Balisong laws in Iowa?

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Well, this is my first post here and I'm curious if anyone can help me with knife laws in Iowa as they apply to the balisong. I know they are legal to sell and own, but I'm wondering if it is legal for me to carry it. I checked out a website with all the states knife laws on it, but Iowa's was pretty confusing.

Also another question. I have an older Benchmade bali ( a cheap one though, looks like the jag with the chrome handle and black plastic insert on it) but I want to get a new one. From what I have heard, the BM 42 is one of the best. My question is does it last? My BM is about 4 years old and is getting really really loose and I'm afraid one of the pins may go soon. Will the BM 42 be a lot better as far as holding up over time? I'm in college so $150+ is a lot for me to drop on a knife right now, but if it will last it'll be worth it for me.

Thanks for any help you guys can offer.

 

[alxdagr8]

Hello,
i live in iowa and the laws are: carry on your belt in a pouch, no longer then 4" and no serrations. From what i have heard bm42's are the best thing you can buy on the market besides the custom's that can run you like 500$ ++ so you should get it if you can afford it , too bad im poor.

 

[Darth Detori]

well it is my personal belief that the BM42 is indestructable. I've dropped it many times and I flip it daily- the most I have on mine is a small dent that's barely noticeable. and if it does loosen up, which it almost never does, you just grab a torx-head screwdriver and BAM, you're back in business.
worth $150? HELL YES. but I bet you can get one for $100. look on the sales part of the forum

 

[KentDog]

Another fellow Iowan!

Yes, they are legal to own and sell, but I'm pretty sure they're illegal to carry around anywhere, especially concealed.

I also looked on some law sites, but didn't quite get everything either, so I called a cop, and he told me they were illegal to carry outside of the home.

Not sure if this is entirely accurate, however, because another LEO told me that they were illegal to own, period.. and I don't think this is true.

If I were you, if you really wanted to carry it around, do as alx says, and carry it in a pouch. I think it's been mentioned before, but it's best if you can get a sheath that has hides itself, such as a maglite sheath or a cell phone case. The everyday logo will make it less obvious.

 

[MacCanine]

I remember when I was traveling thru Iowa working in a carnival,I carried mine freely.I never got stopped because of them though.
Chances are Iowa is just like many other states.Even if the state itself say's they're *not* illegal to carry,some city/county areas will say they *are* illegal.Best bet is to call your local Police department and ask what the local laws are concerning blade length and knife type.Make sure that you ask about "balisong aka butterfly knife",since some will know it's true name,while others just know the second term.


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*The* Lunatic Puppy
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My "inner puppy" made me do it..