http://www.jimmys-adventures.net/hiking-knives/
What knife can I legally carry if I go hiking in New Jersey?
I recently started hiking and I realized that while in the woods there are many reasons to have a good reliable knife. I have read many hiking forums and they say that a fixed blade knife is the best type because you don’t have to worry about the lock not keeping it open securely. In my research it seems that it is illegal to carry any type of knife unless you have a legal reason to have one or have a hunting/fishing license so my question is, what knife can I carry into the woods with me that will not get me arrested while I am driving to the hiking site? Any thoughts on the legal length even if it is a rule of thumb. I would appreciate answers from any law enforcement people. I have looked at the legal citations regarding knives and it is very confusing. Clarity on this issue would be greatly appreciated.
N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d – Other weapons. Any person who knowingly has in his possession any other weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as it may have is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.
Basically any knife is illegal unless you can demonstrate that you are in some special situation where it is allowed.
Carrying a butcher knife while working in a supermarket as a meat cutter IS “circumstances manifestly appropriate for its use”. Carrying a butcher knife while walking down the street IS NOT “circumstances manifestly appropriate for its use”.
Does “hiking in the woods” constitute “circumstances manifestly appropriate for” the carrying of a knife?
Knowing the outdoors like I do I would say yes (you also shouldn’t be in the woods without a gun!) but most cops, prosecutors, and judges would disagree with me.
That being said, I see people with folders in belt pouches and clipped into pockets every day and nobody bothers them but I can’t guarantee that you’ll be as lucky. After seeing how Brian Aitken was railroaded by a dishonest judge I wouldn’t take any chances in NJ.
If I were you I’d buy a good folder and keep it out of sight until I needed it or go hiking in a free state.
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