View Full Version : knife in PA
how long of a fixed blade am i legally allowed to carry along the AT across the state of PA? i'm sure i could find out from asking the state police, but i figured this would be a quicker avenue...
please don't say don't bother typing "*** you don't need one this is the AT not alaska"....
thanks
SGT Rock
01-23-2009, 11:33
Check out the law article by The Weasel:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=21654
It links to this site which probably answers your question: http://www.thehighroad.org/library/blades/knifelaws.html
how long of a fixed blade am i legally allowed to carry along the AT across the state of PA? i'm sure i could find out from asking the state police, but i figured this would be a quicker avenue...
please don't say don't bother typing "*** you don't need one this is the AT not alaska"....
thanks
Most state blade length restrictions apply to carrying a knife for self protection, or concealed weapon, ie, the switchblade, or large folding knives. I think you'll be ok on the trail with whatever knife you want to carry, BUT, when you are in town, park hq's, restaurants, etc. keep your knife out of site. There are a lot of squemish people who simple do not understand us woodsman!! They may think you're one of them "perverts". Pun intended.
Seriously, if you have any reservations about your choice of knife, check with your PA officials. Tell them exactly what your intentions are and show them the knife if you can.
Happy hiking. :sun
4eyedbuzzard
01-23-2009, 11:54
PA has no absolute blade length statute. It is a matter of case law, intent, and lawful purpose. That you are a hiker should establish legal intent and purpose of carrying a knife. Realistically, a sheathed hunting knife or folding knife of reasonable length and construction shouldn't get you into any problems unless you call attention to yourself. Things like a switchblade, Croc Dundee size knife, machete, etc. are likely to draw such unwanted attention. Common sense goes a long way.
http://www.thehighroad.org/library/blades/knifelaws.html
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/pa.txt
In some jurisdictions it helps if it looks like a tool, and not a weapon, which is funny I know, but there it is.
[quote=Kanati;763800]... when you are in town, park hq's, restaurants, etc. keep your knife out of site.
Wouldn,t that make it a canceled weapon?
SGT Rock
01-23-2009, 12:13
You have to ask a lawyer, but when we had this debate some time ago there were different interpretations. So say you are carrying a 4" folding knife it wouldn't be a concealed weapon because in the jurisdiction it isn't considered a weapon to begin with. Then there is having a knife on your belt (open carry) that is hidden by a long jacket you put on when it was cold - that might not be considered concealed because it is "incidental" that it got concealed.
And again, it depends on what you are doing. If you are being a good person and ain't screwing with anyone, most likely no one will care. But if you are drunk and threatening to kick someones ass for your mail drop not making to Pearisburg before you, then the cops may use that sort of carry to add to the charges if they had to come get you.
4eyedbuzzard
01-23-2009, 12:13
Only if the knife were determined to be a weapon. In PA, that is a matter of intent and lawful purpose. That definition, of what is and what is not a weapon, will vary greatly depending upon state and local laws.
Johnny Thunder
01-23-2009, 12:27
Interesting but geographically unrelated...knives of all types are not allowed in the New York mass transit system. This includes box cutters. A friend uses one as an art mover and was fined for taking it on the subway.
SGT Rock
01-23-2009, 12:30
Some of that has to do with new homeland security rules. I think the same rules now apply to buses like Greyhound.
Johnny Thunder
01-23-2009, 12:38
Yes, I agree. I just think it's one of the things hikers should know since they would most likely use the subway if visiting New York. Also, I don't think Greyhound does random searches in the same volume the MTA/police do. It's all about safety and I'm happy that it gets done for our protection. It would just suck to loose a piece of gear.
Some of that has to do with new homeland security rules. I think the same rules now apply to buses like Greyhound.
A passenger on a Greyhound chopped another passengers head off on a bus not too long ago. :eek: That might have something to do with it.
I'm not authorized to speak for Governor Rendel, NPS, ATC, DCNR, PGC or anyone other than myself, but today WhiteBlaze performed a public service with this thread. This A.T. trail club member salutes those who contributed to a keeper.:)
so the answer to this question is "it depends"???
Carry only what you really need and don't display it where it's apt to cause concern. I wouldn't know why a hiker would need anything more than a small pocket knife.
wrongway_08
01-23-2009, 14:11
Knife? You need a gun 50 cal hand gun will cut cord, split fire wood, supply a large flash of light for finding your gorp bag you dropped and keep you safe. Now thats a true multi tool.
Kidding, before all the gun haters and thread jumpers attack!
I carried a Kershaw with about 2" blade, worked great. Light weight and sharp as a razor.
As far as the legal size, no idea, never been bother by the law anywhere - hiking or not. Just dont be displayn it or goofing off with it in public.
I did see a few "rambo" knifes out on the trail but they are heavy and way too big to be usefull. But if thats what you want ... go for it!
4eyedbuzzard
01-23-2009, 14:39
so the answer to this question is "it depends"???
Yep. It depends upon whether or not law enforcement has some reason to decide that your knife is being carried as a weapon rather than for legal purpose. If they do, they can obviously take your knife and cite or even possibly arrest you. That could lead to all sorts of time and money being spent on your part, even if the charges are dismissed. The prudent plan would be to not try to test the limits of the justice system.
The prudent plan would be to not try to test the limits of the justice system.
which is the purpose of my post. perhaps i'll give the state police a call :D
You'll get farther on the shoe leather express, than by letting your fingers do your walking. I doubt they would advise you other than to refer you to applicable laws and regulations, nor should we.
§908 of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code makes it an offense to make, repair, sell, or otherwise deal in, use, or possess any "offensive weapon." "Offensive weapon" is defined as " Any [long list of other types of weapons omitted] . . . 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."
I'm not aware of any maximum blade length. If you think about it, where does a knife stop and a machete or sword begin?
Common sense, i've never heard of anyone being stopped for a knife violation in PA if you use common sense. Now if you are off the trail,ie, the 33rd street train station in Philly where they use X-ray machines i'd think twice about the size.
TrippinBTM
02-01-2009, 09:20
... when you are in town, park hq's, restaurants, etc. keep your knife out of site.
Wouldn,t that make it a concealed weapon?
only if you get searched. If no one knows about it, it's nothing. Funny how that works, eh?
I know that's not really how the law works. But seriously, no harm, no foul. If no one sees it or knows about it, you're not in any legal danger. Leave it in your pack and you're good to go.
buff_jeff
02-01-2009, 10:36
I carried a 7" fixed blade Kabar through PA until I realized how absurd it was and sold the thing.
I don't know how you could get in trouble for carrying a knife unless you're waving it around like a madman. Just use common sense.
I don't know why you'd want to carry a huge knife in the first place, though....
thanks guys, esp c.coyle's info.
buff jeff, a fixed blade doesn't have to be huge ;)
buff_jeff
02-01-2009, 14:28
thanks guys, esp c.coyle's info.
buff jeff, a fixed blade doesn't have to be huge ;)
Oh, I know, but this thing was ridiculous. I have no need for a 7" fixed blade Kabar. :eek: