Getting an OTF knife—where are double edged knives illegal?

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whatshouldiget

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May 17, 2013
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Luckily they’re legal in my state which is nice. I was just wondering where they aren’t legal. Seems like they’re illegal to carry (but not to own) in Michigan and Massachusetts.

I can’t find much info about it to be honest. I’m considering getting the single edged variant in case the double edged variant is illegal in a lot of places, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Thanks!
 
Unless you travel a lot I wouldn't worry what's legal in other states.

It won't be hard to look up a states knife laws before you go there though.
 
You'll seldom find the term double edged used, instead look up each States's portion that covers Dirks, Daggers, Stilettos, and the ever popular catch all, "dangerous instruments". Some are very vague (ex. New Jersey), while other like New York are a bit clearer, but open to interpretation. Also note if it is for open carry or must be concealed, different states have different carry methods they like.
 
Could be any of - Dirks, Daggers, Stilettos, dangerous instruments. Many times they don't use a classical definitions, but one based on the time the law was written. Dirks, Daggers, Stiletto could all mean a double edged knife. Dangerous Instrument is a nasty one they use that they could also fall under. It's probably the worst, as it's open to the police officers's interpretation, and answers to any questions you may give.
 
Legality aside, DE blades have few to no practical advantages over SE knives. They’re cooler, and probably better for self defense, but the tip is typically going to be more frail and the inability to put your thumb or forefinger on the spine of the knife to make controlled cuts is a real detriment to the utility of the knife for me.

Also, keep very well in mind that legality is nearly irrelevant when something comes before a jury or across the eyes of a law enforcement officer. There’s a real stigma about DE knives because they are almost inarguably designed to be weapons.

The only DE knife I’ve ever really saw as particularly useful was a push dagger, which, while definitely a self defense tool, takes a lot of the potential for self-injury out when used for that.
 
whatshouldiget said:
Luckily they’re legal in my state which is nice. I was just wondering where they aren’t legal. Seems like they’re illegal to carry (but not to own) in Michigan and Massachusetts.

I can’t find much info about it to be honest. I’m considering getting the single edged variant in case the double edged variant is illegal in a lot of places, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. Thanks!
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I am pretty sure they are illegal here in IL. They list them as daggers, a prohibited carry item, so while I own a Cold Steel Drop Forged Dagger, Hinderer Maximus Double Edge Dagger, two Les George Galvos Daggers, Neill Schutte Dagger, two RMJ Raider Dagger, I do not carry them. I invested in them b/c I wanted one, and it is no different than any other fixed or folder with a blade length over 3 inches in length....they're all illegal in IL to carry.
 
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Comeuppance said:
Legality aside, DE blades have few to no practical advantages over SE knives. They’re cooler, and probably better for self defense, but the tip is typically going to be more frail and the inability to put your thumb or forefinger on the spine of the knife to make controlled cuts is a real detriment to the utility of the knife for me.
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The only double edge knife I would consider particularly useful are the models that have one edge plain and one edge fully serrated. The ones that have symmetrical partial serrated edges always seemed especially idiotic to me. The problem is that regardless, a double edge knife will have a very obtuse bevel (or rather, obtuse bevels). That obviously limits their already limited practicality as a tool. Cool for a collector's item, knifesturbation toy, or if you think you're going to get into and win a series of knife fights, but crap for daily use.
 
Illegal to carry in PA as well. Defined as 'other offensive weapon' or such. I'll have to look up the actual statute later.
 
Personally, I would not own an OTF that was not double edged. I carry a DE OTF about half the time here in CA. However, I think it may be considered illegal.

I think it may be legal with a CCW and in other certain circumstances, but, I'm not sure.
 
Tommy-Chi said:
I am pretty sure they are illegal here in IL. They list them as daggers, a prohibited carry item, so while I own a Cold Steel Drop Forged Dagger, Hinderer Maximus Double Edge Dagger, two Les George Galvos Daggers, Neill Schutte Dagger, two RMJ Raider Dagger, I do not carry them. I invested in them b/c I wanted one, and it is no different than any other fixed or folder with a blade length over 3 inches in length....they're all illegal in IL to carry.
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Illinois does not have a legal length requirement. Cities and municipalities can but the state does not. For example Chicago is 2" or less. As for double edge being illegal you are close. Technically it is legal, in fact I work at a knife store and we do sell double edge. It should not be considered a dagger but if an officer wants to they can probably say so. Another issue is that an Illinois law, and basically anywhere is that it is illegal to carry if you have the intent to harm. In the case of a double edge it can be argued that it automatically has the intent to harm.
 
I live in Massachusetts and spent a fair amount of time last year procuring a few ultratechs, each with at least 1.5 sharpened sides. Per my research, it's illegal to carry any auto over 1.5" and DE knives are illegal to carry, full stop. Wave-type openers are also illegal. Exception to all is if you have the proper license. If you are going to spend time being arrested or disturbing the peace in Massachusetts, it is illegal to do so "carrying anything that could be perceived as dangerous"... that clause really stuck with me. Surprisingly, no laws restrict knife ownership.

If you want a DE knife but also want to avoid
Comeuppance said:
the inability to put your thumb or forefinger on the spine of the knife to make controlled cuts
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then I would highly recommend a bayonet blade. They look super cool but are, in my experience, significantly harder to come across.
 
I_EDC_BACON said:
Illinois does not have a legal length requirement. Cities and municipalities can but the state does not. For example Chicago is 2" or less. As for double edge being illegal you are close. Technically it is legal, in fact I work at a knife store and we do sell double edge. It should not be considered a dagger but if an officer wants to they can probably say so. Another issue is that an Illinois law, and basically anywhere is that it is illegal to carry if you have the intent to harm. In the case of a double edge it can be argued that it automatically has the intent to harm.
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Leftists run IL, Chicago being the worst. There were 4 to 5 guys kicking me in a bar in Chicago, grabbing at my face and arms, and I drew a legal length folder to MY RIGHT HIP and said knife to get them to stop long enough to get out of the place, and THAT was an ag assault. The arresting officer did not even want to hear what happened. YOU CANNOT USE A KNIFE FOR SELF DEFENSE IN IL.

I no longer carry a knife and will only carry one after I obtain USCCA insurance for the max amount. I'm thinking of carrying a wooden spatula as a joke.
 
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