Legal Knife Length in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, N. and S. Carolina, and Florida.

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MasonWalker

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Oct 23, 2013
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I'm looking to carry around a concealed kerambit (karambit) for personal defense. I look up laws on multiple websites, but come to an inconclusive answer to the legal carry length for these states. I know that Georgia is up to 5 inches for legal length, but I'm wagering on that four inches for the blade length will be what most of the South East states will have legally. Any additional information about open/concealed carry will be very appreciated.
 
Florida law states that you can carry concealed any "common pocket knife", however what this exactly means is not explained. To be honest this is usually up to the decision of the individual police officer.

In Florida, the context of how you're using your knife is also a big deal with how the common pocket knife idea is applied. If youre being irresponsible with the tool and acting in a dangerous manner then you could easily (and prbably deserve to) get in trouble for it.

You can't conceal carry a fixed blade withou a concealed carry permit in Florida, but there is no state law banning open carry of fixed blades.

Just to say, im not expert, I've simply read literature on the subject. Also, some city laws here in the state can be more restrictive. Are you talking about a fixed blade or a folding knife? This will help the next posters.
 
I am referring to fixed blades, but for purposes of information, let's assume both for all information seekers.
 
Are you able to get a concealed firearms license? That should allow you to conceal carry what you want in Florida. Don't do it illegally and carry it concealed without one. If you get caught with something like that on you, you can get in a lot of trouble.

Maybe consider carrying a smaller fixed blade with a more "utilitarian" blade shape on your belt?
 
SC has no illegal length or type of knife you can carry but deals with use.You may find some sites that say different 2" or 3" but they are referencing the old law that was changed. (thank you Kniferights.org)
http://www.knifeup.com/south-carolina-knife-laws/


It is legal to own any type of knife in South Carolina.
Restrictions on Carry

It is legal to conceal carry dirk
It is legal to conceal carry a switchblade knife
It is legal to conceal carry a Balisong, or butterfly knife
It is legal to conceal carry a Bowie knife
It is legal to conceal carry a stiletto
South Carolina law explicitly excludes “dirks” and “knives” from the conceal carry statute, unless they are used with the intent to commit a crime or in the furtherance of a crime. The conceal carry statute however, does cover, “any other type of weapon, device, or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death”. Thus, while it may begin legal to carry a dirk or knife concealed, if the carrier were found carrying concealed under certain circumstances, it might become illegal.

What the Law States

§ 16-23-460. Carrying concealed weapons; forfeiture of weapons.

(A) A person carrying a deadly weapon usually used for the infliction of personal injury concealed about his person is guilty of a misdemeanor, must forfeit to the county, or, if convicted in a municipal court, to the municipality, the concealed weapon, and must be fined not less than two hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not less than thirty days nor more than ninety days…..

…..(C) The provisions of this section also do not apply to rifles, shotguns, dirks, slingshots, metal knuckles, knives, or razors unless they are used with the intent to commit a crime or in furtherance of a crime.

Definition of Weapon

In 2008, the South Carolina legislature amended its definition of “weapon”, deleting “a knife with a blade over two inches long” from it. The definition now reads:

“weapon” means firearm (rifle, shotgun, pistol, or similar device that propels a projectile through the energy of an explosive), a blackjack, a metal pipe or pole, or any other type of device, or object which may be used to inflict bodily injury or death.

By deleting the phrase “knife with a blade over two inches long”, the legislature did not quite make it legal to carry a knife concealed, as the conceal carry statute specifically excludes knives as a weapon covered by it, unless the carrier uses the knife to commit a crime or in the furtherance of a crime.

Conclusion on South Carolina Knife Laws

It is legal to own or open carry any kind of knife in South Carolina. It is legal to conceal carry any type of knife, so long as you do not use the knife to commit or aid in the commission of a crime.

Sources

S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-460 (2012)
S.C. Code Ann. § 16-23-405 (2012)
 
Alabama u carry whatever u want auto or what it just says no 10 inch bowie type knife on belt so under 10 inches and ur good. I have carried over a 10 inch blade here and had no problems I guess if its over 10 inches u need to put it in a backpack, when in doubt call the sheriffs office.
 
Sorry for the late reply. Yes, I am able to obtain a concealed carry permit. Thank you for the posts relating to the topic. I will have to look up ordinances for the cities I plan to be going to and traveling in.
 
Tennessee quite simple, max 4" blade on anything, open or concealed. Local laws preempted only recently.

No switchblades cept for LEO and military, gravity knives are defined as switchblades also.

Exceptions for outdoor sports and etc.

Technically, no knives on any school property at all, including colleges.

- OS
 
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Georgia: You can carry ANY knife open and carry.
Knife blade <= 5 inches (do not have to have a GWL)
Knife blade > 5 inches ( you will need a GWL)
Restrictions: Same as always. Can't carry on prohibited grounds. Government buildings and Schools

Tennessee: You can carry ANY knife (except switchblades, gravity knives, butterflies unless LEO or military)
Max blade Length: 4 inches even for a Carry Permit
Restrictions: Same as before.

South Carolina: You can carry Any knife.
Max Blade Length: There is none. With and without a Carry Permit?
Restrictions: Based on how knives are handled and the Normal prohibited areas

Florida: You can carry Any knife openly. Any concealed carry you WILL NEED A CARRY PERMIT!!!
Blade Length: undefined....Let me know
Restrictions: Need a CWL for concealed carry. Yet, be careful of what type of blade you carry. Tactical blades (basically non-common knife, needs a CWL)

Let me know if anything is false or needs to be edited. I'm trying to be as clear as possible.
 
MasonWalker said:
I'm looking to carry around a concealed kerambit (karambit) for personal defense. I look up laws on multiple websites, but come to an inconclusive answer to the legal carry length for these states. I know that Georgia is up to 5 inches for legal length, but I'm wagering on that four inches for the blade length will be what most of the South East states will have legally. Any additional information about open/concealed carry will be very appreciated.
Click to expand...
For Alabama, a "common pocket knife" is just about any folder that can be concealed in a pocket. If your karambit is a folder and will fit your trouser pocket, then looks like you are OK in Alabama. I researched the knife laws there, because my girlfriend and I own property there. I want to be able to carry my EDC knife (4" lock-blade folder) without running into legal trouble. Looks like Alabama law allows this. You are smart to do your research. State laws vary widely.
 
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