Legalities - and how the authorities classify the Sgian Dubh

[Dranoweb]

If I may suggest.

Drop into your local police station. Ask them.

You then have a pretty definitive answer.

No one here, unless they are a serving member of your local constabulary, could give you a better answer.

I have done so (earlier today), and they confirm the above is correct.

[Geoff Withnell]

Consulting your local authorities is the best bet. The USA is an incredible patchwork of varying and often contradictory rules. For example, here in Maryland, just about any knife is legal, so long as it is carried openly, not concealed. So sgians are fine. In New York City, pocket knives are ok, but it is illegal to openly carry any knife, even if only a small portion is showing, so sgians are out.

[Dranoweb]

In Australia most laws are meant to be nation wide.
such as the firearm laws, but there are always slight variations from state to state.
generally speaking if you are polite to an officer, you get a little grace for being out of state.

[O'Callaghan]

Reading the UK law that someone posted, it appears there are safe harbours for folding pocket knives with three inch blades, for national dress (should cover the Sgian Dubh and even the Dirk, as long as you are wearing a kilt), religion (e,g, to allow Sikhs to always carry a knife), for work (large machete if you are a landscape gardener??), and for lawful purposes, which seems to be a catchall.

Of course, everywhere has it's own different laws, and it's not safe to assume that a Sgian Dubh is OK everywhere.

[Dranoweb]

Sounds very similar to Australian law - I believe he posted a link:

This might be of some assistance -

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/33

Paragraph 139 - Offence of having article with blade or point in public place is the bit you are interested in.

[Steve Ashton]

I am sorry folks but this thread is right on the edge of violating the part of Rule #10 that states "seeking professional legal, medical or spiritual advice is inappropriate".

It has already gone over the edge of Rule #11 which states,

(for the purpose of this forum, "Weapon" is defined as anything that is designed for, or is used to, injure.)
- The laws governing, and/or the views surrounding, the topics: 1) The 'right to bear arms', 2) The ownership, possession, carry and use of weapons, 3) Hunting, and 4) Self-defense, are specific to each country or region. Any discussion of these topics will be closed or deleted.


Please consider this a 'shot across the bow' before this thread must be closed or deleted.
.

[Dranoweb]

Well in that case I shall leave it here. I would like to point out that while I am careful to delineate the difference from a knife to a "weapon" Australian law is not. anything from a broadsword to a hairbrush is referred to as a "weapon" so in order to correctly cite the references - the use thereof is Neccesary. But as I appear to have inadvertently violated some forums rules. I'll close this thread (provided I'm able to do so.)