So You Wanna Be Washington's Wolverine? A Guide to Knife Carry for Every Chuck Norris Wannabe (Age Restrictions Apply)
Ah, Washington. The land of majestic evergreens, grunge music, and... apparently a whole lot of folks who like to carry knives. But before you channel your inner Edward Scissorhands, there are a few things you should sheath your excitement for and learn about the law.
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| How Old Do You Have To Be To Carry A Knife In Washington |
Buckle Up, Buttercup: Age Ain't Everything (But It's Something)
There's no minimum age to own a knife in Washington. That's right, you could technically be rocking a spork-sized butter knife at the tender age of 5 (although, that might raise some eyebrows at daycare). However, when it comes to carrying a knife in public, things get a bit more, shall we say, pointed.
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Here's the gist:
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- Minors (under 18): The law looks at you like you might use your pocketknife to conquer a box of fruit snacks rather than a villain. You can definitely own a knife, but carrying it in public could land you in a conversation with a friendly (or not-so-friendly) police officer. Think of it as a "home-use hero" situation.
- Adults (18 and over): Congratulations! You've graduated to pointy-object patrol! But before you go all Rambo, there are still some restrictions to keep in mind.
Important Note: We're talking about lawful carry here. Don't even think about rocking a broadsword to the grocery store – that's a recipe for disaster (and possibly a starring role on "Cops").
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Not All Knives Are Created Equal (Especially When It Comes to Concealment)
Washington isn't a huge fan of folks sneaking around with hidden blades. So, while you can generally carry a folding knife openly (think pocketknife), concealed carry is a different story.
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- Automatic knives (think switchblades): These are a big no-no for concealed carry. Keep them at home for show-and-tell, not self-defense on the go.
- Daggers and dirks: Unless you're headed to a Renaissance Faire, leave these fantasy weapons at home. Concealed carry is a big nope.
Remember: This is just a taste of the knife laws. Always check with local ordinances, because cities and counties might have additional restrictions.
FAQ: You've Got Questions, We've Got (Short) Answers
- How to become a knife-carrying ninja in Washington? Sorry, buddy. Ninjas are sneaky and Washington frowns on concealed blades (for most folks).
- How to tell if my spork-sized butter knife is legal to carry? If it can double as a comb, you're probably good at home. But maybe skip the public carry.
- How to convince my mom a throwing knife collection is a good idea? This one's a tough one. Maybe focus on a less- pointy hobby?
- How to avoid a chat with law enforcement about my pocketknife? Be open about it, use it responsibly, and maybe avoid reenacting fight scenes from your favorite action movie.
- How to make sure I'm following all the Washington knife laws? Consult a lawyer or check out resources from the Washington State Legislature (http://leg.wa.gov/).
There you have it, folks! A crash course in Washington's knife carry laws. Remember, knowledge is power (and way cooler than a dull butter knife). Now go forth and conquer... responsibly!
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