Wisconsin knife laws

E

EGZMETALFRK666

Joined
Feb 15, 2008
Messages
36
Well for the city I live in (Madison), I was told by a police officer that I could carry a folder, but the blade had to be 3" or less, but I read

Wisconsin - 941.23 Carrying concealed weapon.
Any person except a peace officer who goes armed with a
concealed and dangerous weapon is guilty of a Class A
misdemeanor.
Click to expand...


So basically I'm asking, Is it legal to carry or not?
 
Looks like you need to find the definition of a "dangerous weapon" according to the state of Wisconsin. In MI, a folder with a blade over 3" is considered dangerous.

Our MI law.

750.226 Firearm or dangerous weapon; carrying with unlawful intent.

Sec. 226.

Carrying firearm or dangerous weapon with unlawful intent—Any person who, with intent to use the same unlawfully against the person of another, goes armed with a pistol or other firearm or dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or knife having a blade over 3 inches in length, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, shall be guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for not more than 5 years or by a fine of not more than 2,500 dollars.
 
There's been some discussion about it here:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=572333

I know plenty of people who carry folders on them w/o even thinking about it. I think as long as you carry nothing with a blade length of 3.0" for a EDC folder you should be okay. And if a police officer told you the same thing I think you're good.
 
Here is Wisconsin's statutes on knives:

>>941.24. Possession of switchblade knife

(1) Whoever manufactures, sells or offers to sell, transports, purchases, possesses or goes armed with any knife having a blade which opens by pressing a button, spring or other device in the handle or by gravity or by a thrust or movement is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(2) Within 30 days after April 16, 1959, such knives shall be surrendered to any peace officer.
--------------

Basically the only prohibited knives are switchblades and balisongs/butterfly knives.

There has been no court cases that prohibit assisted openers.

There is no length limit for either folders or fixed blades.

Wisconsin law does not define "weapon" under Chapter 941, but there is no case law on a knife being a concealed weapon other than the prohibited switchblades or balisongs.

Madison has ordinances against certain firearms (short barrel shotguns and "assault" weapons defined as firearms), but nothing against knives. There is no length limit, so the police officer is incorrect.
 
Suicycoprowler said:
Madison has ordinances against certain firearms (short barrel shotguns and "assault" weapons defined as firearms), but nothing against knives. There is no length limit, so the police officer is incorrect.
Click to expand...

Are you sure about that? I really don't want to carry something too big and get caught. If you can supply some more info that would be great. You really lifted my spirits on this situation, so thank you. :D
 
A Google search yielded the webpage showing the Madison ordinances:
http://www.municode.com/resources/Cl...d=49&cid=11618.

Chapter 25 is the subject for "Offenses Against Public Safety." While Chapter 25 speaks about firearms and other items, such as throwing rocks, gunpowder, and arrows, there isn't anything about knives. Absent that, the controlling law is the state statute which only prohibits balisongs and switchblades.
 
Wisconsin has no legal limit, however "dangerous" is ambiguous (by design imho).

Having lived in WI for most of my life, I can say that you shouldn't get in much trouble assuming you don't act foolish. Otherwise that Endura in your pocket might start looking *dangerous*.

Honestly, I've carried 4" AOs without any worries.
 
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