Knife Laws in Washington

[Riane]

Hey guys!

I'm an avid aikido practicer and I often have to walk lengthy distances at night. I live in Lynnwood, WA, and have been thinking of taking my sword with me when I do so for my own protection. However, I'm not sure if it's legal and I'm a bit confused with the blade length discussion here. It would be carried in a wooden sheath of course. Does anyone know if this is legal?

I nearly got in trouble walking through Seattle with it once (sheathed as well) on my way to an event.

[Massivedesign]

That's a great question.

RCW 9.41.270 says you cannot carry in a "time..place... warrant alarm..". Luckily for gunners, courts have stated that carrying a handgun doesn't trigger .270. I don't think swords have ever been tested in court? Feel lucky?

So, I would have to guess that you would have to be a petri dish if some overzeaous PA decided to hang a case on your head. Most likely, as long as you are just jogging it shouldn't be an issue. If an openly carried firearm is completely okay, then a sheathed and slung sword should be as well. \

The other question is the viability of the sword as a defensive tool. Knowing your martial arts background I am sure you can handle it, so close quarters combat you would probably prevail. But what happens if somebody pulls a gun? You know the old adage, "never bring a knife to a gun fight?"

Also to add: In some cities it is illegal to "conceal" a blade of a certain lengths. You need to make sure that a sheath doesn't classify as the blade being concealed.

[Riane]

Hey, thanks a bunch for the response. I don't think the sword -should- warrant any alarm if it's sheathed and tied appropriately. There's a few ways to go about tying it that make so it's a bit difficult (though not impossible) to draw, and remains firmly held in the sheath. It's a pretty classic sword and sheath (a katana, though not the display sort. It's made for actual use). Looks pretty much like this: http://tinyurl.com/bv4lytm

A gun would definitely be more viable, but it's not really an option for me right now. I'm very low income and live in what's probably the poorest part of town-- part of the reason I'd like some safety. I've gotten harassed a bit by guys late at night, which is part of what is making me want to do this.

Plus I don't think folks are as likely to mess with someone carrying a sword, haha.

[MadPick]

Welcome to WaGuns, Riane!

[Riane]

Hey! Thank you, nice to meetcha.

[Selador]

A gun would definitely be more viable, but it's not really an option for me right now. I'm very low income and live in what's probably the poorest part of town-- part of the reason I'd like some safety. I've gotten harassed a bit by guys late at night, which is part of what is making me want to do this.

Meaning you can't afford a gun?

Do you have a CPL?

[Zwitter]

You might be better off just carrying a folder.

[DSynger]

Check bartitsu out, and just apply your akido sensibilities.

[SaixFo]

Honestly, carrying a sword is not a smart idea...... Everyone on this forum could probably tell if someone was trying to conceal a rifle of sorts the instance they walk into a crowded area. Everyone else might be oblivious. Just learn how to use a pocket knife.

[Xirxious]

I lost the use of my right arm while in Mich. I found they had a specific clause in the laws that allowed auto knifes for any 'one armed man' I bought a lower end Microtech OTF and love it. By lower end, its still $300. I also got a Buck 110 converted to auto, but my cousin liked it so much I gave it to him. Since moving here, I've bought 3 $10 knock off autos just because I could see my getting stopped for offending the general nature of liberal Washatonians, getting it taken, then never showing up in a police report. They'd just 'do me a favor' by not citing me. Maybe that can be a pet project, getting that line added to WA laws....

[tomy salami]

Could dig a Buck 110 auto.

[Backpacker Joe]

What if you carry a 7" fixed blade on you when youre in the woods????

Or one of these Busse AK-47's?

[nick425]

I carry a B11 in the woods. (11" blade)

[Sparky D]

I lost the use of my right arm while in Mich. I found they had a specific clause in the laws that allowed auto knifes for any 'one armed man' I bought a lower end Microtech OTF and love it. By lower end, its still $300. I also got a Buck 110 converted to auto, but my cousin liked it so much I gave it to him. Since moving here, I've bought 3 $10 knock off autos just because I could see my getting stopped for offending the general nature of liberal Washatonians, getting it taken, then never showing up in a police report. They'd just 'do me a favor' by not citing me. Maybe that can be a pet project, getting that line added to WA laws....

Back in the late 90's, I made quite a few speed sheaths for lock backs (before the thumb-stud/one hand opening knife craze hit):







Never tested the legality of them, but they are quite handy for one handed opening and sheathing.

[munchie]

More stupid laws that were never voted on by the people. Knives, swords, daggers, are in fact ARMS. The right to keep and bare arms....we all had swords and such before firearms, it's where the word fire-arms comes from.