If you've just purchased a Bowie knife, you're probably wondering whether you can carry it on your person. After all, these are striking knives - their rugged, timeless appearance would add a considerable amount to any outfit. However, the answer to whether or not you can carry a Bowie knife on you is "it depends." Every state in the US has different laws governing the carrying of weapons, both concealed and unconcealed on your person. For instance, in the state of California, it is completely legal to carry a Bowie knife (fixed blade only) in a sheath on your person. However, Texas specifically states that Bowie knives are illegal, unless within your personal vehicle, or used during hunting or some other qualifying activity.
Therefore, if you want to carry that new knife of yours in public, it's best to check your state's laws. In addition to this, you probably have local laws that limit what weapons can be carried, as well as how they can be carried that might go a bit further than your state's laws. Therefore, you will need to check city, county and state laws in order to determine if Bowie knives are legal to be carried in public.
The state of Delaware on the other hand, allows the carrying of fixed blade knives such as Bowie knives, dirks and daggers, so long as they are in plain sight. If they are concealed, you must have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. However, Delaware does prohibit the use of balisongs or automatic knives whether concealed or unconcealed.
Kentucky takes a very different view. This state allows you to carry Bowie knives, butterfly knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, automatic knives and folding knives of any type at all, provided they are visible. If you conceal that knife, though, you had best have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Thankfully, Kentucky recognizes any valid permit to carry concealed weapons issued by another state.
These are just a few examples of the confusion that can result from trying to carry a knife in public. The best course of action if you are not sure about your state's or your city's laws governing knives like Bowie knives is to leave it at home, or leave it in your vehicle, in plain sight. Remember that even putting your knife in the glove box might be construed as concealment, putting you in hot legal water with local authorities. - 31499
Therefore, if you want to carry that new knife of yours in public, it's best to check your state's laws. In addition to this, you probably have local laws that limit what weapons can be carried, as well as how they can be carried that might go a bit further than your state's laws. Therefore, you will need to check city, county and state laws in order to determine if Bowie knives are legal to be carried in public.
The state of Delaware on the other hand, allows the carrying of fixed blade knives such as Bowie knives, dirks and daggers, so long as they are in plain sight. If they are concealed, you must have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. However, Delaware does prohibit the use of balisongs or automatic knives whether concealed or unconcealed.
Kentucky takes a very different view. This state allows you to carry Bowie knives, butterfly knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos, automatic knives and folding knives of any type at all, provided they are visible. If you conceal that knife, though, you had best have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. Thankfully, Kentucky recognizes any valid permit to carry concealed weapons issued by another state.
These are just a few examples of the confusion that can result from trying to carry a knife in public. The best course of action if you are not sure about your state's or your city's laws governing knives like Bowie knives is to leave it at home, or leave it in your vehicle, in plain sight. Remember that even putting your knife in the glove box might be construed as concealment, putting you in hot legal water with local authorities. - 31499
About the Author:
Dylan Sabot is the owner of an online bowie knifes store featuring Cold Steel bowie knives for sale. Additionally, Dylan is also the President of a specialty butane lighters store.
