Local knife carrying laws

J

J.Vervoorst

Joined
Jul 18, 2002
Messages
658
Hi everybody,

But to my original question: if I'm lucky I'll be able to spend a year of graduate studies in the USA, probably a university in Georgia or Florida (I don't want to get more specific). I already heard that all schools have that zero-tolerance policy about 'weapons'. I don't know how I should make it through the day without a knife by my side, kinda makes me feel naked! But what about carrying laws/restrictions in the general public?
Can anyone please elaborate on the laws in those states? What's legal, when, where, what isn't?
Thanks a bunch, I really appreciate it!

Mick or Duane: Any news on that shipment of knives to Germany? Waiting is just soooo hard! :grumpy:
 
I attend Univ of Florida. As long as it is not an auto, pretty much all folders (Strider folders included) are fine here. This is the south after all. Tons of people carry pocket knives on campus and in class with no backlash. I wear a small neck knife, but it doesn't advertise its presence. Larger fixed blades would probably cause more concern. I don't feel the need to carry a large fixed blade daily, so for me it's a non-issue. Stick with a folder or maybe a small neck knife and you will be fine. Remember, however, that is is a university, so you get all the left wing crazy assed hippies, so try not to advertise. Discretion is always a good thing.
 
KnifeBomber hit the nail on the head. You can carry no problem in Florida or pretty much anywhere in the USA except airports, with common sense! The most important words are "don't advertise it".

I carry daily my Strider GB (a large folder to say the least) and my Strider SA. Now I carry t-shirt or polo shirt untucked in summer, it covers all my gear. On rare occasions do I use the pocket clip on the GB folder it usually rides in kydex belt holder or SOE sheath.

Laws can be researched for the local area your going to be in. By use of the internet (or check the legal section on this forum)just type in search for Florida Laws, knives, weapons, carry.
This is the best advice check your local (Florida/Georgia)laws see whats on the books.

Remember don't be too obvious as to what your carrying. I carried many knives all my time in college. Never once had a problem. Carry a small folder for utility jobs and if possible a larger folder or small fixed blade for defense and back up.
 
Thanks for all the info! Here in Germany I carry a Benchmade 910 Stryker as a folder (will switch to GB soon, hopefully) and a Busse Assault Shaker as neck knife. Nobody really cares over here. I scared the crap out of a professor once when I took out the Stryker during lab work and cut a piece of plastic we used for stress analysis. Typical question: "What do you need that kind of a knife for??"
For everyday carry at school in the US I'd probably just use one knife or throw the Busse in my backpack. My only real concern is that I get caught and, since I'm German, get in serious trouble (i.e. get deported)!! You never know these days!!
 
You German fellas are lucky.. the day I get caught in college with a knife will either be my last or the day I get my final warning... the university I attend had a zero tolerence policy on that kind of thing, and I believe it is government-imposed. In any case, that is pretty much the deal throughout the educational system..
Although I must confess that since searching me or padding me down is also not allowed, I have had no problems thus far, I just have to tuck whatever I have one me deep down in my pocket so that is doesn't fall out:D

Anyways, neighbour, have fun across the pond.

Christiaan.
 
knife laws are sometime vague and open to interpretation. discretion goes a long way. if you carry concealed keep the knife from prying eyes. also use descretion when using it. joe citizen gets away with more then joe dirt bag. florida laws have nothing to do with blade length. most folders are good to go, where a neck knife or butterfly knife may get you into trouble depending on the officer. the switchblade law may be reversed in time.
 
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