subject: Rules On Carrying A Bowie Knife In Public Places [print this page] Considering the leniency of America's weapons laws, it might seem like a no-brainer that you can carry that new Bowie knife out in public. However, before you head out the door, you should stop and check your state's laws governing knife carrying in public. While Bowie knives might not be mentioned specifically, you'll find that there are rules governing blade length and method of carry for all knives and some knives are excluded almost universally. You'll find that quite a few states take a dim view of butterfly knives (balisongs), as well as switchblades and other automatic knives. Bowie knives are no exception to this rule.
Therefore, if you want to carry that new knife of yours in public, it's best to check your state's laws. In addition to this, you probably have local laws that limit what weapons can be carried, as well as how they can be carried that might go a bit further than your state's laws. Therefore, you will need to check city, county and state laws in order to determine if Bowie knives are legal to be carried in public.
The state of Delaware on the other hand, allows the carrying of fixed blade knives such as Bowie knives, dirks and daggers, so long as they are in plain sight. If they are concealed, you must have a permit to carry a concealed weapon. However, Delaware does prohibit the use of balisongs or automatic knives whether concealed or unconcealed.
Of course, there are additional complications to this question. For instance, in Arizona, having a permit to carry a concealed weapon allows you to carry any sort of concealed weapon, from a knife to a gun. This includes Bowie knives. However, having such a permit in Texas does not carry the same legal rights, as Bowie knives are still considered illegal (In Texas, the knife must remain in your car, unless you are hunting or otherwise engaged in a (legal) activity that requires such a knife even if you have a permit to carry a concealed weapon).
As you can see, the laws governing Bowie knives in the public view vary considerably throughout the US. Your state's website can be the most valuable resource to which you have access. You should also consider contacting your local police department or sheriff's department, as they can provide you with information.
These are just a few examples of the confusion that can result from trying to carry a knife in public. The best course of action if you are not sure about your state's or your city's laws governing knives like Bowie knives is to leave it at home, or leave it in your vehicle, in plain sight. Remember that even putting your knife in the glove box might be construed as concealment, putting you in hot legal water with local authorities.
