chicago, it's illegal to carry a knife over 2.5 inches in length.