Knife laws Utah

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vaderfan

Joined
Jun 22, 2024
Messages
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I recently moved to St George, Utah from San Diego. In California, ex-felons can still own knives even though they can't own a gun. Does anyone know if there is a differentiation in the knife laws here in Utah between someone with felony conviction and someone without? I read the Utah Legal code subsection regarding knives but it was a little confusing and I'm unsure of some of the language used. Just looking for some clarification.
 
tinfoil hat timmy said:
call the sheriff.
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WRONG--do not ask any LEO. They don't know the laws, they don't have to know the laws, and are given entirely too much latitude in enforcing them based on what they think the laws mean. Either link the statute here and the community can help you parse it out, or consult an attorney.

Even a "lawyer in the library" (assuming UT has such things) consultation will be better than asking a LEO under any circumstances.
 
Felons are restricted from possessing or having a "dangerous weapon" under their control, per 76-10-503.
Is a knife a dangerous weapon? It depends. The statute that defines them (76-10-501) is very vague:
(a) "Dangerous weapon" means:
(i) a firearm; or
(ii) an object that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.
(b) The following factors are used in determining whether any object, other than a firearm, is a dangerous weapon:
(i) the location and circumstances in which the object was used or possessed;
(ii) the primary purpose for which the object was made;
(iii) the character of the wound, if any, produced by the object's unlawful use;
(iv) the manner in which the object was unlawfully used;
(v) whether the manner in which the object is used or possessed constitutes a potential imminent threat to public safety; and
(vi) the lawful purposes for which the object may be used.
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This definition appears to be high circumstantial and subjective, and takes into account the type of knife as well as why it is possessed and if it was used for something unlawful. Naturally even felons need to eat and prepare food, open boxes etc. Many types of occupations like construction also involve sharp objects. These are unlikely to violate the law. Where it becomes a problem is when a knife is carried for EDC reasons, especially if carried for "self-defense." I would advise a felon to never carry a knife "just because" when out in public. Leave all knives at home or at work, and stick with purely utilitarian types.
 
Felons can carry knives, but if you ever used it to threaten someone or actually hurt someone you're screwed. If you met the wrong cop and he decided to be a dick you're screwed, even if you didn't do anything with the knife.
 
Or you could carry a nice-looking damascus knife that LEOs would not consider a weapon. I carry all 3 (California) but the middle one I carry the most. Fits in 5th pocket and no LEO would consider it a weapon:

IMG_3858.JPG
 
Locutus D'Borg said:
nice-looking (expensive ) knife that LEOs would
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... likely "confiscate" for their collections ! :rolleyes:

Seriously now , I would carry an inexpensive , utility type knife . Not too big and/or tactical scary .

Probably ,how you appear and act in public , and who you associate with , be much more important than the knife you carry, or the letter of the law .
 
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DocJD said:
... likely "confiscate" for their collections ! :rolleyes:

Seriously now , I would carry an inexpensive , utility type knife . Not too big and/or tactical scary .

Probably ,how you appear and act in public , and who you associate with , be much more important than the knife you carry, or the letter of the law .
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Even if it's "legally confiscated" AND actually gets turned in we all know who gets first look and bid at the auction- the cops.
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