Does anyone know about NC knife laws?

Question

So, I've been thinking about getting a pocket knife (folding-type), just like any other normal American boy, but I don't know what the laws are governing knives in North Carolina.

Could someone fill me in on what's legal and what's not? Or, if you can't, maybe someone can direct me to a website on NC Statutes?

I don't need anything big (knife-wise), just something to carry around in case of emergency (not defence, but one never knows when a knife will come in handy).

Answer 1

Here's a link to NC knife laws.

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/nc.txt

Answer 2

Regular pocket knives are okay as far as carrying around in your pocket (or backpack).  You won't get arrested for carrying a concealed weapon for that.  I find them all the time when I pat people down.  I'll usually take the knife away from the person while I am dealing with them and give the knife back to them whenever I am done dealing with them.  Happens pretty much every night I work.  Call your schools student affairs section and talk to them about their campus policy.  

There is a law that forbids any weapon on campuses.  It is possible to violate a school policy and still be within the law (or at least not be charged with a crime).

Here are the laws:

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegis...

http://www.ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegis...

I'm a NC Law Officer.

Answer 3

Any knife longer than 6'' after it has been opened is illegal to carry in the pocket and you can be charged with carrying a concealed weapon. Now you can carry any type of pocket knife if it is visible. I have seen officers charge for concealed weapon on pocket knifes as small as 4''. Why ?  The officer asked the subject if he had any kind of pocket knife on him and the subject stated " NO ". When the officer conducted a safety pat down he found a knife in the right front pocket. The officer plainly asked of any type of knife. You will be fine as long as you stay under a  6'' knife. Just be sure to advise an officer if he/she ask, ok !

Answer 4

3.5" limit on a folding, as far as I know.  switchblades are illegal (federally).  You'll be fine with just about anything you come across.