Fixed blade EDC

Rather than try to hijack the other thread discussing fixed vs folder, I'm starting a different thread. So, educate me on the legal niceties please. I can't remember a time when I haven't had a folder in my pocket, from the 1950s cheapos to my current Kershaw. Until recently I didn't have the urge for a fixed blade, but lately I've been picking up one here, one there, etc. Seems like it won't be long until I have more fixed blades than I can fit on my belt. Which, by the way, has ample room for quite a few. I was under the impression that one could carry a hunting knife in season, while hunting, and the knife couldn't be concealed. Otherwise carrying a fixed blade is verboten. What's the real deal?

I have always understood a fixed blade with a blade of 3.5" and under were legal to carry however you wanted 365, but I would like to see the actual law as well.

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Originally Posted by banks74

I have always understood a fixed blade with a blade of 3.5" and under were legal to carry however you wanted 365, but I would like to see the actual law as well.

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That's my understanding also [Beer]

Same here and people have used their hand for a reference. They say if it's bigger than your hand then you're in trouble but idk the real laws

Rules vary by jurisdiction. Check your local municipal codes for starters. Nowadays most can be found online. For what it's worth, below are two examples on how knives are defined as deadly weapons in Manitou and Colorado Springs.

Manitou Springs:

9.52.010 - Definitions
D. "Gravity knife" means any knife that has a blade released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force, that when released is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device.


E. "Switchblade knife" means any knife, the blade of which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in its handle.


H. "Knife" means any dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length, as measured from tip to handle, or any other dangerous instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds, but does not include a hunting or fishing knife carried for sport use. The issue that a knife is a hunting or fishing knife must be raised as an affirmative defense.





In Colorado Springs, part of the 'deadly weapon' definition includes the following:


9.7.101: DEFINITIONS

E. Any knife, dirk, dagger or stiletto or any other dangerous instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing or tearing wounds; or


F. Any "gravity knife"; which term shall mean any knife that has a blade released from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force, that when released is locked into place by means of a button, spring, lever or other device; or


G. Any "switchblade knife"; which term shall mean any knife, the blade of which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in its handle



Notice that there is no length specified in Colorado Springs code. Also, it looks like in Manitou, the more than 3.5 inch rule does not apply to gravity knives (i.e. any tactical folder) and switchblade knives.

According to COS, a BIC pen would fit the "stabbing" bill.