Knife regulations vary from state to state, which may be difficult when you want to find what you can purchase, possess, and carry in various places. So, you may be wondering, are throwing knives illegal? Well, this guide details the answer to this question.
Some individuals are detained due to a police officer’s false belief that a certain knife was prohibited when it was not. Thus, knowing knife regulations may help you avoid unpleasant and expensive interactions with police authorities.
Keep reading to find out some of the knife laws you need to know.
What Are Real Throwing Knives?
It is a knife that is constructed and weighted specifically for successful throwing. Throwing knives are in a different category from standard knives.
Several civilizations around the globe use throwing knives, and as a result, diverse throwing techniques and throwing knives have been produced.
Many people don’t realize that knife throwing has been a favorite activity going back to ancient times and has evolved tremendously since then.
Whether you’re attempting to strike a bulls-eye from many yards away or aiming not to hit a person tied to a revolving wheel, the art of knife throwing demands expertise and attention.
Here is a brief history of the origin and development of throwing knives.
How Throwing Knife Came to Be
Man used throwing sticks to hunt animals and birds throughout ancient times when throwing knives originated. The throwing stick, usually regarded as one of the earliest weapons used by humans, was also Tutankhamun’s favorite instrument in Egypt circa 1300 BC.
The boomerang, which Australian Aborigines employed, is another form of a throwing stick from early history. These enormous blunt weapons were hurled from close range toward wallabies and kangaroos.
The throwing stick did not completely develop into the throwing knife until the popularity of metallurgy increased.
State-Specific Knife Laws
Comprehending knife laws is difficult. State-specific terminology and meanings for knives differ.
Let’s look at some definitions.
Carry vs. Ownership
First, there is a distinction between blades that are lawful to possess and knives that are legal to carry.
Carry laws dictate what you are permitted to keep with you or on you while you are out from home. What you are permitted to keep in your house vs. what you are permitted to transport off your property might vary.
These rules apply to blades and knives in your house and outside of it.
Depending on your state’s ownership laws, it may be permissible to own a katana. However, carry laws may make it unlawful for you to carry your katana through the streets or to shop at Target while wielding it.
Know Types of Knives
Most states have lists of permitted knives and lists of prohibited knives. In various places, the definition of each knife varies. It is essential to comprehend your state’s definition of the kind of knife you want to carry in public.
Consider the following knife classifications to decide whether throwing knives are permitted to carry in your state.
1. Switchblades
The switchblade is among the most contentious types of knives. According to its definition, this knife has a blade that opens using a button or switch.
However, various laws classify these blades based on what the state considers lawful and illegal. In addition, knifemakers produce knives that “might” be termed switchblades but are not, strictly speaking.
The safest way to adhere to the legislation is to avoid carrying anything with an automatic blade mechanism.
2. Folding Knives
A big pocketknife with blade(s) is folded into the handle. Note that the blades are folded in or out manually. There are no buttons or switches that reveal the blade automatically.
3. Gravity Knife
This knife is opened by gravity or by being flipped open. This category contains butterfly knives and other blades that have a cool appearance when opened.
4. Daggers
Real throwing knives come under this group as well. A dagger is a two-sided blade with razor-sharp edges.
Before leaving home with throwing knives attached to your thigh, check your state’s regulations regarding daggers.
5. Fixed-Blade Knives
The blade is constantly available for cutting and slicing. Consider huge hunting knives such as bowie or kitchen knives.
These are often carried in a sheath on a belt. These knives’ blade is always visible.”
Throwing knives are also considered fixed-blade weapons. Examine your state’s fixed-blade knife legislation to see if actual throwing knives are lawful to carry.
Knife Length
In addition to the kind of knife, states classify blades as permissible or banned for carrying based on their length.
Knives less than 2.5 or 3 inches come under the “legal” category in most places.
Nevertheless, several states permit longer knives so long as they are not hidden.
In Texas, people are permitted to carry blades longer than 5.5 inches almost anywhere.
If you own a katana, you should relocate to Texas. You may carry it when roaming the streets and be prepared for zombie attacks.
Before bringing your throwing knives, verify the length and kind of the blade to ensure that they are legal.
Concealed vs. Open Carry
Like firearms, states have concealed carry laws for knives. In most states, concealed carry of pocket knives, such as the swiss army knife, is permitted. But be careful to check your state’s concealed carry rules.
In many locations, it is illegal to hide longer blades. Because of this, you will see large bowie knives in holsters attached to a belt. It is permissible to carry it openly.
If the length of your throwing knives exceeds two or three inches, it may be prohibited to carry them even when concealed.
However, if your throwing knives are tiny enough, you may be able to carry them in your pocket.
Take safety precautions while carrying throwing knives as pocket knives. These double-sided edges might generate financial issues.
And when throwing pocket knives, toss with force. You’ll have more success knocking out an assailant with the knife’s weight than stabbing them with the blade.
Are Throwing Knives Illegal in N.Y.?
State law classifies possessing some kinds of knives in New York City as a serious criminal violation. In New York, unlawful possession of a knife violates Penal Law 265.01. If you are found guilty of having an illegal knife, you might face prison.
However, many individuals perceive New York’s knife regulations as vague and ambiguous.
It is crucial for individuals to comprehend these rules and how they might safeguard themselves from future inconveniences.
What Knives Are Illegal in New York?
The New York Penal Law classifies the possession of individual blades as a crime. The following knives are expressly prohibited in New York: Razors, plastic knuckles, metal knuckle knives, switchblades, ballistic knives, machetes, and cane swords. If any of these knives are discovered in a person’s possession, they will be charged with criminal possession of a weapon.
It is against the law for a non-citizen to carry a knife. All of the mentioned knives are prohibited in New York because they are lethal weapons that might inflict severe injury to people. If you obtain a license, you may carry certain blades for specific activities, such as hunting or fishing.
Knife Size regulations in New York
It is conceivable for individuals to own the same kitchen knife size, which is also accessible in U.S. retailers. However, carrying a knife with a blade longer than four inches is prohibited.
Ownership of a blade that is 4 inches or longer illegally is punished by up to 15 days in prison or a fine, regardless of the offender’s intent. In such cases, the police officers must use judgment and execute the law properly.
Are Throwing Knives Illegal in California?
The California knife regulations are divided into three types of knives. These include:
- Knives that are permitted to be worn openly but not hidden.
- Knives that may be hidden or carried openly.
- Knives that are completely illegal to own.
The first group includes daggers and dirks that may be used as stabbing weapons. These knives are ice picks, kitchen knives, and any other knives with a fixed blade.
While it is permissible to possess these knives freely and openly in a sheath, it is unlawful to hide weapons on one’s person. And there is no mechanism for folding the blade.
In California, concealed and open carry of folded knives is considered legal as the blades are folded. And regardless of the length of the blade. Knives that fold include Swiss army knives, pocket knives, box cutters, and other “utility” blades.
In California, possessing, manufacturing, selling, or importing certain knives is prohibited. These knives include switchblades, belt-buckle knives, and ballistic knives.
A breach of these knife laws may result in either a misdemeanor or a felony prosecution. Penalties may consist of: County prison confinement for up to three years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Why are Gravity Knives Illegal?
In the 1950s, they were prohibited in New York owing to a spate of knife-related crimes. In contrast, switchblades and other kinds of knives need a button press to open the blade automatically.
Is It Illegal to Carry a Knife Under 18 Years?
It is prohibited for anybody, including a store, to sell a knife of any sort to anyone under 18. If you are under the age of 18, it is also illegal for you to purchase the majority of kinds of knives.
PRO-TIPS
Check the rules before traveling to another state or purchasing a knife to carry in your state. Additionally, ensure that you reviewed both the carry and ownership rules.
Follow the standards for kinds and lengths of legal knives if no particular language concerning throwing knives is included.
It is prohibited to bring any knife into schools, courts, aircraft, and the majority of municipal, state, and federal facilities in every state.
Regardless of the circumstances, you should always inform police authorities if you have a knife on or near you if you are stopped or approached by them. If it is a concealed knife, disclose its location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Throwing Knives Be Owned in the U.K.?
Even in your own house, it is now unlawful to own throwing stars, knuckledusters, and zombie knives due to a change in the legislation. The modification to the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 that goes into effect today prohibits individual possession of a range of bladed weapons.
Which Knife Is the Most Illegal?
Automatic knives or switchblades may get the most attention, but in recent years, revisions in most U.S. states have loosened prohibitions. The ballistic knife remains the nation’s most restricted blade.
Why Is Throwing Stars Against the Law?
The California Penal Code 22410 makes it illegal to manufacture, sell, import, give away, or possess a ninja star or shuriken. A “shuriken” is a metal item with protruding blades or points in the shape of a star (or some similar geometric design).
Is It Possible to Defend Yourself With a Throwing Knife?
Yes, it is possible. The issue is if throwing a knife for self-defense is a smart idea. As soon as the knife leaves your hand, you lose your weapon.
Whether or not you strike your target, you will lose the knife unless you can reclaim it later.
Is the Ownership of a Sword Illegal in the United Kingdom?
Purchase or ownership of a sword in the United Kingdom does not need a license. Before making an order from a foreign country, you should contact your local law enforcement agency.
Is a Karambit Prohibited in Australia?
Karambit knives, which resemble claws and are handheld, are now officially forbidden under new Item 28A. for you to sell Karambits and similar products into Australia; permission is obtained from the Australian Border Force.
Are Machetes Legal?
Unlike swords and stabbing knives, which are categorized as weapons, machetes typically have just one side of their blades sharpened. Nobody in the United States should dread owning a machete, despite how they are generally presented in films.
Final Take
The guide above has answered the question: Are throwing knives illegal? It has also explained everything you need to know to avoid finding yourself on the wrong side of the law.
Throwing knife ownership is not illegal in the United States. Certain throwing knives are primarily used for defense, hunting, and handyman labor.
Various state laws describe how legal knives should be carried and handled. However, each state has specific restrictions regarding the knives individuals may own.
