Well, I reviewed
New Jersey's knife laws, and they are kinda iffy in their interpretation. Indiana’s laws are much similar. Here’s the sections that I mean:
2C:39-3 Prohibited Weapons and Devices...
e. Certain weapons. Any person who knowingly has in his
possession any gravity knife, switchblade knife, dagger,
dirk, stiletto, billy, blackjack, metal knuckle, sandclub,
slingshot, cestus or similar leather band studded with
metal filings or razor blades imbedded in wood, ballistic
knife, without any explainable lawful purpose, is guilty
of a crime of the fourth degree.
2C:39-4. Possession of weapons for unlawful purposes...
d. Other weapons. Any person who has in his possession any
weapon, except a firearm, with a purpose to use it
unlawfully against the person or property of another is
guilty of a crime of the third degree.
2C:39-5. Unlawful Possession of Weapons... d. 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.
I would be concered that you might run into a cop that doesn’t know knife terms (like the difference between a dagger or dirk) and would say that a Scrapper is a dagger. People that don’t know any better might call any non-folding knife a dagger. Another thing that sticks out is in NJ laws it sounds like intent is really important, so that’s probably why they question you so. It doesn’t sound like you need a “good reason”, just a reason that’s lawful. I think if you told them you carried it for protection you shouldn’t have a problem, because the law doesn’t say that you can’t carry for protection, just that you can’t be carrying with the intent to use it unlawfully against another’s person or property.
Andy, you a kevin smith fan? I have evening #1, did not know there was a 2. very cool, must get tomorrow. we met him at his comic shop in it's old location, around 10 years ago. cool guy, we talked comics and movies a bit.
Yeah, I love Jay and Silent Bob. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> That’s pretty cool that you got to meet him. #2 just came out. It’s filmed in Canada and London. Clerks 2 just came out too, and I saw it a few days ago. Next time you watch #1, watch for the guy in the derby hat that asks one of the questions. That’s my friend Sean. I’ve known him since he was like 12.
Andy - I didn't realize that you are an "all nighter".
Yeah, it’s the only time there’s some quiet around here. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Mom’s usually using the computer in the morning, so that’s my time to get a chance on the comp is evenings/nights.
Around my neck of the woods, the Police or Sheriff's Officers are pretty relaxed concerning knife carry.
Yeah, here too. I keep tellin’ you guys to move to Indiana! We have some of the best knife/gun laws in the country! Only thing you can’t have is switchblades and ninja stars. Other than than, you can carry any size/type of knife or sword, openly or concealed. No questions why, and you don’t need a reason. And we’re the only state in the country that you can get a lifetime gun carry permit. It’s like $150, and good for life as long as you keep a clean record. Easy to get a carry permit too, don’t have to take any tests or prove proficiency or anything. All you need is a clean record, and fill out the forms. And you can carry a handgun open or concealed when you have a permit too, your choice. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />