Knives - once and for all. LEOs? Lawyers?

[BlasterBob]

I'm with ya Bob... I'm not a lawyer or an LEO, but with the 3.5-inch definition of a "Knife" above I'd also wonder if that blade is too long to carry period, concealed or not. Let's hope we can find some answers here.

Chris, we're sure not getting very much feedback here on this particular thread. Thought we'd be getting a lot more opinions/views. If we don't hear more (and sensible ones at that) I may post my question up in the General Discussions section.
In the mean time, I'll continue carrying mine clipped on to my pocket just like I have for the past 12 to 15 years. At 74 years of age, I doubt if any LEO would think that I had any criminal intent.

[Clint45]

Hunting, fishing, camp, and utility blades of any length are exempt provided they are carried openly and the individual in question is at a campsite or in the mountains and can articulate a reasonable explanation for why he has it on his person.

State of Colorado specifically permits daggers and dirks as long as blade length is under 3.5", but Denver does not recognize this statute and measures the entire cutting edge rather than blade length. That would turn a legal 3" boot knife into an illegal 6" weapon.

If Denver police notice a pocket clip they can ask to see the knife so they can measure it. If blade length is a fraction of an inch over 3.5" some officers can and will arrest you for carrying a "concealed" knife even though it was in plain view. These cases are frequently dismissed when they go to court.

[StagLefty]

Like I posted earlier this particular subject seems to be very hard to define. Almost every time it's posted in any forum all the answers are vague because the wording of the law is also. Very grey area for definition JMHO

[BlasterBob]

Yes, this is really a gray area. I guess I'll just remove from my pocket, my Spyderco "Police" model with it's 4 1/4 inch blade especially when going in/through Denver.
I live out in the "sticks" and my big Spyderco is in constant use. I also volunteer to frequently drive a van load of disabled Vets to the VA in Albuquerque for their various appointments and if the van is ever in an accident, I like the capability of being able to quickly cut the required seat belts from my passengers. I really feel that a larger blade may be more efficient in cutting any jammed belts. That's my reason for using the big blade knife and I sure as hell have no criminal intent with my wearing it. Of course ALL knives along with any type of dangerous weapon is strictly forbidden in the VA Hospital so it remains in the parked and locked van.

[OneGuy67]

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.

[StagLefty]

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

[BigBear]

Question: Why are switchblades illegal? (Is it just the whole hollywood hype of only badguys, etc have them and are used for nefarious reasons?)

[OneGuy67]

What about it? Blades are less than 3.5 inches.

[TFOGGER]

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".

[OneGuy67]

Question: Why are switchblades illegal? (Is it just the whole hollywood hype of only badguys, etc have them and are used for nefarious reasons?)

I don't know. The legal resource book I use doesn't mention anything specific towards them or any case law that it has been challenged in.