Washington Knife Laws?

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smoked1

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Oct 2, 2007
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I am moving to Washington state in a few weeks. Can anyone simplify the knife laws for me? I read the actual law and it's a bit confusing. I get that automatic knives are illegal but what about Balisongs? Are there any carry restrictions that I should be aware of?
 
RCW 9.41.250
Dangerous weapons — Penalty.

Every person who:

(1) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;



RCW 9.41.270
Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm — Unlawful carrying or handling — Penalty — Exceptions.

(1) It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.

(here's the exception)

(c) Any person acting for the purpose of protecting himself or herself against the use of presently threatened unlawful force by another, or for the purpose of protecting another against the use of such unlawful force by a third person;

SMC 12A.14.010 Definitions.

The following definitions apply in this chapter:

A. "Dangerous knife" means any fixed-blade knife and any other knife
having a blade more than three and one-half inches (3 1/2") in length.
Click to expand...

that should be the main points, you can find the full state law on the wikipedia page for switchblades
 
So would it be safe to assume that anything over 3.5" is not legal to have in your pocket?
 
It also depends on where in WA state you're at. Seattle & Tacoma has a blade-length limit that is alot more restrictive than it is here in Aberdeen/Grays Harbor County. Here in Aberdeen, I have NO problems in packing a folder with a blade-length of 4-5 inches, but I cannot pack a concealed fixed blade, an "automatic" knife, a double-edged dagger, or a butterfly knife...Even with a Concealed Weapon Carry Permit.
 
I should point out that the last bit of law stated by p_mcmanis up there is SMC - Seattle Municipal Code, and is not applicable to the rest of the state. The RCW bits are.

As to the OP's question regarding butterfly knives...


RCW 9.41.250
Dangerous weapons — Penalty.

Every person who:

(1) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;......



While this is obviously describing gravity knives, it has been misinterpreted by case law to include butterfly knives. They are illegal throughout the state.
 
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What about things like SAP Gloves, Crossbows, Auto Retractable Baton, or Sword Canes. I am just trying to find something that I can carry that will give me the edge over an opponent.

I mean I can't carry anything over 3.5" in blade length but do I have other options. Will my girst be able to carry her pepper spray?
 
I don't know the law on it, but I read about someone complaining because collapsable batons are supposedly illegal within Seattle. He was stating that it's a stupid law to restrict a "stick" when he can carry a gun. I agree.
 
what about the terms "gravity or downward or centrifugal force opened knife"? any modern folding knife can be opened using some variation of downward flick of the wrist including the most innocent swiss army knife so my question to all who will listen is has anyone out there experienced these laws first hand, or even better if there are any officers reading this, what are your interpretations of this law? does this law restrict the responsible carrying of LEGAL LENGTH folders like spyderco delica or BM mini griptilian (nothing above the legal seattle limit of 3.5 inches because i am assuming that seattle is proably the most heavily restricted jurisdiction in WA)
 
tenaciousj said:
what about the terms "gravity or downward or centrifugal force opened knife"? any modern folding knife can be opened using some variation of downward flick of the wrist including the most innocent swiss army knife so my question to all who will listen is has anyone out there experienced these laws first hand, or even better if there are any officers reading this, what are your interpretations of this law? does this law restrict the responsible carrying of LEGAL LENGTH folders like spyderco delica or BM mini griptilian (nothing above the legal seattle limit of 3.5 inches because i am assuming that seattle is proably the most heavily restricted jurisdiction in WA)
Click to expand...
Its well established (through enforcement/caselaw)
that they're talking balisongs/gravity knives.
The state can't suddenly take that to mean folders
(slipjoints, lockbacks) which can be flicked open.
They're not the ATF (or BATFE as its now known )

update:
as an asides, in California there is additional language in the law, which requires
that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position so if the screw on your liner lock is loose, you could get hassled
by some arsehole cop and D.A. with a grudge. Apparently it has happened, and the judge eventually kicked it (as he should have), but not before the guy was out a few grand in court/lawyer fees.
 
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just10minreader said:
Its well established (through enforcement/caselaw)
that they're talking balisongs/gravity knives.
The state can't suddenly take that to mean folders
(slipjoints, lockbacks) which can be flicked open.
They're not the ATF (or BATFE as its now known )

update:
as an asides, in California there is additional language in the law, which requires
that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position so if the screw on your liner lock is loose, you could get hassled
by some arsehole cop and D.A. with a grudge. Apparently it has happened, and the judge eventually kicked it (as he should have), but not before the guy was out a few grand in court/lawyer fees.
Click to expand...

the detent that you talk about, is this simply the oblong shape of the bottom of the blade steel (the tang) that provides resistance when opening? for example, when opening a delica this resistance is felt until the blade is just past the halfway open/closed point and then opens smoothly, and then when closing this resistance is felt at that same halfway point and then the blade is sucked into the fully closed position. or is there an actual mechanism that you are referring to?
 
tenaciousj said:
the detent that you talk about, is this simply the oblong shape of the bottom of the blade steel (the tang) that provides resistance when opening? for example, when opening a delica this resistance is felt until the blade is just past the halfway open/closed point and then opens smoothly, and then when closing this resistance is felt at that same halfway point and then the blade is sucked into the fully closed position. or is there an actual mechanism that you are referring to?
Click to expand...

Something like that
http://www.ninehundred.com/~equalccw/knifelaw.html
explains it pretty well.
 
Knife laws anywhere are ridiculous. If anyone wants to get an illegal knife and commit a crime with it, there is no law that will stop them. In most cases they could do the same crime and more damage if they'd use a butter knife. Don't tell the government that though, they'll outlaw silverware. Why should everyone else suffer and sacrifice their rights because bad people exist and do bad things? Outlawing the objects never stops the crime, NEVER!
 
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