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If you’re a resident or visitor in Pennsylvania and find yourself thinking about the legality of gravity knives, you’ve arrived at the right place. In this detailed article, we’ll start a journey through the complex landscape of Pennsylvania Knife Laws in the Keystone State, seeking to answer all your questions and clear up any doubts about the legality of gravity knives.
Understanding knife laws is important because laws can vary significantly from one state to another, and Pennsylvania, with its rich history and diverse landscapes, is no exception. In this article, we’ll go through the complicated world of gravity knife legality within the state, from defining what gravity knives are to figuring out the rules surrounding their usage and possession.
So, let’s begin and explore the subtle details of gravity knife laws in Pennsylvania. We’ll explain what the laws mean, what rules you need to follow, and why it’s important for both people who live here and those who visit.
Understanding Gravity Knives
Before getting into the laws about gravity knives, it’s important to know what they are. A gravity knife is a type of folding knife that opens with the help of gravity. Gravity knives are different from most folding knives because they have a special mechanism that lets the blade extend quickly and easily into a fully locked position with a flick of the wrist or a small change to the handle. This process makes gravity knives different from other folding knives.
People like gravity knives because they are easy to use and can be used for many different tasks. But the special way it opens has made people wonder if it’s allowed to carry a gravity knife in Pennsylvania. In the next parts, we’ll talk about the laws and rules about knives in the Keystone State.
PENNSYLVANIA KNIFE LAWS
Now that we know what gravity knives are, let’s explore their legal status in Pennsylvania. In Pennsylvania, as in many other states, knife laws can be somewhat complicated. So here is an explanation of what Pennsylvania Knife Laws says about owning knives.
HISTORY
Since the beginning of gravity knives, they have faced many legal limits. Gravity knives were banned in many states in the US, and Pennsylvania was no exception. According to Section 908 of Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Statutes, the owning of “offensive weapons” was not allowed.
The definition of an “offensive weapon” included a “dagger, knife, razor, or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by a switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise.” According to this definition, gravity knives, as mentioned earlier, are considered a kind of automatic knife. Because of this classification, they were not allowed or prohibited.
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CURRENT LEGAL STATUS
In 2022, an amendment to Section 908 of the Pennsylvania statutes revised the definition of “offensive weapons.” The new definition, as stated in the legal document, includes:
“Any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, any stun gun, stun baton, taser or other electronic or electric weapon or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose.”
Under this revised definition, knives have been removed from the list of illegal items. As of January 2023, limits on the owning and carrying of knives in Pennsylvania have been lifted. It is now legal to own a knife in Pennsylvania according to Pennsylvania Knife Laws, as long as it is not intended for criminal purposes.
CONCEAL CARRY
In Pennsylvania, there are no specific rules about hiding a knife. Whether you have a weapon that people can see or one that’s hidden, the law treats them the same way, unless you plan to use it for something illegal. So, what matters most is why you have it, not if it’s hidden or not.
RESTRICTIONS
In Pennsylvania, it is against the law to sell or allow kids under 18 to buy deadly weapons. A ‘deadly weapon’ refers to an object or instrument designed or intended to cause serious injury or death to a person. So, a knife that falls under the definition of a ‘deadly weapon’ is not allowed to be sold to a kid under 18.
PROHIBITED LOCATIONS
Sections 912 and 913 of Pennsylvania’s laws say that it’s against the rules to have a knife at school, whether it’s a public or private school. Bringing a knife or any weapon to a school or college is a crime. In Pennsylvania, you’re also not allowed to carry knives in a court building.
STATEWIDE PREEMPTION
In Pennsylvania, there’s no statewide preemption for knife laws. This means that local cities and counties can have their own rules about knives. So, knife regulations can differ depending on where you are in the state, and it’s essential to know and follow the specific knife laws in your local area.
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PHILADELPHIA
In Pennsylvania, there are no statewide preemption laws, which means that local cities can create their laws and regulations. Philadelphia, a city in Pennsylvania, is known for having some of the strictest knife laws in the state. These local regulations can make it illegal to carry various types of knives within the city limits.
Philadelphia Code §10-820. Cutting Weapons in Public Places
This law says you can’t have any knives on public streets or public places.
Definition:
CUTTING WEAPON:
A cutting weapon is any knife or tool that can be used as a weapon and has a sharp edge like a knife.
Cutting weapons is illegal in Philadelphia. But if you’re using a tool for your job or work, it’s not considered a cutting weapon.
What’s Not Allowed:
Nobody is allowed to use or have a cutting weapon on public streets or in public places in Philadelphia. The only exception to this rule is emergency workers from the Philadelphia Fire Department, whether they’re on duty or off duty.
Penalty:
If you break this rule, you can get a fine of at least $300 and be put in jail for at least 90 days.
When planning to visit Philadelphia, it is important to know the specific knife laws and regulations in the city. The city laws must be understood to avoid any legal issues related to the possession and carrying of knives while you are in Philadelphia. It’s always a good idea to ask the local police or look up the city’s rules to make sure you follow their knife laws when you visit.
FAQs
Which knives are legal to own in Pennsylvania?
It is legal to carry all types of knives in Pennsylvania, including pocket knives, switchblade knives, automatic knives, gravity knives, butterfly knives (balisong), and bowie knives. You can carry any type of knife as long as you do not intend to use them for criminal purposes.
Do I need a permit to carry a knife in Pennsylvania?
No, you do not need a permit to carry a knife in Pennsylvania. The state does not require specific permits for carrying knives.
Are there restrictions on the blade length of knives in PA?
Pennsylvania does not have specific restrictions on the blade length of knives. However, it’s essential to be responsible and cautious when carrying any knife in public spaces.
What are illegal knives in PA?
According to the new amendment to the Pennsylvania constitution, no knives are illegal to own in Pennsylvania. It is important to remember that it is illegal to carry a knife in schools and court facilities.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, it is important to understand knife laws, especially those related to gravity knives, when living in or visiting Pennsylvania. The complex legal situation in the Keystone State has changed over time, and it’s important to be informed about the current rules. Fortunately, recent amendments to Pennsylvania knife laws have led to the lifting of previous restrictions on gravity knives, making them legally acceptable for possession.
However, it’s vital to remember that specific rules still apply, such as limitations on carrying weapons on school property and within court facilities. As a result, whether you’re a resident or a visitor, being aware of local knife laws is vital to avoid any legal issues and ensure a safe and compliant experience.