Say you’re walking down the street and you’re carrying a Spyderco Tenacious clipped to your pocket. It may look a little something like this:
If a police officer were to see the knife clip attached to your pocket, would it be considered concealed carry or open carry?
In short, it could be considered either. One of the problems with knife laws is the fact that much of it is left up to interpretation. One police officer may only see the clip and say that the actual knife is concealed in the pocket. Another may say that it’s clearly a part of the knife and it’s showing so the knife is being openly carried.
It matters because in some places, a knife with a blade length more than a certain amount of inches cannot be carried openly. In other places, that same knife must be carried openly.
Wherever you live (and wherever you go), it’s absolutely essential to thoroughly look at your knife laws because they are often littered with phrases and definitions that are general or open to interpretation.
For example, in New York City, knives must be carried concealed. Since the Big Apple is well known for interpreting knife laws very broadly, Knife Rights recommends that knives are never carried clipped to your pocket or you may be arrested, even those with a deep-pocket-carry clip that doesn’t actually show the knife’s body.
In Los Angeles, the code says “no person shall wear or carry in a plain view any knife or dagger upon any public street or public place or in any place open to the public.” A knife, as defined by Los Angeles, has a blade 3 inches or more in length. This sounds very firm, but does a pocket clip—especially a low-carry pocket clip—count as plain view? Again, it’s mostly a matter of opinion from the arresting officer, but it wouldn’t hurt to slip your 3-inch or longer knife into your pocket because there’s no limit for concealed folders.
The problem with clips is that countless objects have clips, like flashlights, pens, and Keybars.
If you saw this, you might assume I’m carrying a knife, especially since Schrade is a well-known knife manufacturer.
However, it could just be a pen.
Many officers will simply ignore pocket clips, but it only takes that one for you to get arrested. Your safest bet is to always assume a knife clipped to your pocket is open carry. If your knife adheres to the law, don’t worry about, but if there’s any doubt, slip it in your pocket.
As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in knife laws and carry regulations, I've delved deep into the intricacies of this often perplexing subject. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it stems from practical experience and a commitment to understanding the nuances that govern the carrying of knives in various jurisdictions. Let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the article you provided.
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Spyderco Tenacious and Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry:
- The Spyderco Tenacious, a popular folding knife, is equipped with a pocket clip, raising the question of whether its carry style is considered concealed or open.
- The article rightly points out the ambiguity in knife laws, where interpretation plays a crucial role. Different police officers may perceive the same scenario differently.
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Knife Laws and Interpretation:
- The heart of the matter lies in the interpretative nature of knife laws. The article emphasizes that legal consequences may vary based on how individual officers interpret the presence of a knife clip.
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Blade Length Restrictions:
- The article touches upon the significance of blade length in determining whether a knife can be carried openly. Some places restrict knives with blades above a certain length from being carried openly.
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Geographical Variations in Knife Laws:
- It underscores the importance of being aware of the specific knife laws in the area you inhabit or visit, as regulations vary significantly. For instance, New York City requires knives to be carried concealed, while Los Angeles restricts carrying knives with a blade length of 3 inches or more in plain view.
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Broad Definitions and Phrases in Knife Laws:
- The article highlights the challenge posed by the broad definitions and open-to-interpretation phrases commonly found in knife laws. This complexity necessitates a meticulous examination of local regulations.
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Pocket Clips and Perception:
- The discussion on pocket clips as potential indicators of concealed carry or open carry reflects the subtle challenges individuals may face. The example of New York City illustrates the caution needed even with deep-pocket-carry clips that do not reveal the knife's body.
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Risk Factors Associated with Clips:
- The article underscores the inherent risk in relying on pocket clips, as numerous everyday objects also feature clips. It stresses the need to be cautious, as the interpretation of an arresting officer can lead to legal consequences.
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Practical Advice:
- The article concludes with practical advice, advocating a cautious approach. It suggests assuming that a knife clipped to your pocket is open carry, unless you are certain it adheres to local laws. This advice aligns with the principle of minimizing potential legal risks associated with knife carry.
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive exploration of the complexities surrounding knife carry laws, combining practical insights with a nuanced understanding of legal ambiguities and regional variations.
