Traveling across the country in a small van

Knife Length Limit – The state of Maryland itself imposes no maximum blade length limit on knife owners. Blade size is not used to judge a knife’s eligibility for concealed carry.

Can you legally carry a knife in Maryland?

Automatic Knives – Maryland joined the rush to restrict “switchblades” in 1957 by prohibiting the concealed carry of such knives. Two Maryland statutes mention automatic knives and refer to such items as a “switchblade knife.” § 4-101 Dangerous weapons, as pertinent provides: (5)(i) “Weapon” includes a dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade knife, star knife, sandclub, metal knuckles, razor, and nunchaku.

a penknife without a switchblade.

The case of Bacon v. State of Maryland, 586 A2d 18 (1991) concerned a folding knife with a locking blade manufactured by Buck Knives Inc. The Court observed that “enknives today are commonly considered to encompass any knife with the blade folding into the handle, some very large.” The Court also stated that the lockable blade was a “protective feature” and did not “cause the knife to be other than a penknife.” Thus, a “switchblade knife” is a “weapon,” and a “penknife” or any manual folding knife is not.

The statutory description of “switchblade,” which is part of the transfer restriction, suggests by use of the words – “opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device” – that “gravity” knives are not included in the restricted category. § 4-105. Transfer of switchblade or shooting knife provides: A person may not sell, barter, display, or offer to sell or barter: (1) a knife or a penknife having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife, commonly called a switchblade knife or a switchblade penknife; or (2) a device that is designed to propel a knife from a metal sheath by means of a high-compression ejector spring, commonly called a shooting knife.

Maryland state law, § 4-101 Dangerous weapons, restricts the concealed carry of “weapons” and the open carry of weapons with intent to cause harm. Automatic knives may be carried openly. Local/municipal ordinances should be verified. A City of Baltimore ordinance, for instance, restricts automatic knives.

How big can a knife be to carry in Maryland?

Maryland’s Knife Laws (Updated 2021) Maryland sits right on the border with our nation’s beautiful capital city, Washington D.C. bordering also Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. Now, if you are a history nut, ‘Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad National Historical Park,’ is a must-see given its historical importance.

• Whilst there at a foot lengths distance away you have the ‘Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge,’ with more than 20,000 acres of open land for you to indulge and explore across, of which 15,000 are open to seasonal deer hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.
• With such a rich wildlife habitat, ‘Blackwater’ is home to our great nation’s symbol, the mighty bald eagle.

Knives have been a long-used accessory when braving the wilderness and going into the unknown. However, in recent times, knives have become a modern accessory carried by civilians going about their daily duties. Many professionals find carrying a knife much more practical for their on-the-job needs as well as providing a certain level of security if ever needed for self-defense.

• “Maryland’s knife laws are a tad cryptic and need to be clearly understood!”
• Know your knife-type to better understand the law
• – Have no moving parts and don’t break – Strong, lengthy blades offer more versatility – Rapid deployment – Hunting, fishing and tactical use
• – Blades uses a locking mechanism when fully extended – Convenient and more practical for EDC (Everyday carry) – Single-handed operation (open and close) – Used for camping, MPT (Multipurpose tool), box cutting.

– Operated by either a slide switch or button release mechanism – Blade ejects out of the handle. – Tough to sharpen and clean. – Great for chores around the house or garden. Now let’s get down to the nitty-gritty, and find out what the knife laws state about possessing and carrying knives.

Freedom Vs Restrictions. Knives and Laws. Fixed blade knives: Fixed blade knives are the standard go-to for hunting. The absent mechanics of movement give it a sturdier and firmer feel. The blade itself can produce more power given as it is forged right to the handle. These knives are must-haves for deep nature enthusiasts, wildlife explorers, and preppers.

The ‘ Tsume’ (pictured below) is a finely crafted karambit. It features a 5″ saber-tooth steel blade with a curved edge finish. The anti-slip handle will ensure the knife remains firm whatever task you tackle. Tsume – Anglers ánd Hunters Top Pick. Legal to own.

1. ( Illegal to carry)
2. Fixed blade knives are fully legal to possess and own
3. HOWEVER:

It is ILLEGAL to CARRY any type of fixed blade knife such as a dirk or bowie as they are considered “dangerous weapons!!!” FOLDING BLADE KNIVES: Folding blade knives are mechanical masterpieces. The smooth and simple mechanism makes these gems golden in certain situations.

These are great essentials for EDC (Everyday carry) whether used on the field or hacksawing dogged boxes. The locking method of these knives adds to the resilience and toughness of their durability. The “Lima,” (pictured below) carries a finely crafted wood/carbon combo masterpiece of a handle. The blade is constructed out of first-class gray steel that is easy to open with one hand.

The straight-edge blade stands at just a mere 3.74″ making it of average size and a great tool to stash in your back pocket.

• Lima – Wood / Carbon combination stealth warrior! (Open & Conceal carry permitted )
• ALL Folding blade knives are categorized as “penknives” and are completely legal to own, possess and carry,
• The law DOES NOT clearly define any limitation on: – Blade Length – Knife Size – Open/Closed Blade – Concealed/Open Carry

It is LEGAL: – To carry any folding knife that uses an ” automatic mechanism ” to release the blade!!!

1. ILLEGAL – Conceal carry is ILLEGAL of any folding knife that has a blade which projects or swings into position by force of a spring or centrifugal force!
2. All manual ” Penknives ” can be open-carried anywhere without concern.
3. AUTOMATIC KNIVES (SWITCHBLADES)

Automatic knives or more commonly known as switchblades or OTF (Out the front) knives are operated by ejection or button release mechanisms. These knives can be deployed and be ready for action instantaneously. The blades can either eject out of the front of the handle or can swing out similarly to a folding knife.

These knives are often considered dangerous weapons to carry! It is LEGAL TO OWN switchblades. It is LEGAL TO CARRY them openly if there is no intent to cause harm. Local/municipal ordinance should be verified. Must learn facts about possession and carry of knives: – It is legal to own ANY fixed blade, penknife or switchblade knife! – ONLY penknives are allowed for concealed carry.

– It is ILLEGAL to possess any knife on any school property – Minors are not allowed to carry a weapon between sunset and sunrise (means STRICTLY NO). – All of the above are allowed for open carry however they are ALL STRICTLY ILLEGAL FOR CONCEALED CARRY !

• The following are ALL considered dangerous weapons : – Fixed blade knife – Dirk, Bowie – Throwing Stars – Switchblades
• Maryland’s knife laws are open to interpretation but it’s always safest to carry a penknife or automatic knife for your daily chores.
• Any violation could lead to prosecution and either a prison sentence or a fine both of which do not present a favorable outcome.

This information is presented as a brief synopsis of the law and not as legal advice. Tekto Gear is not, and cannot be, a legal service provider. Use of the site does not create a lawyer/client relationship. Laws are interpreted differently by enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, and judges.

What knives are illegal to carry in Maryland?

Conclusion – All knives are banned from Maryland schools. Dirks, Bowies, switchblades and gravity knives are banned from being carried concealed. Dirks, Bowies, switchblades and gravity knives are banned from being carried in the open when you have the intent to harm someone.

1. Penknives without switchblades and most other knives are legal to carry concealed.
2. There are no limits to how large your pocket knife can be in Maryland and, as long as you don’t use it to hurt people, you should be fine.
3. Note that there are also county laws that come into play as well.
4. Look up the law of your county to get an even clearer idea of what is allowed and what is not.

This is not legal advice and there is no client-attorney relationship therefore talk to an attorney in your area if you need assistance.

What length can you carry a knife?

A. In the State of California, there is no maximum length for knives in general. However, the maximum legal length for a switchblade knife is 2 inches. Additionally, it is illegal to carry daggers or dirks concealed, and also illegal to carry many types of knives which are designed for concealment.

– For those of you with a short attention span, here is the summary: In California, the following are illegal: (1) It is illegal to possess any switchblade knife with a blade of 2″ or longer, that can be opened with a button or the flick of your wrist; (2) concealed possession of any “dirk” or “dagger,” i.e., any stabbing device with a fixed blade, regardless of blade length; (3) possession or sale of any disguised blades, i.e., cane swords, writing pen knives, lipstick knives, etc., or any knife that is undetectable to metal detectors; (4) possession of a knife with a blade longer than 2 1/2″ on any school grounds; (5) possession of a fixed-blade knife with a blade longer than 2 1/2″ on any college or university grounds; and (6) flashing or waiving any knife or weapon in a threatening manner.

Also, certain municipalities have their own laws that may affect the legality of carrying a knife. In Los Angeles, for example, it’s illegal to openly carry any knife with a blade longer than 3″. Each of the above issues is discussed in greater detail below.

Can you legally walk around with a knife?

Is It Legal to Carry a Knife? – As mentioned above, the laws surrounding what is considered a weapon, and therefore what restrictions are placed on that weapon, differ by states. Thus, the laws of your state will determine whether or not it is legal to carry a knife.

The type of knife, including the purpose in which it is typically used for; Where the knife is being carried. Once again, there are often locations where the carrying of weapons is prohibited, such as event venues, schools, courthouses, airports, and federal buildings to name a few; The length of the blade. Typically longer bladed weapons will not be allowed to be carried as they are often more threatening and commonly used for purposes of causing injury. Shorter bladed knives, such as pocket knives or multi-tools are often allowed to be carried by persons over the age of majority in that state; and/or Whether or not the knife can be concealed,

What weapons are illegal in Maryland?

Carrying Any Dangerous Weapons – Maryland also makes it a crime to carry a dangerous weapon other than a handgun concealed on your body unless you:

have a handgun permit are carrying the weapon as a reasonable precaution against perceived danger, or are an authorized official entitled to have the weapon as part of your official equipment.

It’s also illegal to carry a dangerous weapon openly if you intend to hurt someone illegally with it. The law defines dangerous weapons as including pepper mace, bowie knives, star knives, switchblades, nunchakus, brass knuckles, and razors. Although the statute doesn’t specifically mention stun guns or Tasers, a court could consider them dangerous weapons if they were used in a dangerous manner.

What is the biggest pocket knife you can carry?

Types of Knives You Can Typically Legally Carry – Knives that are usually legal to carry almost anywhere include multi-tool devices, Swiss Army knives, and utility knives, and knives with blades that are shorter than 2.5 inches.

What self-defense weapons are legal in Maryland?

Can You Legally Carry a Taser in Maryland? – In Maryland, most people can buy, own and carry tasers or stun guns for self-defense without a permit. Some cities held out with bans against tasers. These bans were repealed in 2017. CBS reported three local jurisdictions, The City of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, and Howard County banned stun guns and tasers.

• Baltimore City Council voted to reverse itself and legalize these electronic weapons after a federal lawsuit challenging the legality of the ban.
• The reversal came after the Supreme Court ruled stun guns are included in the Second Amendment right to self-defense,
• A year earlier, a group including Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC), Firearms Policy Foundation (FPF), and a Maryland resident filed a lawsuit to strike down the City of Annapolis’ total ban on electronic self-defense weapons like tasers and stun guns.

The new law in the three jurisdictions allows members of the public to possess and use an electronic weapon as a form of non-lethal self-defense in public and the home. Baltimore’s regulation still prohibits possession of a taser or a stun gun by people who pose an unacceptable risk to public safety, including those under restraining orders for domestic violence and people treated for mental illness.

Can I carry a machete in Maryland?

Swords, machetes, spears, polearms and other large edged weapons. – Openly carrying any kind of large edged weapon is legal under state law, including if it is sheathed.4-101 doesn’t mention them per se, but even if the courts considered any of these items to be “dangerous weapons,” remember that 4-101 only makes it illegal for a weapon to be carried concealed or with unlawful intent to injure.

Can you carry a 4 inch blade?

Switchblades – A switchblade (which may be known by many other names including a “pushbutton knife” or “ejector knife”) has a blade which is contained within the handle and is opened automatically by a spring by pushing a button or switch on the handle. Switchblades with blades longer than 2″ are illegal to carry in California,

What size knife can you carry on a plane 2022?

TSA Knives Rules FAQ – Can I bring a knife in my carry-on? You are NOT allowed to bring a knife in your carry-on except for “plastic or round-bladed butter knives.” What is a TSA approved knife? There are no TSA approved knives except for “plastic or round-bladed butter knives.” What is the fine for bringing a knife through airport security? You could be charged a fine of over $2,000 if you are caught with a knife.

Can I bring a knife in my checked baggage? Yes, You may pack knives in your checked baggage but you still need to comply with the rules of packing them safely. TSA states that ” ny sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.” What if the knife is shorter than 2.36 inches? Knives are no longer allowed even if they are shorter than 2.36 inches.

Can I bring a pocket knife on a plane? You can only bring a pocket knife in your checked baggage.

Is it OK to carry a pocket knife?

7. Can you defend yourself with a pocket knife in California? – It is legal in California for people to carry folding knives – such as a pocket knife – in the folded position. And it is legal for people to defend themselves with a pocket knife as long as they act reasonably,

• California law permits the use of force in self-defense or defense of others when the victim reasonably believes he/she or others are in imminent danger of physical harm, and that force is required to deflect the danger.
• Victims may only use the degree of force reasonably necessary under the circumstances.

In some cases, merely brandishing a knife – and not using it to stab – would be sufficient to deflect the force.26