imported post
cabbitone wrote:
Yes but there are restrictions on the size and/or type of blade... right?
That's where it gets iffy. Blades aren't preempted like firearms. Here's the law that touches "dangerous weapons"
RCW 9.41.250
(1) Every person who:
(a) Manufactures, sells, or disposes of or possesses any instrument or weapon of the kind usually known as slung shot, sand club, or metal knuckles, or spring blade knife, or any knife the blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device, or any knife having a blade which opens, or falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity, or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement;
(b) Furtively carries with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon; or
and RCW 9.41.270
Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm — Unlawful carrying or handling — Penalty — Exceptions.
(1) 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.
(2) Any person violating the provisions of subsection (1) above shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor. If any person is convicted of a violation of subsection (1) of this section, the person shall lose his or her concealed pistol license, if any. The court shall send notice of the revocation to the department of licensing, and the city, town, or county which issued the license.
(3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to or affect the following:
(a) Any act committed by a person while in his or her place of abode or fixed place of business;
(b) Any person who by virtue of his or her office or public employment is vested by law with a duty to preserve public safety, maintain public order, or to make arrests for offenses, while in the performance of such duty;
(c) Any person acting for the purpose of protecting himself or herself against the use of presently threatened unlawful force by another, or for the purpose of protecting another against the use of such unlawful force by a third person;
(d) Any person making or assisting in making a lawful arrest for the commission of a felony; or
(e) Any person engaged in military activities sponsored by the federal or state governments.
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Basically, paragraph A of 9.41.250 tells you what you can not even possess in this state, concealed or open.
Paragraph B of 9.41.250 tells you weapons that you cannot carry concealed, or with intent to conceal.
Section 1 of 9.41.270 tells you that you cannot carry those weapons that manifests an intent to intimidate or warrant alarm. Basically, the same thing as the law on carrying a pistol. As long as the weapons listed under section 1 are carried in a non threatening manner, such as in a sheath, holster, or other carrying case, you're within the law.
The exemptions are for law enforcement, carrying on your own property, or acting in defense. Seeing how these weapons aren't preempted, cities and counties may enact their own ordinances that restrict the carry of these weapons in their jurisdiction. Fortunately, there are not many cities that actually have restrictions on blades or blade lengths. I know Seattle does, and possibly Olympia. Seattle restricts all fixed blades (non folding blades) and blades over 3 1'2" inches in length.
