Knife Sheath
Legal to carry a knife in a sheath in public?
Does anyone know if Washington state permits you to carry a knife in a sheath attached to your belt buckle in a public place? (Aside from the obvious schools, courts, and other government property)
I’m not talking about whipping it out and brandishing it, but keeping it inside the sheath on your belt.
The law says thus:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to carry, exhibit, display, or draw any firearm, dagger, sword, knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument, club, or any other weapon apparently capable of producing bodily harm, in a manner, under circumstances, and at a time and place that either manifests an intent to intimidate another or that warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.” RCW 9.41.250
“warrants alarm” generally means that other people who see you carrying a big knife are going to be nervous, and therefore you would risk arrest or citation if you were carry a sheath knife openly in Washington State. Carrying while camping, hiking, fishing, hunting or other activities where a large knife is expected for the most part is legal though.
You really need a WA cop’s take on this though. Laws on the books and laws as they are enforced by police and judges don’t always jive. A good idea may be to write a letter to the District Attorney’s office in your location.
knife sheath making
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