Knives - once and for all. LEOs? Lawyers?

[TFOGGER]

I am a LEO and I will tell you what the state law says and then tell you my personal experience and belief.

C.R.S. 18-18-101 discusses specific types of knives with blade lengths OVER 3.5 inches, but does not include hunting or fishing knives. They are inlcuded in an affirmative defense that can be brought up in a prosecution. Butterfly knives fall into the gravity knife definition.

Switchblade knives are discussed in CRS 18-12-101 and are illegal for possession. An affirmative defense can be raised by law enforcement members, members of the Armed Forces and National Guard on official duties or has a valid permit or licenser for possession of such a knife. I've never heard of a permit or license for a switchblade knife.

For the most part, Colorado law does not regulate or control any knives with a blade less than 3.5 inches.

As a LEO, I've never given anyone a hard time for having a knife on them unless the knife was used in a crime. I've never pulled out the ruler and measured, although the general rule of thumb is to use the width of your palm. I can't remember any officer I've worked with giving anyone a hard time about knives, again, as long as the knife wasn't used in a crime of some sort.

It is my unofficial belief that most law enforcement are not concerned with knives as long as they remain clipped or sheathed on a person that the officer does not deem a threat.

I know. It doesn't clear the air on the matter. Just my $.02.

Colorado allows for the ownership of switchblades, just not carrying them out of the house. Unless you are LEO, Military, or have lost a hand or arm. I happen to be a dealer for Spyderco, and we are set up as a dealer for "restricted items". There's also some kind of odd regs under federal law concerning shipping of switchblades....

[OneGuy67]

Colorado allows for the ownership of switchblades, just not carrying them out of the house. Unless you are LEO, Military, or have lost a hand or arm. I happen to be a dealer for Spyderco, and we are set up as a dealer for "restricted items". There's also some kind of odd regs under federal law concerning shipping of switchblades....

Not according to state statute.

CRS 18-12-102 (2) states "As used in this section, the term 'illegal weapon' means a blackjack, gas gun, metallic knuckles, gravity knife or switchblade knife."

CRS 18-12-102 (4) states, "A person who knowingly possesses an illegal weapon commits a Class 1 Misdemeanor."

CRS 18-12-102 (5) states, "It shall be an affirmative defense to the charge of possessing a dangerous weapon, or to the charge of possessing an illegal weapon, that the person so accused was a peace officer or member of the armed forces of the United States or Colorado National Guard acting in the lawful discharge of his duties, or that said person has a valid permit and license for possession of such weapon."

TFogger, please show me in statute where it is legal to own in your house. It says possession and doesn't mention in or out of the house. Additionally, it is illegal for LEO and military to possess unless in the course of their official duties and that is an affirmative defense that can be brought up only in prosecution of the offense.

[StagLefty]

Not according to state statute.

CRS 18-12-102 (2) states "As used in this section, the term 'illegal weapon' means a blackjack, gas gun, metallic knuckles, gravity knife or switchblade knife."

CRS 18-12-102 (4) states, "A person who knowingly possesses an illegal weapon commits a Class 1 Misdemeanor."

CRS 18-12-102 (5) states, "It shall be an affirmative defense to the charge of possessing a dangerous weapon, or to the charge of possessing an illegal weapon, that the person so accused was a peace officer or member of the armed forces of the United States or Colorado National Guard acting in the lawful discharge of his duties, or that said person has a valid permit and license for possession of such weapon."

TFogger, please show me in statute where it is legal to own in your house. It says possession and doesn't mention in or out of the house. Additionally, it is illegal for LEO and military to possess unless in the course of their official duties and that is an affirmative defense that can be brought up only in prosecution of the offense.

Now I'm even more confused- One time at a gun show I was looking at switchblades at a vendor's table with a LEO standing right beside me. I asked him if they were legal and he told me you could own it but not carry it ??? So how would you get it to your vehicle if you bought it ?? Like we've been discussing-confusing knife laws.

[OneGuy67]

Now I'm even more confused- One time at a gun show I was looking at switchblades at a vendor's table with a LEO standing right beside me. I asked him if they were legal and he told me you could own it but not carry it ??? So how would you get it to your vehicle if you bought it ?? Like we've been discussing-confusing knife laws.

Statute's clear. You cannot possess. Not sure what else to say about it...