Restrictions on Carrying a Bowie Knife

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Restrictions on Carrying a Bowie Knife

One of the great joys of having a Bowie knife is showing it off. Bowie knives are elegant weapons, versatile tools and represent one of the legendary items associated with the American Frontier. In fact, it is not exaggerating to say that the Bowie knife is as much an American legend as is the claymore a Scottish one.

A state's gun laws are not a reliable way to determine its knife laws. Texas, for instance, is fairly well-known for having permissive gun laws, as is Arizona. In Texas, however, a Bowie knife is illegal for public carry. In Arizona, it's legal in most places. Even in a state where it is legal, however, there are conditions. If one is in a private place where weapons are prohibited in Arizona, they are obligated by law to not carry their knife on the premises.

Federal property is always off-limits. Never carry Bowie knives into post offices, court houses or onto any other official property. Schools and hospitals are always off-limits, as well. Even though American society allows individuals to bear arms, it is easy to see why society has declared such areas to be weapon-free zones. On private property, make sure that the owner has no prohibitions on weapons before entering. This is polite and good practice for following the law.

In some states, it will be permissible to carry Bowie knives on one's person, so long as they are visible. Some states have knife laws that basically allow one to carry any size of knife as long as anyone and everyone can see it. Concealment of a knife will cause legal problems in such jurisdictions.

Many individuals make some mistaken assumptions about carrying laws. Where Bowie knives are concerned, one may be under federal, state, city or private obligations at any time. For example, carrying one's Bowie on one's hip on the street may be fine in a certain town but will become a crime if one enters an establishment that serves alcohol. One may be able to openly carry in their neighborhood but still find themselves afoul of the law if they stray too close to a school zone while armed. The best way to find out what laws apply is to check with one's local and state law enforcement. In any area where weapons are generally prohibited, a Bowie knife should not be carried. Though these knives are tools, there is no denying that they are weapons, as well.