A knife that is legal to carry in Spokane may not be in Seattle. (c) Uses any contrivance or device for suppressing the noise of any firearm unless the suppressor is legally registered and possessed in accordance with federal law, is guilty of a gross misdemeanor punishable under chapter 9A.20 RCW. The right of the individual citizen to bear arms in defense of himself, or the state, shall not be impaired, but nothing in this section shall be construed as authorizing individuals or corporations to organize, maintain or employ an armed body of men. For a fact, when I managed a convieneince (sic) store in the back side of Graham in Peirce county, policy was nobody under the legal drinking age could buy a pocket knife, and we had dozens on display but kept under lock and key and away from easy reach. (New law, in effect July 2012). So is it illegal to own a fully functional sword cane if it’s used for decor in your house? The idea that that some weapons are “bad” because certain types of “bad” people use them (like 1930s gangsters used Tommy guns), and that their possession and use can be prevented by laws (to which only the law-abiding adhere), is a sad one that goes back a long time. take a look at a Cold Steel 6 inch Ti lite that can be opened manually as fast as any switchblade. Washington State Knife Laws 2019. Please answer directly. the single blade is 1 3/4 inches long. That about sums it up. Very few, if any crimes were committed with such “weapons”. If “intent” isn’t even necessary to allow the Peelers to throw you in the back of the black maria just because some overwrought liberal cat lady, who’d drank half a box of El Cheapo, and soiled her yoga pants at the sight of the buck knife hanging from your belt, I fail to see how you could carry anything openly (or you’re taking a big risk depending how sane the people are around you). Automatic knives are illegal but guns are ok what’s wrong this picture the government is so stupid!!!!! Alarm can probably be considered pretty loosely. All of which are novelty of course and never recommended for practical use. As a hiker and former camper (I am now old) I can assure you that regular campers and hikers – no matter whom they voted for – will not be frightened or otherwise bothered by a camper, hiker, or hunter carrying a big blade openly. It is legal to open carry any type of weapon, so long as it is not carried in a … If I recall there is still a legal fixed blade or sheathed blade length for legal carry of 3.5″ and this is open carry. This sad-sack state has even made it a crime to dispose of one, so you’ll be a criminal if you throw your illegal knife away, weld it shut or chop it up. In 2003, however, the same Court, in State v. Smith, ruled that a person’s backyard was not ‘in their home’ and therefore, a person was not exempt from the carry or display statute while in their backyard. Just possessing a knife like a balisong or a throwing knife would cause some alarm to people who aren’t accustomed to it or find carrying weapons wrong and could easily lead to an arrest whether or not any intent whatsoever was shown. Paid Subscribers don't see ads! I just turned 18 as of a few days ago, I wish to know what I can carry. Do I need to check id on people before selling them a knife? so let me get this right, you can walk around with a 1.5 foot bowie knife where everyone can see it and it will still be legal? Usually, it is the local city ordinances that get you. Illegal: It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk. I was told by a Centralia PD officer that assisted opening knives were illegal in Washington, just as if they were switchblades. We are confused and afraid of our own enforcement personnel and laws. those citizens who are not part of the formal organized militia are considered part of the “unorganized militia” to be called to duty in times of grave emergency (RCW 38.08.050). Knife History: George Washington’s Penknife. What if the knife or gun is holstered or carried in a sheath on the belt? It seems only foreigners in protected cities have these special rights! SPD is quite happy to bust people for it, too. Rest calm. All 50 states have their own knife law, and many of the local jurisdictions within a state will oftentimes have their own, more regulated knife laws as well. No person who is serving in a position that is basically clerical or secretarial in nature shall be considered a firefighter or rescue member. Do spring-assisted knives count as the illegal “spring blade” knives? RCW 9.41.250 Dangerous weapons—Penalty. (It should be noted that both of these cases involved idiots claiming a 2A right to carry around a paring knife which the courts ruled was not a weapon protected by 2A. We also despise the bullies and those who abuse their considerable authority. There are a handful of questions from Vancouver Washington all on the subject of knives lately, it may be that the answer has already been provided. Seattle generally prohibits the carry of a fixed blade knife. (d) “Fire or rescue agency” means any agency, department, or division of a municipal corporation, political subdivision, or other unit of local government of this state or any other state, and any agency, department, or division of any state government, having as its primary function the prevention, control, or extinguishment of fire or provision of emergency medical services or rescue actions for persons. If the local law prohibits concealed carry, then the visible clip should be good enough. Ultimately I don’t care much about freedoms to carry guns and knives as much as the freedom to worship my God. I can’t find it. Is that concealed since the weapon itself cannot be seen? Remember its not just anyone who can be offended it has to be reasonable. Jeeze louise. So the question becomes not whether a convicted felony can carry a knife in Washington - but - whether A PERSON can carry a knife in Washington? As for somebody somewhere complaining, the laws imply a reasonable person should be considered when determining if a behavior – such as open carry – is threatening or not. Bottom line is you still have the right to defend yourself, legally or otherwise. All I see is no fixed blades, no folders longer than 3.5″. Proceed with extreme care. Relevant Washington State Statutes Covering Use and Ownership of Knives, Relevant Cases of Importance to Legal Interpretation. ", "KnifeUp's series of knife reviews was really helpful. God bless. (1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons. ), Remember ALWAYS that logic is not a necessary component of the law, See CIty of Seattle vs Montana (1996) and Seattle vs Evans (2015). Permits will be issued to residents and non-residents but it may take some time for these changes to be implemented. Any LEO in the area will likely be country boys and girls, and dismiss normal behavior for the circumstances. Unless there is a new law that I am not aware of I would like to make a correction that it IS legal to own a switch blade/type knife but not legal to carry/conceal/possess in public regardless of concealed or not. There is nothing on those knives I own one because it’s a handy tool for whatever you might need and it is also a good self defense weapon as you can use it with the sheath for an extention to your fist, or as a knife to deter anyone trying to cause trouble, they are fast and CAN do a lot of body damage but with proper training and self control you can turn a robbery at gunpoint into a citizens arrest in the blink of an eye. Agree’d. You are issued a concealed pistol license in Washington, not a concealed weapon permit such as what Idaho issues. It was kind of a shock being that I was caring it like I would if I was out camping. Hey Ray; Thanks for the question. Everything the firefighter told you is correct. The newer automatic or assisted opening knives along with a large assortment of other knives are often attached to these push button laws or compared for identification purposes. (Montana is a surname, not the state.) It is illegal to own a switchblade or other spring blade knife in the state of Washington. Good question, I was wondering about that myself…. Because I’m guessing that’s the reason why they made switch blades illigal (making tricks and cutting themselves). In 1995, in State v. Myles, the Supreme Court of Washington discussed the use of the word “furtively” in the conceal carry statute. This important legislation makes Washington more friendly to knife owners and manufacturers by clarifying the definition of so-called "spring blade" knives (switchblades) so as to clearly make assisted-opening knives legal in the state. You can own it and enjoy it in your home just not carry it in “public”. Now I have arthritis in both hands, can’t open a bag of chips, and am a criminal if I carry a knife. There’s no law about that I know of but I remember being a teenager and a hardware store owner actually blocked me buying a pellet gun because he thought I wasn’t old enough. I was terribly shy and dropped out after less than a year. Yes, I know I’m a year late. Is it Blade Length, or Total Length or WHAT?? I’ve seen the word “Alarm” more then once, as in causing others “alarm”.. Websters dictionary defines alarm as a few things including “sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger”. Please help the next generation learn how to fend for themselves and help others at a younger age than I did! But there is no statewide pre-emption of knife laws. WA Knife Laws need revamping, How old do you have to be to own a trainer butterfly knife in Washington. What Are the Knife Laws in Washington? Please be a rich person with a good lawyer who can get busted for this and fight it to the state supreme court. Depends on city and county mostly. In the state of Washington, it is legal to own a dirk, dagger, or any kind of stabbing knife; a bowie knife; a stiletto; a disguised knife; and even throwing stars. Thanks that helped quite a bit. Many of my friends practice martial arts, collect weapons, LARP, and otherwise swing “dangerous-looking” objects around. outside of official state militias and a few other exceptions, no organized body is allowed to conduct itself as a military company or organize or parade in public with firearms (RCW 38.40.120). Washington State knife laws are vague and difficult to piece together. 9.41.250 says a knife with “bias toward closure” is not a “spring blade knife”. I gave him the benefit of the doubt that he at least was trying to make sense, and just happened to be wrong, rather than considering that he was not just wrong, but being nonsensical too. How old do you have to be to buy a knife in WA? Our schools, court houses, hospitals, airports, etc must be protected and secure. That really makes me laugh. We are now afraid to carry pocket knives. Wow that is vague and painted with grey area. 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