Legality of knife-wielding

[BrianR]

When I taught self defense, armed and unarmed, I taught everyone to first know the local laws in the area in which you intend to carry any weapon. Then, I told them to choose their weapons accordingly. Obviously, I could not cover any other area than Philadelphia. But I had students from as far away as New York City and Baltimore. I advocated carrying a reasonably-sized knife as a less-than-lethal weapon in addition to a firearm, if possible. I used different criteria depending on the class. For beginners, I recommended a smaller, folding knife with a locking blade. For advanced fighters, I recommended a 6-8 inch fixed blade knife (faster into action than a folder) such as a Ka-Bar.

However, I also taught that your weapons should be totally concealed at all times. That means not carrying fixed blade knives on the belt. I showed other means of carrying a knife, like inverted harness sheaths placed along the spine or on the weak-side chest. I have seen other places for concealment also.

I never advocated large weapons of any kind and especially not machetes, baseball bats or swords. They are impossible to conceal and difficult to defend in court. They are just not worth the effort to carry and intimidation isn't a value in my system.

What I recommended for people in places where thuggery is a valid career choice was to carry something that is not generally considered a weapon like a screwdriver, hammer or chisel. Very common and easy to defend in court if it happened to also share a hiding place with other common tools in a toolbox or hip holster. You don't even have to conceal them.

You have chosen a fine knife but perhaps not one that I would carry. It's pricey and liable to vanish if confiscated by police. Better to carry something more disposable. I consider a knife to be a throw-down in terms of weapons. That is, if I shoot you dead, I would throw down the knife next to your bleeding corpse and swear that you attacked me. I know more than one cop who does the same thing with a cheap handgun.

Follow my first advice and you'll be okay. Conceal that knife and know the laws that apply to you.

Good luck.

Pamela