Knives - once and for all. LEOs? Lawyers?

[OneGuy67]

The only issue I've ever had with a knife regarding LE contact was when I was riding as a passenger in a car, and we got pulled over. Driver was arrested on a warrant (bogus, as it turned out), and I was detained while they checked me and the car out. Officer from Golden PD asks if I have any "weapons or anything I should know about), I answered "just my pocket knife (Spyderco Police model). He takes it from me. About that time, I (and the car) come back clean, and are released from the scene. I ask if I can have my knife back, he replies that I have to go to the station to claim it from the property desk after he turns it in. I did exactly that the next day, no issues. I'm relatively certain that he was hoping that I wouldn't claim it, and it could be purchased after a period of time as "abandoned".

Most agencies do not allow their employees to purchase any abandoned property due to conflict of interest. My old agency, we had an officer who was buying vehicles from the contract tow company after they were abandoned and he got into trouble for that as the agency felt there was conflict with officers towing vehicles and then obtaining them from the tow company. I agreed with that decision.

Most times in that situation you described, I would put the knife in the trunk and the person could retrieve it after they or I left. I did the same with mace and other such chemical sprays and I've seen other officers do similar in similar circumstances.

[Clint45]

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'm glad to hear that the several cases I've heard about were exceptions to the rule rather than established policy.

[StagLefty]

What about it? Blades are less than 3.5 inches.

???? I was referring to BlasterBob's post about a seat belt cutter.

[OneGuy67]

???? I was referring to BlasterBob's post about a seat belt cutter.

Sorry! I mis-read your post. Apologies!

[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.

[BlasterBob]

What about a dedicated seat belt cutter Blaster ? I have one of these in my truck,it's from Gerber.

http://www.google.com/products/catal...d=0CB8Q8wIwAA#

Thanks for feedback Oneguy

I guess that's the problem that I have with that seat belt cutter. It is dedicated to perform that duty only, where my Spyderco is multipurpose (and of course is not my intention to utilize it for any illegal activities)

[newracer]

How about assisted opening knives? Switchblade or not?

[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]

How about assisted opening knives? Switchblade or not?

CRS 18-12-101 defines a switchblade as "any knife, the blade of which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in its handle."

I personally would not define them as switchblades.