Pennsylvania Firearm Owners Association
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  1. #1
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    Default Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    Greetings.. are there any laws that prohibit the owning OR carrying of a fixed double edge blade?

    thanks

  2. #2
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    Not state laws.

    ianal
    Let's not forget there are still species of tropical penguins living in the Galapagos.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    Quote Originally Posted by donotknowme View Post
    Not state laws.

    ianal
    I read into it a bit before posting.. and I did notice that some local laws could apply depending on where you are... but it definitely looked like at least possession in the home was well within the law.. unless I am missing something.. it looked like automatic knives are the only knife that is a no go.. there have been come great law discussions here so was just looking for any additional feedback..

    thank you for your response..

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    Don't know about other big cities , but in Philthadelphia , it is illegal to carry ANY type of blade.

    No 'pre-emption' in PA when it comes to blades. Local gov't are free to pass any silly laws they want.
    I don't speak English , I talk American!

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    Quote Originally Posted by vladtepes View Post
    I read into it a bit before posting.. and I did notice that some local laws could apply depending on where you are... but it definitely looked like at least possession in the home was well within the law.. unless I am missing something.. it looked like automatic knives are the only knife that is a no go.. there have been come great law discussions here so was just looking for any additional feedback..

    thank you for your response..
    My understanding is that, in PA, automatic knives are allowed to be owned but not carried
    When unholstering your sidearm it is customary to say: "Excuse me while i whip this out"

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    I believe the gray area here is that a double edged blade may or may not fall under this depending on the situation.... and who is choosing to interpret it.

    § 908. Prohibited offensive weapons.

    Any dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise, . . . or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose.

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    The legal term I was thinking of is the "curio exception" which essentially should allow any of the above items to be owned for a collection. The wording on it is unfortunately very grey and applicable case law using it as a defense appears to be basically nil.
    When unholstering your sidearm it is customary to say: "Excuse me while i whip this out"

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    Quote Originally Posted by HKusp 45 View Post
    I believe the gray area here is that a double edged blade may or may not fall under this depending on the situation.... and who is choosing to interpret it.

    § 908. Prohibited offensive weapons.

    Any dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise, . . . or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose.
    What about lawful self defense?

  9. #9
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    Daggers or blades sharpened on two sides are legal according to PA Law but you never know what will happen. If asked tell the officer the blade isn't longer than your John Thomas so it must be legal. Automatic knives are illegal under PA law but that could also include assisted opening knives to some officers. In other words knife laws in PA are purposely vague and that squares with the Constitution never.
    Corruption is the default behavior of government officials. JPC

  10. #10
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    Default Re: Knife Law / Fixed Blade / Dagger

    Quote Originally Posted by JenniferG View Post
    Daggers or blades sharpened on two sides are legal according to PA Law but you never know what will happen. If asked tell the officer the blade isn't longer than your John Thomas so it must be legal. Automatic knives are illegal under PA law but that could also include assisted opening knives to some officers. In other words knife laws in PA are purposely vague and that squares with the Constitution never.
    Correct. In many states, daggers and other double-edged knives are illegal just the same as "switch blades". PA law requires that the blade open automatically.

    However, there is a catch-all with the "or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose" clause. ...which has been used to criminalize possession of a double-edged dagger-like knife once(that I know of). It was within the last 20 years, the knife had a T handle with the shank of blade going out between the index and middle fingers to the blade itself. I think it was applied to some other exotic looking knives as well in other cases(brass knuckle finger guard with spikes).
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