That sounds so sensible... if only more places would see it that way. Where I am from you can get into trouble for carrying a knife that could be labelled "combat knife" (by whatever harebrained standard) regardless if you just use it to open boxes. In my mind you should be persecuted for what you do and not for stuff you carry around without bothering anyone.
The smaller opinels are non-locking, two-hand open, and the no. 4 is around 2 inches. Good budget option for someone traveling to a place with more restrictive knife laws.
Wanna know the funniest thing about the German 42a knife law? No blade length restriction. Yes, you heard right. A 2 handed opening knife can have a foot long blade. 🙂 But a 1 inch locking flipper can get you in trouble. 🙂 Welcome to Germany.
@@PoetFisherman Not sure about that one. The little notch could be still considered an opening mechanism like the wave feature. You'd have to check with the BKA and hope it is not overruled by a judge. Welcome to Germany again. 😂
I’m looking forward to watching this after work. As someone who lives in a ridiculous state, I really appreciate content like this. Here in Connecticut, it’s anyones guess.
Yes I'm in Connecticut also and what I find is no automatics don't do it...And the cop kinda judges intent keep it around 3.5" don't go over 4" And a little secret. Carry a tackle box, Fishing pole, you get the picture. Usually you will get nailed with it in a automobile. Took me 18 months in court 2000$ all because someone said I had the knife. I had said that the whole time and on judgment day the judge finally asked who had the knife. Yes I didn't have it all I had was a 5" scar to prove it. ⚖ F,,k Connecticut. 🖕
Yeah they are. I visit Jersey quite often and in my state (ohio), I can quite literally carry anything and even constitutional carry got voted in. But when I go to NYC I REFUSE to carry a knife.
I've been in NYC my whole life (49 years), and I have carried pocket knives most of that time. I don't take our draconian laws for granted, at the same time I feel no one should overthink carrying a knife in NYC. Law enforcement in NYC have so much more to worry about in a city of millions, than who is carrying a pocket knife, regardless of the size.
In my understanding here in the NYC, knife laws are pretty fair. Folding knives have to be under 4", single sided, and not spring assisted. They even did away with the stupid wrist flick test a couple of years back where they claimed that a knife you can flick open with your wrist is a gravity knife and thus illegal. The only thing I feel is ludicrous is that you can't carry a knife when riding the subway or the bus and not having the pocket clip showing.
@@CytoplasmicGooI wouldn't worry about carrying a pocket knife on a train or a bus. People do it all the time in NYC. It's really not that serious. NYC has a serious illegal gun problem. Right now that should be Law Enforcement's priority.
Not much people know this, but the German articel 42 is meant to extend the time of a police officer to get in safety from an possible knife atacker before they can respond. Needless to say, non locking knifes are more a thread for the atacker themselfes (or fingers I should say). So, non locking or two hand openers only for us in Germany.
Hey David Wes here, curious about something. I have over 40 years law enforcement and have never heard of anyone having their knife measured at random, UNLESS they were being arrested for something else and it was found on them. Of course I understand TSA and places where one would be searched, but what are the chances of some police person asking to measure your knife for no probable cause? Maybe you have heard of others who were stopped and their knife measured, but like I said, I have never heard of it. Of course my experience is limited to NC, so maybe other states are more of a Knife Nazi :) Appreciate you.
I suppose you just need to happen upon an especially vindictive officer, I guess? EDIT: Or, as you said, the "illegal" knife serving as an aggravating circumstance (idk the correct term, the "thing that makes your case worse")
Thanks for the vid. Small knives don't seem to get reviewed as much as larger pocket hogs. Good to see what options are out there. There are many reasons for carrying a small blade and you still want something nice. Here in NSW Australia while some knife types are outright illegal (eg. autos/assisted, push daggers and some others) size itself is not a restriction. The primary criteria for carrying a knife is 'for a lawful purpose' (the laws list about 6 or so broadly defined lawful purposes - but self defence is not one). So carrying a 23" katana is completely lawful providing you have a lawful purpose for doing so.
Been carrying the lil Native slipit for the last week or so here in the UK. Its a wee cracker. Handling daily tasks, some work stuff and a little bit of messing around outdoors. Highly recommended.
I can trump that... In Switzerland we can carry all knives because they are weapons and because of the EU. :D Sounds funny right? But it is because of the "Swiss Army Knive", as a normal knive (the way it used to be), the contract would have to be open internationally, but we don't want that, so the new SAK is now a weapon and weapons contracts don't need to be international. And because people in Switzerland need to be able to carry their military knife, we now can carry everything again :D :D :D
IDK why it's not mentioned more often, but I find the Cold Steel Kiridashi extremely useful, easy to carry and quite strong. And with a very smooth action for a tri-ad lock.
If you need a below 3.5" non-locking knife, but you want one that doesn't close easily. I would suggest the Lionsteel Gitano. It's 3.35 inch clippoint slipjoint, but the blade has a wedge on the part that engages the back spring when open. And the back spring has a cut-out for the wedge, thus making accidental closure less likely.
Another strange rule in NYC about folding knives is that while under 4", single bladed, and non assisted knives are legal to carry, it has to be completely concealed so no pocket clip, it has to be inside your pocket.
How often are cops checking what's attached to pocket clips? I mean I get the concern if one has to tolerate being searched going into a some awful govt building or airport, that kind of thing but just strolling down the street, hanging at a park, going fishing, getting groceries etc.?
Surprised you didn't have the Cold Steel Tuff Lite or Mini TuffLite in the hard use section. The Tuff Lite is my go to at work for stock take when we have to break down a lot of boxes. Bought the Mini for my wife for general use at work too.
Knives are tools not weapons, just like ice picks, screwdrivers, hammers, shovels, wire cutters, box cutters etc. See, people will cower in fear over knives but won't bat an eye at the tools that I mentioned.
Someone may have mentioned it already but in case not the knife laws in Chicago say that the blade cannot be longer than 2.5 inches instead of 2.0 inches (for anyone over the age of 18). Just an FYI.
2.5 inches is correct. I have reason to visit Chicago now, and have collected some tools for carry (have to bring them in a checked bag). 3 favs, all $30 or less: Walther folding serrated karambit, Schrade SCHF57 fixed, and Kershaw assisted flipper (I forget the model--like a tiny Blur). If any are lost--replaceable by Amazon.
I live in Virginia (very close to the Knife Center). I recently learned that Virginia is finally legalizing automatic knives on July 1, 2022. However, it’s not clear if I will be able to buy an automatic knife from the Knife Center. Hopefully this will become more clear by July.
Agreed, the Squeak is probably the best 2" slip joint. Also the Spyderco clipitool is a 2" slip joint with finger choil and a nice clip, but only 8CR steel.
Called old friend, police chief, TN, I was asking him about the Ka-Bar fighting knife on my side, in particular..was going into the mountains. He said usually, regarding knives, the officers see how the knife is displayed, it's reasonable usefulness (can't be a scimitar, for example) ...one will be asked about it and otherwise, just general safety issues.
That is how the laws work in Australia. It's not legal to just carry a knife without a legit reason. But if you are doing something legit using the knife then it's completely legal.
Great video! Wish knife makers would realize these segments of the market need more love. Two knives I'm surprised were not on your list: - Kizer Catshark. Sub 2in, double detent, finger choil, and the ability to lock it open with the supplied pin - CJRB Maileah. Sub 2.5in, front flipper thumb stud combo (super fidgety), and a great reverse tanto blade profile (just for you Thomas)
The craziest part about living in the USA is that you are free to go anywhere into any state yet pretty much every single state has completely different laws. This is possibly the dumbest part of living in this country.
I live in the UK, our rules are fairly strict,-3” total blade, non locking, no spring assist, no gravity, butterfly etc. All of which are pointless. because if you get attacked the weapon of choice is likely to be a kitchen knife or screwdriver or broken bottle !
If you aren't in the commission of a crime, I'm not sure any state really enforces these crazy, antiquated laws. Also, re: Chicago, I don't think a knife will do much for you, when everyone has a gun...
They really don't. Some People are so scared they follow the laws tho gotta give them that. I follow laws as well but knife laws I don't believe in. What's in my pocket is my business. I don't get searched by the cops and haven't in decades 😂 I'll be OK.
SA from NC I was about to write a very similar comment on both counts. The laws should read you can carry what you want but if you use or attempt to use it in an illegal manner then your knife becomes illegal.
Nobody’s going to search your house or stop you at a roadblock to see if you have a knife with too long a blade. But if you get stopped for some other reason, and the police want a reason to arrest you, an illegal knife will give them the excuse they’re looking for.
I'd be cautious in some of the larger cities like NY. Forget the clip, just drop it straight into the pocket. Otherwise, yeah. Nobody notices if you aren't doing anything to call attention.
I always recommend the Spyderco Dragonfly, maybe the most under-appreciated Spyderco. I don't have one yet, but I'm looking forward to getting the Lionsteel Bestman.
I feel like the Spyderco line of small ClipiTools goes unnoticed and underappreciated. They are small 2in. slipjoint blades with a finger choil and pocket clip! They also come with one of 3 secondary blade options (scissors, cap lifter, serrated blade). I love mine to pieces, I carry it and use it every day at work.
That makes me sad about such laws. Here where I live (Poland) we can carry almost everywhere all kinds of knives no matter how long they are. I personally love CBK175 push dagger for EDC and also victorinox alox bantam.
Here in Australia we have slightly different laws in each state. Nothing length related that I know of, but autos are a solid no. And here in my state, NSW, we have to have "a reason" to have a knife on us. So I'm always on my way to go fishing, but really it just means does the cop like you or not.
I like the crkt symmetry for this ive actually bought one for the purpose of traveling. I dont need to worry about the regulations in the different states i drive thru and its a very nice blade on the budget end of things
I live in Massachusetts and carry whatever I want to carry, as long as I can keep it concealed; switchblades, larger folders, etc. I've been carrying a small fixed blade for a few years now; originally a Lionsteel M1, then an MKM Makro and over the last several months; a Lionsteel H1. I don't concern myself because there's pretty much nothing that is actually useful that's legal. I remember laughing when I first looked up what "California legal," and saw they were all less than 2". Then I discovered that Massachusetts law. You should count yourself fortunate that you never ran into any Boston police with a 2½" knife, because the state law says the limit is 1½"!!! Though I can understand why there'd be a mistake, so does everyone else, including those who live here. They make an exception for folding knives, but like said here; it can't lock. You can't even legally carry a multi tool because of the lock. So, at the end of the day it's "in for a penny, in for a pound." It's not like an automatic is more illegal than a small locking knife, do what's the difference. I hear that people are current suing the state to try to get them laws relaxed, I'm not holding my breath though. The law is purposely vague, consisting of a single sentence. Interestingly; if you go by the letter of the law any of those fixed blades I mentioned aren't outright banned. It says you can't carry an automatic, dagger, dirk, stiletto or knife with a "device" that allows the knife to be opened when pulling it out of a pocket: a small normal fixed blade is none of those. Admittedly, one would probably have to go through a trial to skate on a charge. I think it's absurd that what literally amounts to the first and oldest man made tool in the history of our species being illegal.
People always talk about shall not be infringed as it pertains to guns, but 2A covers all arms, and knifes are the most primitive of arms. I’m glad Georgia is a state where we can carry any knife.
I have found that multi tools are the way to go when it comes to traveling. If I know the laws in the states I am going to I will pack accordingly but when I use to do regional work and traveled state to state frequently I honestly just carried a SAK or a leatherman. I would say the most worldwide accepted knife is the SAK unless they dont allow anything.
i always EDC a knife with a sub 3 inch blade and no spring assist. i have always preferred a small knife as i hate carrying a knife that feels like a brick in my pocket.
Thanks for thinking about us germans, too! Our laws are very strange, you are generally allowed to carry a 12cm (4,7") fixed blade, where a one-hand-opening locking knife like the Spyderco Chicago would be illegal 🤷♂ The new Bear & Son Farmhand lock back or Böker exskelibur II would also be good options btw.
I think an addendum with a few friction folders, traditional slipjoints might be in order. I am currently awaiting a Böker Voortrekker, and have used Higonokami and a few other traditional patterns.
I am never worried about knife laws. I don't get searched or patted down by the cops ever 😂. I am a firm believer in I will carry whatever I want in my pocket. It's only a pocket knife. It's not a handgun. We
Yea. I live in Australia and carry a knife every day even those it's not legal here to carry it outside of doing an activity you are using the knife, working, fishing etc. But then I don't look dodgy or roam around the city at night so no issues.
Canada's got some pretty special knife laws too, including some weird distinctions about knives that are legal to own, but not to import. Good thing Canada is a known knife manufacturing hotspot. Not.
Generally speaking the places where you can’t carry a real pocket knife also make gun ownership (not even carrying) nearly impossible. Getting a permit to carry a firearm in places like NYC is basically impossible if you’re not well connected or doing a job that requires it.
@@brianseem i actually didn't know that! all those laws are pretty confusing, we can basically carry whatever we want here in switzerland. the only knifes that are illegal to carry here are automatic one handed opening knifes.
I'd wear that Archaeo lock pin on a bracelet. That would be pretty cool. You could fidget with that thing all day long. When/If you need to lock it, you've got the pin right on your wrist. 👌🏼
For a small locking knife i live the cold steel tuff light. Right around the 2" mark but you have the confidence of the tirade lock for those hard use cuts
Dear David, thanks for all the informative and interesting videos, which I really do enjoy watching! I am new to collecting knives; however, I now came to the point where I need to decide how and where I will stock my babies. Therefore, I really would appreciate if you could present some solutions on what is best when it comes to storing a folding knife collection. So far, I own two Spydercos (Native 5 and Efficient), one Fox (Tur), 1 Brisa (Birk 75), one Boker (Urban Trapper) and the Viper (Turn) is on its way. Many thanks for your suggestions! Greetings from Switzerland!
I don't know what the knife laws are where I live. I honestly don't care, I will carry whatever I want. If somehow I have an interaction with law enforcement and they discover I am carrying an illegal knife I will gladly fight it in court and hopefully get the law overturned.
The most popular Boker for legal carry in the UK is the Boker Plus XS Drop Point. Bargain at £65 from Heinnie. Probably sells for three pence at Knife Centre.
It’s weird in most places in Canada the blade length doesn’t matter it’s wether or not you’re carrying it for a legal purpose. If you carry a folding knife on a worksite (that allows it) and you use it for work purposes then it’s legal however if you carry a knife going to the store then you have no reason to carry it except for an illegal purpose (as a weapon) it has to be an appropriate knife for an appropriate application
I bought a para 3 and recommended it to people specifically because it was under the 3” mark. However unfortunately if you measure it along the edge, it is over 3”. Now I’m nervous about carrying it, because it basically comes down to whether the officer doesn’t like you or is having a bad day. Kind of a bummer.
@@knifecenter thanks for the response DCA! I just double checked. Are you including the choil? I’m measuring from the tip along the edge to where the finger choil meets the scales. Am getting a smidge over 3”. They do or can unfortunately include unsharpened choils in the measurement. From center end of scale to tip though it’s as specified.
@@knifecenter I actually used my para 3 once when there was a car accident to help cut the driver’s seatbelt and free her from the vehicle that was turned on its side. (It was my knife but I handed it to another bystander who used it to cut the seatbelt freeing the pregnant lady.) If I’m ever questioned about it I’m definitely telling that story and hopefully will be ok, as I won’t be using it for anything nefarious.
As a former German I mostly carried a big Archaeo folder daily. It's below the 12cm they stipulate for blade length on fixed blades, its lock does not engage with the opening so it's totally legal as a one hand opener. German laws are truly ridiculous, when I didn't carry the Archaeo, I carried a ~12cm fixed blade with a very tool knife look, which is also legal. Fun fact, in Germany you could carry a folding machete if it only opened with two hands, which Joerg Sprave from the Slingshot Channel even built and showed.
Oh product improvement idea for the nice Artisan Cutlery Araeo knife. Instead of letting that pin dangle on a lenyard why not drill a 2nd hole in the handle and leave the pin there. The lenyard is really bothersome.
The Fox Knives Skal would also be an option for a non-Locking blade and I think I remember that it is also below 2 " of blade length. Quite affordable as well.
I live in germany and i just carry my SOG Kiku XRor my ZT 0308... If you don't act suspicious you'll not be bothered by the police if you live outside a city like me... Thanks for the content and the different knifes you show us all the time! Cu next time.
Lot of love from Germany! You can carry also fixed blades up to 4.5 inches...and non locking folders. If you got a legal reason you can carry all those knifes...but who got this reason?
If I had to go by regulations like this I'd probably go with something like an electrician boot knife. Fixed blade, 1.5" sheep's foot blade, American made if you look for it, full handle, but I'm not sure what regulations are like for fixed blades.
Can carry any knife here except 3 Towns that don't allow autos but everything else is legal everywhere. Can't imagine needing less than 2 inches or less than 3.
Thankfully I live in a free state that no longer has any restrictions on knives. I grew up watching the Dukes of Hazzard, and I learned two things. I learned how to drive, and I learned how to access and open a Buck 110 one-handed.
I work in DC so I carry a shorty pocket knife, but I've lost two blades when I've been going into the White House complex for meetings... They have a zero inch knife policy, and I forgot the knives were in my pocket. The second time it was a swiss at classic on my key chain... I was soo pissed.
In Europe situation is different from one country to another. In France carrying a knife is illegal regardless of the size and characteristics (blocking blade or not, one hand opening or not etc.). However in some situations it may be tolerated. For instance if you go trekking or picnicking and put the knife in your backpack it is ok assuming it is an opinel or a SAk not a kar bar usmc 😂. In Switzerland I was told you can carry anything you want.
New Mexico considers ANY knife even a small one a deadly weapon if carried concealed. Not concealed it's legal to carry just about anything. It is a class three felony to carry concealed, but they have to prove you were carrying with malicious intent.
@Schnitzelmesser Look it up, any length blade can be used to disembowel someone is their mentality. Does it mean they'll actually arrest you? Doubt it, but it gives them a legal basis to arrest you if that's what they want to do.
@Schnitzelmesser I know, but also understand a pocket clip isn't concealed or a belt sheath is permitted. I can have an automatic knife as long as it is not concealed. Also even if they did arrest me and try to charge me with a class three felony they have to prove to a jury I was carrying it with malicious intent and how the hell are they going to do that? It has not happened yet in all the time since they wrote that stupid law unless someone committed a crime with their knife like brandishing it at someone. Now if you're carrying the knife in a car then you MUST keep it concealed same with firearms. Go figure that one out.
I carry a keychain knife clipped on a small bag which is itself clipped to my belt loop. This is my perfect EDC bundle (bluetooth earphones, a wallet and until recently - a face mask . It is a small friction lock no name knife I picked from Ebay for like 5$. But given that it's a cheap piece of hardware and since I found myself using it quite often lately, I think it's time for an upgrade... I'll stay with the keychain size knife cause I never had any legal trouble carrying it. If I had a folder in my pocket I presume the cops would be much less cooperative and forgiving. Not that I wouldn't like to use Spyderco Para 2 or The James Brand Carter, but the need for carrying that knife is much less intensive than a need to stay out of a jail or getting a ticket... I'm getting Speyderco Dragonfly and attaching it to the same keychain ring that the Chinese cheapo is hanging from right now...
I'm so glad I live in Arkansas. Knife laws here can be summed up as "If it has a blade, it's legal as long as you're not doing illegal things with it"
In Australia it's the opposite. No knife is legal unless you are doing legal things with it.
That sounds so sensible... if only more places would see it that way. Where I am from you can get into trouble for carrying a knife that could be labelled "combat knife" (by whatever harebrained standard) regardless if you just use it to open boxes. In my mind you should be persecuted for what you do and not for stuff you carry around without bothering anyone.
Looking at the options, it seems like you'll be better off with a box cutter for EDC and self-defense lol
Put a bayonet on a open carry 12 gauge.
Same in Tenn
The smaller opinels are non-locking, two-hand open, and the no. 4 is around 2 inches. Good budget option for someone traveling to a place with more restrictive knife laws.
I love Opinels there very slicy, very comfortable and easy to sharpen.
Wanna know the funniest thing about the German 42a knife law? No blade length restriction. Yes, you heard right. A 2 handed opening knife can have a foot long blade. 🙂
But a 1 inch locking flipper can get you in trouble. 🙂 Welcome to Germany.
K55K rules!!!!
42a compliant German knife, 😂.
The Espada XL is 42a compliant if one removes the thumb plate?
@@PoetFisherman Not sure about that one. The little notch could be still considered an opening mechanism like the wave feature. You'd have to check with the BKA and hope it is not overruled by a judge. Welcome to Germany again. 😂
@@lordemperorwu1 Ah good point. Yeah, this sounds like a bananas law.
I’m looking forward to watching this after work. As someone who lives in a ridiculous state, I really appreciate content like this. Here in Connecticut, it’s anyones guess.
Yes I'm in Connecticut also and what I find is no automatics don't do it...And the cop kinda judges intent keep it around 3.5" don't go over 4" And a little secret. Carry a tackle box, Fishing pole, you get the picture. Usually you will get nailed with it in a automobile. Took me 18 months in court 2000$ all because someone said I had the knife. I had said that the whole time and on judgment day the judge finally asked who had the knife. Yes I didn't have it all I had was a 5" scar to prove it. ⚖ F,,k Connecticut. 🖕
I feel ya, b next door here in Taxachusetts.
Dude ct knife laws are so dumb
@@pcowhd9562 You can say that again.
@@Firebrand1967 I work there, the knife laws are even more confusing if that’s possible. At least I don’t have to go into Boston.
Thank you so much for this. I actually am a third year law student and can tell you that, here in New York, knife laws are absolutely ludicrous.
how cool bro! I'm a lawyer, but in Brazil, knife laws here are super permissive. but firearm laws are super restrictive, unfortunately.
Yeah they are. I visit Jersey quite often and in my state (ohio), I can quite literally carry anything and even constitutional carry got voted in. But when I go to NYC I REFUSE to carry a knife.
I've been in NYC my whole life (49 years), and I have carried pocket knives most of that time. I don't take our draconian laws for granted, at the same time I feel no one should overthink carrying a knife in NYC. Law enforcement in NYC have so much more to worry about in a city of millions, than who is carrying a pocket knife, regardless of the size.
In my understanding here in the NYC, knife laws are pretty fair. Folding knives have to be under 4", single sided, and not spring assisted. They even did away with the stupid wrist flick test a couple of years back where they claimed that a knife you can flick open with your wrist is a gravity knife and thus illegal. The only thing I feel is ludicrous is that you can't carry a knife when riding the subway or the bus and not having the pocket clip showing.
@@CytoplasmicGooI wouldn't worry about carrying a pocket knife on a train or a bus. People do it all the time in NYC. It's really not that serious. NYC has a serious illegal gun problem. Right now that should be Law Enforcement's priority.
Not much people know this, but the German articel 42 is meant to extend the time of a police officer to get in safety from an possible knife atacker before they can respond. Needless to say, non locking knifes are more a thread for the atacker themselfes (or fingers I should say). So, non locking or two hand openers only for us in Germany.
... or sub 12cm (4,7") fixed blades 🤷♂
Hey David
Wes here, curious about something. I have over 40 years law enforcement and have never heard of anyone having their knife measured at random, UNLESS they were being arrested for something else and it was found on them. Of course I understand TSA and places where one would be searched, but what are the chances of some police person asking to measure your knife for no probable cause? Maybe you have heard of others who were stopped and their knife measured, but like I said, I have never heard of it. Of course my experience is limited to NC, so maybe other states are more of a Knife Nazi :)
Appreciate you.
I suppose you just need to happen upon an especially vindictive officer, I guess?
EDIT: Or, as you said, the "illegal" knife serving as an aggravating circumstance (idk the correct term, the "thing that makes your case worse")
40 years? LMAO 😂 WTF is wrong with you?
Thanks for the vid. Small knives don't seem to get reviewed as much as larger pocket hogs. Good to see what options are out there. There are many reasons for carrying a small blade and you still want something nice. Here in NSW Australia while some knife types are outright illegal (eg. autos/assisted, push daggers and some others) size itself is not a restriction. The primary criteria for carrying a knife is 'for a lawful purpose' (the laws list about 6 or so broadly defined lawful purposes - but self defence is not one). So carrying a 23" katana is completely lawful providing you have a lawful purpose for doing so.
I believe the Spyderco Squeak has the same dimensions as the Chicago but with their non-locking SLIPIT design and FRN handle material.
Been carrying the lil Native slipit for the last week or so here in the UK. Its a wee cracker. Handling daily tasks, some work stuff and a little bit of messing around outdoors. Highly recommended.
One great thing of South Africa is, is that we may carry any knife big or small. Its the intended use that carries legal consequences.
I can trump that... In Switzerland we can carry all knives because they are weapons and because of the EU. :D
Sounds funny right? But it is because of the "Swiss Army Knive", as a normal knive (the way it used to be), the contract would have to be open internationally, but we don't want that, so the new SAK is now a weapon and weapons contracts don't need to be international. And because people in Switzerland need to be able to carry their military knife, we now can carry everything again :D :D :D
IDK why it's not mentioned more often, but I find the Cold Steel Kiridashi extremely useful, easy to carry and quite strong. And with a very smooth action for a tri-ad lock.
Agreed. I often recommend their Kiridashi and Tuff-Lite folders, especially to non-knife type folks that need a basic daily cutter.
Had the CS Kiridashi in a KniFAQ a few weeks back. Good knife -DCA
Working real hard behind the scenes to get Constitutional Carry to expand to knives as well.
Yeah
Should be an easy decision in a REAL courtroom.
If you need a below 3.5" non-locking knife, but you want one that doesn't close easily. I would suggest the Lionsteel Gitano. It's 3.35 inch clippoint slipjoint, but the blade has a wedge on the part that engages the back spring when open. And the back spring has a cut-out for the wedge, thus making accidental closure less likely.
With constitutional carry in 25 (almost 26!) states now, it's high time we destroy all of these unconstitutional limitations on our beloved knives.
I have the same degree of concern for their knife laws that they do for my immigration laws.
Another strange rule in NYC about folding knives is that while under 4", single bladed, and non assisted knives are legal to carry, it has to be completely concealed so no pocket clip, it has to be inside your pocket.
and no knives of any kind can be carried on mass transit (bus/subway)
the cops will ding you for carrying anything in NYC.
Nyc law makers are a bunch of ass holes
How often are cops checking what's attached to pocket clips? I mean I get the concern if one has to tolerate being searched going into a some awful govt building or airport, that kind of thing but just strolling down the street, hanging at a park, going fishing, getting groceries etc.?
Surprised you didn't have the Cold Steel Tuff Lite or Mini TuffLite in the hard use section. The Tuff Lite is my go to at work for stock take when we have to break down a lot of boxes. Bought the Mini for my wife for general use at work too.
Yeah he said he wasn't going to include mini knives I think and he included it.
I HAVE BOTH ...GREAT KNIVES!
I understand the blade length restriction, as I am old enough to remember the umpteen millions lost in the early 00s to 2.x” blade violence.
Knives are tools not weapons, just like ice picks, screwdrivers, hammers, shovels, wire cutters, box cutters etc. See, people will cower in fear over knives but won't bat an eye at the tools that I mentioned.
In eye?
Someone may have mentioned it already but in case not the knife laws in Chicago say that the blade cannot be longer than 2.5 inches instead of 2.0 inches (for anyone over the age of 18). Just an FYI.
2.5 inches is correct. I have reason to visit Chicago now, and have collected some tools for carry (have to bring them in a checked bag). 3 favs, all $30 or less: Walther folding serrated karambit, Schrade SCHF57 fixed, and Kershaw assisted flipper (I forget the model--like a tiny Blur). If any are lost--replaceable by Amazon.
I live in Virginia (very close to the Knife Center). I recently learned that Virginia is finally legalizing automatic knives on July 1, 2022. However, it’s not clear if I will be able to buy an automatic knife from the Knife Center. Hopefully this will become more clear by July.
The knife center didnt even sell a small cheap boker that was auto. VA. too close to the swamp I guess.
KC is fully woke. The virtue signaling and pansy-like attitude coming from this place is both repugnant and depressing.
but you can order automatics from bladehq and they’re also in virginia. and knife center DOES sell automatics.
Hey DCA, Spyderco Squeak is a good option for a 2" blade with a slip joint. It's very much the Chicago without the Liner Lock.
Agreed, the Squeak is probably the best 2" slip joint. Also the Spyderco clipitool is a 2" slip joint with finger choil and a nice clip, but only 8CR steel.
Called old friend, police chief, TN, I was asking him about the Ka-Bar fighting knife on my side, in particular..was going into the mountains.
He said usually, regarding knives, the officers see how the knife is displayed, it's reasonable usefulness (can't be a scimitar, for example) ...one will be asked about it and otherwise, just general safety issues.
That is how the laws work in Australia. It's not legal to just carry a knife without a legit reason. But if you are doing something legit using the knife then it's completely legal.
Great video! Wish knife makers would realize these segments of the market need more love. Two knives I'm surprised were not on your list:
- Kizer Catshark. Sub 2in, double detent, finger choil, and the ability to lock it open with the supplied pin
- CJRB Maileah. Sub 2.5in, front flipper thumb stud combo (super fidgety), and a great reverse tanto blade profile (just for you Thomas)
I don’t see so much with copper it’s a cool handle material and after time it get customized from you
The craziest part about living in the USA is that you are free to go anywhere into any state yet pretty much every single state has completely different laws. This is possibly the dumbest part of living in this country.
Opinel, almost always the right answer for any knife related question.
Went to Europe a few months back and carried it all, from a auto to a 4in flipper went to a few knife stores and had the workers in awe. Fun times
In Chicago the 2-inch rule only applies to those 18 and under. Otherwise, the maximum length is 2.5 inches. See municipal code 8-24-020.
Thanks for the clarification! -DCA
I live in the UK, our rules are fairly strict,-3” total blade, non locking, no spring assist, no gravity, butterfly etc. All of which are pointless. because if you get attacked the weapon of choice is likely to be a kitchen knife or screwdriver or broken bottle !
Not correct. Not 3" total blade. 3" cutting edge
@@noremorse4379 That is absolute hooey,I cite the black belt barrister. But I knew anyway.
If you aren't in the commission of a crime, I'm not sure any state really enforces these crazy, antiquated laws. Also, re: Chicago, I don't think a knife will do much for you, when everyone has a gun...
They really don't. Some People are so scared they follow the laws tho gotta give them that. I follow laws as well but knife laws I don't believe in. What's in my pocket is my business. I don't get searched by the cops and haven't in decades 😂 I'll be OK.
SA from NC I was about to write a very similar comment on both counts. The laws should read you can carry what you want but if you use or attempt to use it in an illegal manner then your knife becomes illegal.
Nobody’s going to search your house or stop you at a roadblock to see if you have a knife with too long a blade. But if you get stopped for some other reason, and the police want a reason to arrest you, an illegal knife will give them the excuse they’re looking for.
I'd be cautious in some of the larger cities like NY. Forget the clip, just drop it straight into the pocket. Otherwise, yeah. Nobody notices if you aren't doing anything to call attention.
I always recommend the Spyderco Dragonfly, maybe the most under-appreciated Spyderco. I don't have one yet, but I'm looking forward to getting the Lionsteel Bestman.
I feel like the Spyderco line of small ClipiTools goes unnoticed and underappreciated. They are small 2in. slipjoint blades with a finger choil and pocket clip! They also come with one of 3 secondary blade options (scissors, cap lifter, serrated blade). I love mine to pieces, I carry it and use it every day at work.
That makes me sad about such laws. Here where I live (Poland) we can carry almost everywhere all kinds of knives no matter how long they are. I personally love CBK175 push dagger for EDC and also victorinox alox bantam.
Here in Australia we have slightly different laws in each state. Nothing length related that I know of, but autos are a solid no. And here in my state, NSW, we have to have "a reason" to have a knife on us. So I'm always on my way to go fishing, but really it just means does the cop like you or not.
I like the crkt symmetry for this ive actually bought one for the purpose of traveling. I dont need to worry about the regulations in the different states i drive thru and its a very nice blade on the budget end of things
From my understanding Chicago has a 2.5 inch blade length. I called today just to make sure because it's hard to find a 2.5 inch.
And if you are a minor, the max is 2 inches. -DCA
When DCA flip that boker mini a2..that was smooth..smooothhhh operaatorrrr 🤘🏻
I live in Massachusetts and carry whatever I want to carry, as long as I can keep it concealed; switchblades, larger folders, etc. I've been carrying a small fixed blade for a few years now; originally a Lionsteel M1, then an MKM Makro and over the last several months; a Lionsteel H1. I don't concern myself because there's pretty much nothing that is actually useful that's legal. I remember laughing when I first looked up what "California legal," and saw they were all less than 2". Then I discovered that Massachusetts law. You should count yourself fortunate that you never ran into any Boston police with a 2½" knife, because the state law says the limit is 1½"!!! Though I can understand why there'd be a mistake, so does everyone else, including those who live here.
They make an exception for folding knives, but like said here; it can't lock. You can't even legally carry a multi tool because of the lock. So, at the end of the day it's "in for a penny, in for a pound." It's not like an automatic is more illegal than a small locking knife, do what's the difference. I hear that people are current suing the state to try to get them laws relaxed, I'm not holding my breath though. The law is purposely vague, consisting of a single sentence. Interestingly; if you go by the letter of the law any of those fixed blades I mentioned aren't outright banned. It says you can't carry an automatic, dagger, dirk, stiletto or knife with a "device" that allows the knife to be opened when pulling it out of a pocket: a small normal fixed blade is none of those. Admittedly, one would probably have to go through a trial to skate on a charge.
I think it's absurd that what literally amounts to the first and oldest man made tool in the history of our species being illegal.
People always talk about shall not be infringed as it pertains to guns, but 2A covers all arms, and knifes are the most primitive of arms. I’m glad Georgia is a state where we can carry any knife.
I have found that multi tools are the way to go when it comes to traveling. If I know the laws in the states I am going to I will pack accordingly but when I use to do regional work and traveled state to state frequently I honestly just carried a SAK or a leatherman. I would say the most worldwide accepted knife is the SAK unless they dont allow anything.
Leatherman is no good in the UK. The knife blade on most models locks so its verboten.
Crazy that you have to make this video. Support Knife Rights who have been successful in getting rid of these crazy laws.
Had to order a Bestech Tulip while watching this, that was very impulsive of me.... Great Job DCA
main pocket Kershaw Reverb ...sub 3 inch blade ,thin light ,and it has a bottle opener.
I'm a big fan of the Spyderco Chicago for EDC. Glad to see it featured here.
My best suggestion, carry anything you want and move somewhere that freedom is more than a mere relic of what used to be.
i always EDC a knife with a sub 3 inch blade and no spring assist. i have always preferred a small knife as i hate carrying a knife that feels like a brick in my pocket.
Thanks for thinking about us germans, too! Our laws are very strange, you are generally allowed to carry a 12cm (4,7") fixed blade, where a one-hand-opening locking knife like the Spyderco Chicago would be illegal 🤷♂
The new Bear & Son Farmhand lock back or Böker exskelibur II would also be good options btw.
I think an addendum with a few friction folders, traditional slipjoints might be in order. I am currently awaiting a Böker Voortrekker, and have used Higonokami and a few other traditional patterns.
I am never worried about knife laws. I don't get searched or patted down by the cops ever 😂. I am a firm believer in I will carry whatever I want in my pocket. It's only a pocket knife. It's not a handgun. We
Yea. I live in Australia and carry a knife every day even those it's not legal here to carry it outside of doing an activity you are using the knife, working, fishing etc. But then I don't look dodgy or roam around the city at night so no issues.
Fox Suru is by far my favorite "little big knife" and an edc go to.
Absolute smallest knife I'm a big fan of, Cold Steel micro recon 1 in spearpoint
The Boker Magnum Lil Lambfoot has a 2.5 in blade that is very conformable in the hand. Not sure if you could make the blade shorter but try.
Canada's got some pretty special knife laws too, including some weird distinctions about knives that are legal to own, but not to import. Good thing Canada is a known knife manufacturing hotspot. Not.
Thank you for this legal advice, DCA!
Just a reminder, we are not lawyers.
Did you consider any friction folders? Non-locking but still very safe. Great for travel. Lots of sizes and manufacturers (Fox, Svord, Boker, etc).
Wait, you can carry a gun in the us, but not a pocket knife with a blade that is longer than 2 inches?
Generally speaking the places where you can’t carry a real pocket knife also make gun ownership (not even carrying) nearly impossible. Getting a permit to carry a firearm in places like NYC is basically impossible if you’re not well connected or doing a job that requires it.
@@brianseem i actually didn't know that! all those laws are pretty confusing, we can basically carry whatever we want here in switzerland. the only knifes that are illegal to carry here are automatic one handed opening knifes.
I'd wear that Archaeo lock pin on a bracelet. That would be pretty cool. You could fidget with that thing all day long. When/If you need to lock it, you've got the pin right on your wrist. 👌🏼
For a small locking knife i live the cold steel tuff light. Right around the 2" mark but you have the confidence of the tirade lock for those hard use cuts
Thanks David and knife Centre this is exactly the video I was looking for
Dear David, thanks for all the informative and interesting videos, which I really do enjoy watching! I am new to collecting knives; however, I now came to the point where I need to decide how and where I will stock my babies. Therefore, I really would appreciate if you could present some solutions on what is best when it comes to storing a folding knife collection. So far, I own two Spydercos (Native 5 and Efficient), one Fox (Tur), 1 Brisa (Birk 75), one Boker (Urban Trapper) and the Viper (Turn) is on its way.
Many thanks for your suggestions! Greetings from Switzerland!
I don't know what the knife laws are where I live. I honestly don't care, I will carry whatever I want. If somehow I have an interaction with law enforcement and they discover I am carrying an illegal knife I will gladly fight it in court and hopefully get the law overturned.
That's the spirit👍
Great handle too👍
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@@SENILE_TYRANT Thank you and FJB!!!
The most popular Boker for legal carry in the UK is the Boker Plus XS Drop Point. Bargain at £65 from Heinnie. Probably sells for three pence at Knife Centre.
It’s weird in most places in Canada the blade length doesn’t matter it’s wether or not you’re carrying it for a legal purpose. If you carry a folding knife on a worksite (that allows it) and you use it for work purposes then it’s legal however if you carry a knife going to the store then you have no reason to carry it except for an illegal purpose (as a weapon) it has to be an appropriate knife for an appropriate application
Rike Hummingbird for me
The benchmade tengu tool is made in the USA and is non locking! And its awesome
5th pocket ...CJRB Maliah ....love it!
Buck Knives “Budgie” is a very nice knife made in the USA under 2 inches
I bought a para 3 and recommended it to people specifically because it was under the 3” mark. However unfortunately if you measure it along the edge, it is over 3”. Now I’m nervous about carrying it, because it basically comes down to whether the officer doesn’t like you or is having a bad day. Kind of a bummer.
Not sure where you are getting that - when I measure the edge by rolling a ruler along it, the linear edge comes out to about 2.65 inches. -DCA
@@knifecenter thanks for the response DCA! I just double checked. Are you including the choil? I’m measuring from the tip along the edge to where the finger choil meets the scales. Am getting a smidge over 3”. They do or can unfortunately include unsharpened choils in the measurement. From center end of scale to tip though it’s as specified.
@@knifecenter I actually used my para 3 once when there was a car accident to help cut the driver’s seatbelt and free her from the vehicle that was turned on its side. (It was my knife but I handed it to another bystander who used it to cut the seatbelt freeing the pregnant lady.) If I’m ever questioned about it I’m definitely telling that story and hopefully will be ok, as I won’t be using it for anything nefarious.
As a former German I mostly carried a big Archaeo folder daily. It's below the 12cm they stipulate for blade length on fixed blades, its lock does not engage with the opening so it's totally legal as a one hand opener. German laws are truly ridiculous, when I didn't carry the Archaeo, I carried a ~12cm fixed blade with a very tool knife look, which is also legal. Fun fact, in Germany you could carry a folding machete if it only opened with two hands, which Joerg Sprave from the Slingshot Channel even built and showed.
My favorite tiny knife with a liner lock is the CJRB Maileah with a small yet effective 2.39" blade. Also cheap as chips.
Cold Steel Mini and Micro recon are fantastic choices.
CIVIVI Mini Elementum or Mini Asticus might be good options to.
Your welcome.
I wish Knifecenter would make it possible to round up on knife sales. And maybe give it to Knife Rights. They do good work.
I second that
I've got a Spydie Chicago and love the little blade. The BD1N has held up nicely and the G-10 is nice and grippy for a little blade like that.
Oh product improvement idea for the nice Artisan Cutlery Araeo knife. Instead of letting that pin dangle on a lenyard why not drill a 2nd hole in the handle and leave the pin there. The lenyard is really bothersome.
Most knife laws are as arbitrary as they are absurd. They tend to be written and passed by people who know less than nothing about knives.
I think you will find that most laws are written and passed by people who are profoundly ignorant on the given subject.
I Love my 5th pocket carry civivi ki-v. Carry it every day along with my 4" bestech swordfish
The Fox Knives Skal would also be an option for a non-Locking blade and I think I remember that it is also below 2 " of blade length. Quite affordable as well.
Or the opinel N° 2
The benchmade Fumee aller is awesome and also made in the usa! And its a “cigar” cutter!
I live in germany and i just carry my SOG Kiku XRor my ZT 0308...
If you don't act suspicious you'll not be bothered by the police if you live outside a city like me...
Thanks for the content and the different knifes you show us all the time!
Cu next time.
Lot of love from Germany! You can carry also fixed blades up to 4.5 inches...and non locking folders. If you got a legal reason you can carry all those knifes...but who got this reason?
The only thing I can’t carry in my state is an auto. Which is fine cause I don’t really enjoy otfs that much anyway.
Technically I can't either but I do. 99% chance you're never going to get in trouble for it. Just leave it in your pocket. You'll be fine
Yea same here. Otfs are illegal but I'm not an emo 14 year old so that isn't a problem to me.
If I had to go by regulations like this I'd probably go with something like an electrician boot knife. Fixed blade, 1.5" sheep's foot blade, American made if you look for it, full handle, but I'm not sure what regulations are like for fixed blades.
Can carry any knife here except 3 Towns that don't allow autos but everything else is legal everywhere.
Can't imagine needing less than 2 inches or less than 3.
Thankfully I live in a free state that no longer has any restrictions on knives. I grew up watching the Dukes of Hazzard, and I learned two things. I learned how to drive, and I learned how to access and open a Buck 110 one-handed.
Spyderco UKPK is a good choice even if your laws let you have a lock or larger blade, great knife
a great little knife is the Bastion Braza Bro, in D2. i keep it on my keychain.
"Who has time to answer questions?" says the guy who makes a weekly video...answering questions.😋
I work in DC so I carry a shorty pocket knife, but I've lost two blades when I've been going into the White House complex for meetings... They have a zero inch knife policy, and I forgot the knives were in my pocket. The second time it was a swiss at classic on my key chain... I was soo pissed.
Sweet under 2inch non-locking knife is The James Brand Elko!
Love these very informative and I learn something from every episode.
will knife center ever get the dragonfly 2 folding knife with pakkawood again?
For the first question the Spyderco Squeak would be a great option. ;)
Buck 55 works well for me in Boston
3" locking Gruber. 30$. Great little knife.
In Europe situation is different from one country to another. In France carrying a knife is illegal regardless of the size and characteristics (blocking blade or not, one hand opening or not etc.). However in some situations it may be tolerated. For instance if you go trekking or picnicking and put the knife in your backpack it is ok assuming it is an opinel or a SAk not a kar bar usmc 😂. In Switzerland I was told you can carry anything you want.
New Mexico considers ANY knife even a small one a deadly weapon if carried concealed. Not concealed it's legal to carry just about anything. It is a class three felony to carry concealed, but they have to prove you were carrying with malicious intent.
@Schnitzelmesser Look it up, any length blade can be used to disembowel someone is their mentality. Does it mean they'll actually arrest you? Doubt it, but it gives them a legal basis to arrest you if that's what they want to do.
@Schnitzelmesser I know, but also understand a pocket clip isn't concealed or a belt sheath is permitted. I can have an automatic knife as long as it is not concealed.
Also even if they did arrest me and try to charge me with a class three felony they have to prove to a jury I was carrying it with malicious intent and how the hell are they going to do that? It has not happened yet in all the time since they wrote that stupid law unless someone committed a crime with their knife like brandishing it at someone.
Now if you're carrying the knife in a car then you MUST keep it concealed same with firearms. Go figure that one out.
Revo vipera is a great one also
You guys are lucky in the uk you aren’t allowed to carry fixed blades or locking knives without good reason
I carry a keychain knife clipped on a small bag which is itself clipped to my belt loop. This is my perfect EDC bundle (bluetooth earphones, a wallet and until recently - a face mask . It is a small friction lock no name knife I picked from Ebay for like 5$. But given that it's a cheap piece of hardware and since I found myself using it quite often lately, I think it's time for an upgrade... I'll stay with the keychain size knife cause I never had any legal trouble carrying it. If I had a folder in my pocket I presume the cops would be much less cooperative and forgiving. Not that I wouldn't like to use Spyderco Para 2 or The James Brand Carter, but the need for carrying that knife is much less intensive than a need to stay out of a jail or getting a ticket... I'm getting Speyderco Dragonfly and attaching it to the same keychain ring that the Chinese cheapo is hanging from right now...