Most violations of knife restrictions are Class 1 Misdemeanors punishable by confinement in jail for not more than one year and /or a fine not to exceed $2,500. Virginia Knife Laws (In 2021) - Blade Scout The standard is prompt and immediate use.. Can You Shave With A Knife? Any person, while at or traveling to or from a recognized shooting range, can carry it as long as the weapons are unloaded and transported securely. Japan Knife Laws: Can You Carry a Knife in Public? I live in Virginia. . Would that pose a problem? You are not allowed to sell, trade, or gift a throwing star, ballistic knives, oriental darts, blackjack, and brass or metal knuckles on the state of Virginia premises. In both cases, the outcome added to that judges campaign promises. The phrase hidden from common observation has been interpreted by the Court of Virginia in several situations. The new law makes Possession and Sale legal, but open and concealed carry are uncertain due to the vagueness of the "other dangerous weapon" language. In Virginia, it is illegal to possess or use a knife in an unlawful manner. It is actually illegal to have a switchblade because my grandpaw had a store in Virginia and he had all kinds of knifes and he had to stop selling switchblades. 18.2-311. If your not 100% sure its always best to ask local police that way theres no miss understandings, plus they can explain in better detail. Are you saying we can own a black jack if is out intent to simply own it and keep it in our possession? Is it legal or not? When a thing is legal then it should be LEGAL. Heres the statute: So as I read this, it is illegal to sell, or intend to sell a switchblade knife. This article seems to imply that it is legal to carry a concealed knife if it is not one of the proscribed types and does not resemble any of them. So could I carry a boot knife on my belt under my shirt? Cases can be appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court. The first law, found in Section 18.2-311 of the Code of Virginia prohibits selling or possessing " blackjack, brass or metal knucks, any disc of whatever configuration having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, switchblade knife, ballistic . Correct about the permit though. but it seems my state made it to where that decision would be hard to protect me and my dogs. Yes, I am even allowed to carry a 3 pocket knife to school. The following resources provide further information on Virginia knife laws: It is illegal to carry any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches in public places such as schools, courthouses, and government buildings. Anyone over 21 can carry knives concealed. These knives are illegal to sell. We'll be examining each of the most relevant language of the following statutes in the next section. So let me get this straight. Ive recently bought some knives, mostly the Ka-Bar/Bowie variety, and would like to have them sharpened professionally and this involves transportation. It is up to you to convince the judge/jury that you are in fact a collector instead of just someone with a switchblade etc. It was enacted in 2006. 18.2-311 makes switchblade, dirk, etc. I myself have been arrested (charges dropped), and I have represented clients who were arrested (and convicted, though it was overturned) for possessing and carrying knives which were not illegal. TL;DR: normal folding pocket knives of any size are legal to conceal carry in Virginia. Virginia knife laws are long and quite wordy, making it almost impossible to determine what is legal and what is not legal when it comes to owning and carrying knives in the state of Virginia. The article does not address the issue of length, however. Virginia States knife laws are somewhat knife-friendly in certain ways and pretty restrictive in others. Understanding and being aware of the legal defenses to knife violations can be critical in avoiding criminal charges, so it is important to review all available resources. According to Virginia, pocket knife law section 18.2-311 mentions that it is legal to own, buy, sell, or carry a pocket knife that can be concealed in its handle and the blade should be 3 inches or bigger. It includes sections outlining prohibitions against certain types of weapons such as switchblades; carrying a concealed weapon without a permit; brandishing a firearm; possessing firearms while under indictment; transporting loaded firearms across state lines; manufacturing explosives with intent to injure another person; and discharging firearms within city limits, among other similar offenses related to weapons control regulations in Virginia. "Handgun" means any pistol or revolver or other firearm, except a machine gun, originally designed, made, and intended to . Maybe the cop thought hed get sexual favors from you to have him let you go? Can I open carry a Rambo sheath knife openly from my belt? http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-309/. 307-587-8296 As used in this article, unless the context requires a different meaning: "Ballistic knife" means any knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism. Possession of firearm, stun weapon, or other weapon on school property prohibited; penalty, includes an additional restriction for any knife except a pocketknife have a folding metal blade of less than three inches in length. If a cop asks if you have any weapons, you just say I do not answer any questions, refer them to your lawyer. Is There Anything Sharper? Virginia Knife Laws: What You Need to Know - Survival Sullivan As long as it has a pocket clip and the clip is exposed you should be good. Personal protection; carrying concealed weapons; when lawful to carry; penalty. If any individual has a non-weapon tool in a concealed manner will not be penalized as it is not a violation of the law. In 1995, in Main v. Commonwealth, the Virginia Supreme Court found that a weapon carried in a persons back pocket, when he or she is carrying a duffle bag which covers the handle of the weapon, the only visible part, the weapon is concealed for the purposes of the conceal carry statute.In 2000, in Clarke v. Commonwealth, the Court held that a weapon is hidden from common view when it is hidden from all except those with an unusual or exceptional opportunity to view it. Less than three inches is the maximum length of a folding pocket knife which may be lawfully possessed on school grounds. Later in 2009, during Thompson v. Commonwealth case, the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled that the state must show that a weapon is significantly comparable to those listed in the conceal carrying act to declare that it is of the same type. Anything outside of this has not been expressly banned or allowed. Im gonna go with YES on that since that is a question that is asked quite a bit with no definitive answer. At the beginning of 2015, preemption bill was proposed but was defeated legislatively as a result of negative press. I hear you. Lots of grey areas in our laws. Dirks are small daggers. USE the pocket clip in your front pocket. http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-311/, http://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/18.2-311/, https://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?171+sum+SB1347, It is legal to own a dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knife, It is illegal to conceal carry a bowie knife, It is illegal to conceal carry a switchblade knife, It is illegal to conceal carry a ballistic knife, It is illegal to conceal carry throwing stars or oriental darts, It is illegal to conceal carry any knife of a like kind to one of the above listed knives, Delcid v. Commonwealth, 526 S.E.2d 273 (2000), Clarke v. Commonwealth, 527 S.E.2d 484 (2000 Va. Are folding knives legal in Connecticut? The mere act of possessing one is prima facie evidence that a person intends to sell it, i.e., a crime. It is also illegal to carry a concealed weapon, including knives, without a valid Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP). The blade has one dull, straight edge, and one sharp edge. If your clothing or bag or purse is covering the sheath on your belt obstructing it from being viewed . 18.2-287.01. . Im 15 by the way, just curious. They need to get rid of the truly bad ones. I live in Northern Virginia and I am outdoors a lot. . Weight: 7.8 oz. Idaho State Knife Laws: Idaho State allows the citizen to carry any kinds of knives without revealing them. http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife2.pdf. Let that be at least a partial guide. Any legal knife can be carried openly except in schools and its grounds. Virginia's switchblade ban ends in July | WRIC ABC 8News U.S.A. - - (AmmoLand.com)- Knife Rights' Virginia Switchblade Ban Repeal Bill, SB 758, which passed with broad bipartisan support, has been signed into law by Governor . About Us Affiliate Disclosure Privacy Policy Contact Us. So any possession of a switchblade knife in Virginia remains illegal. Virginia laws are very gray. So, you may expect flexible knife laws here. A switchblade knife is a pocketknife having the blade spring-operated so that pressure on a release catch causes it to fly open.(Citations omitted.). It is illegal to possess certain types of knives in West Virginia, such as switchblades, gravity knives, ballistic knives, throwing stars, daggers, or dirks. You also cannot bring a knife into a school zone, and this includes university campuses. The 18.2-308 restricted knives may not be carried about the person, hidden from common observation. I have a concealed Gun Permit and I want to carry my knife across the lower of my back. Even then, the police could say your pocketknife resembles a dirk or bowie knife when opened. In addition, you are likewise not allowed to carry a knife to a place of worship. "Handgun" means any pistol or revolver or other firearm, except a machine . However, you are free to carry other knives in Virginia. The knife is definitely more concealed and than open, so Id say carrying a knife inside your pocket with only the clip being visible, would be concealed carry especially since there is usually a shirt, jacket or some other item of clothing that further covers the pocket with the clip to make the entire situation squarely concealed. Authorizes any person to carry a switchblade knife concealed when such knife is carried for the purpose of engaging in a lawful profession or lawful recreational activity the performance of which is aided by the use of a switchblade knife. Florida The Virginia Supreme Court stated definitions for the listed knives in a footnote to the case of Thompson v. Commonwealth 673 S.E.2d 469 (2009) taken from Websters Third New International Dictionary: A dirk is a long straight-bladed dagger or a short sword . No its needs to be open carry, when they say Bowie knife they pretty much mean any form of hunting knife needs to be carried openly. Violating this law is categorized as Class 4 Misdemeanor. You make no distinction between a fixed knife and a folding knife. Id say that INTENT has a lot to do with whether you get in trouble or not. Preemption Law Regarding Local Knife Ordinances is an important part of understanding Virginias knife laws. WV Code 61-7-1. Pretty much, yes. The only law pertaining to arms youll ever need to memorize. Because if you dont, youll be fined and potentially arrested. It is illegal to carry all the mentioned knives but it is also illegal for authorities to search you without a warrant. Additionally, certain localities may have additional restrictions on the possession and/or carrying of pocket knives; therefore it is important to check your local laws before purchasing or carrying one. While the maximum length of a knife's blade should be 3.5 inches, since there is no preemption clause in the legal codes, local counties and municipalities are free to create their own laws regarding the maximum length of the knife's blade. In Virginia, carrying any weapon in your trunk doesnt fall under the concealed concern, because its not readily accessible for use. You can be arrested and charged because the carrying of the switchblade is prima facie evidence of intent to sell. It seems folding knives arent part of the state law ? Selling knives other than pocket knaves in Idaho is totally prohibited and unlawful. The definition also includes swords and machetes but excludes razors used solely for shaving purposes. I feel really sorry for you for what happened to you! I dont intend to be pulled over but just in case, if the officer asks if I have any weapons do I say no sir/maam or do I say I have no guns but I do have some knives in the trunk that Im having/had sharpened or something to that effect. If any person sells or barters, or exhibits for sale or for barter, or gives or furnishes, or causes to be sold, bartered, given or furnished, or has in his possession, or under his control, with the intent of selling, bartering, giving or furnishing, any blackjack, brass or metal knucks, any disc of whatever configuration having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart, switchblade knife, ballistic knife as defined in 18.2-307.1, or like weapons, such person is guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor. Hey i am a HUGE CS:GO fan and i am going to buy a Karambit and im not sure if its legal to open carry or not? Carrying weapon in air carrier airport terminal provides a uniform statewide rule for airport terminals. The exception in 18.2-308. In Delaware, it's illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. To make a long story short I now have a Concealed weapon charge which has prevented me from working in a hospital, bank, retails and every other decent job that my town had to offer. The Virginia Supreme Court determined in the Main v. Commonwealth case that the person carrying the weapon in their back pocket tends to conceal it with the duffle bag. Arent rifles required to be keot in a safe lockbox? 18.2-311. ), How To Clean Anodized Titanium 3 Quick & Easy Methods, All About Forgecraft Hi-Carbon Knives (With Company History), Should Women Carry A Pocket Knife? 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