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Where are Butterfly Knives Illegal?
Butterfly knives are illegal in certain states and cities. In some places, they are considered a deadly weapon, while in others they are simply banned from being carried around in public. If you’re unsure about whether or not it is legal to own a butterfly knife in your area, it’s best to check with your local law enforcement officials.
What is a Butterfly Knife?
A butterfly knife, or “balisong”, is a folding pocket steel knife that has two handles counter-rotating around the tang such that, when closed, the blade is concealed within grooves in the handles. It’s sometimes called a Batangas knife, after the Tagalog province of Batangas in the Philippines, where it is traditionally made. In the hands of a trained user, the knife can be opened and closed very quickly using one hand. This makes it a popular concealed weapon in some areas, even though many countries have banned them from being carried in public spaces outright.
Butterfly knives are generally divided into two types: “true” or traditional butterfly knives, and modern variations. Traditional balisongs have handles that rotate around the pivot completely to one side for blade access. Modern balisongs, on the other hand, have a latch that holds the two handles together at half-pivot as well as a stop pin to hold them in place when they are opened. These modern-day variations are less popular than their traditional counterparts, although some knife manufacturers have begun to make both styles in order to meet the high demand for butterfly knives.
Where are Butterfly Knives Illegal?
Outside United States:
Butterfly knives are illegal on a federal level in Canada, Australia, United Kingdom and most of Europe. They are also illegal in specific states and cities in the United States. In California, for example, butterfly knives are considered a deadly weapon and can be charged as a felony if they are carried on your person. In New York City, they are classified as a restricted weapon and cannot be carried outside of your home or place of work.
Security personnel are permitted to own butterfly knives under New York law, however.
One of the most notable places where butterfly knives are illegal is Sarawak, Malaysia. Carrying a butterfly knife there can result in a five year of prison sentence or up to RM 10,000 ($2,550) in fines.
Inside side United States:
In the United States, there are several states where butterfly knives are legal without a permit. These states include Wyoming, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Nevada and New Mexico. In Alaska and Arizona they can be carried around in public spaces with a concealed weapons permit. It is always best to check with your local law enforcement agency to find out if butterfly knives are legal in your area.
However, there are some states where they are completely banned. This includes California, New York, Massachusetts, Michigan and Utah. In San Francisco, it is also illegal to have a balisong with a blade that is over two inches long.
The US States Where Butterfly knives are illegal:
Here is a list of states where butterfly knives are illegal:
Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana. Nebraska. Nevada. New Hampshire. New Jersey. New Mexico. New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah Vermont.
This list is also valid for Balisongs knives.
The Real Reason Balisongs- Butterfly Knives are Illegal
Are Butterfly Knives Dangerous?
Butterfly knives are considered dangerous weapons in many areas because they can be opened very quickly using one hand. This makes them an ideal weapon for self-defense, and also means that they can be easily concealed.
Butterfly knives are often described as a “gravity knife”, an illegal type of pocketknife in New York, which has been used to arrest law-abiding citizens. In reality, butterfly knives are completely different from gravity knives, and entirely safe to own if they are not being misused.
Legal Implications of Butterfly Knife Laws:
Many people misunderstand the laws regarding butterfly knives, and as a result, end up being arrested or fined when they are simply carrying a legal knife. It is important to be aware of your state and local laws regarding butterfly knives, and to consult an attorney if you have any questions.
Penalties for Possessing a Butterfly Knife:
In most states, the penalty for possession of a butterfly knife is a misdemeanor charge. However, in some states (such as New York), the charge can be a felony. If you are convicted of a felony charge for possession of a butterfly knife, you could face imprisonment and expensive fines.
It is important to remember that even if your state does not have specific laws regarding butterfly knives, there may still be local ordinances in place that make butterfly knives illegal. Be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency to find out more.
If you are considering purchasing a butterfly knife, it is important to do your research and make sure that it is legal to own in your state. If you have any questions, please consult an attorney.
What You Can Do If You Are Stopped for Carrying a Butterfly Knife:
If you are stopped and questioned by law enforcement officials for carrying a butterfly knife, you should be polite and respectful. You do not need to answer any questions that law enforcement officials ask you, and you have the right to remain silent. If you are arrested, you should contact an attorney immediately.
It is important to remember that even if your state does not have specific laws regarding butterfly knives, there may still be local ordinances in place that make butterfly knives illegal. Be sure to check with your local law enforcement agency to find out more.
If you are considering purchasing a butterfly knife, it is important to do your research and make sure that it is legal to own in your state. If you have any questions, please consult an attorney.
Conclusion
There is very little legal information available regarding butterfly knives. Because they’re banned in at least 9 states and illegal to carry in New York, it’s vital that you learn your local laws and consult an attorney if you have questions.
Other: It is important to see the law as a minimum guideline for how to behave – especially if you believe what you’re carrying is only seen as a toy by yourself and those around you. It’s always best to be safe and not risk being arrested, even if the law is on your side.