TN knife laws

[Guest forklift]

Looking to get a sticky for legal info regarding TN knife carry.

This is a great resource for knives and general weapon info in TN (just used the search box for 'knife', 'weapon' or similar): Legal Resources

Summary below of various laws regarding knife carry. I did not compile the list below. Rather it is taken from http://knife-expert.com/tn.txt

Further

Tennessee updated 1/14/2006

EXCERPTS

39-17-1301. Part definitions.

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:

(1) "Club" means any instrument that is specially designed, made or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with the instrument;

(2) "Crime of violence" includes any degree of murder, voluntary manslaughter, aggravated rape, rape, especially aggravated robbery, aggravated robbery, burglary, aggravated assault or aggravated kidnapping;

(6) "Immediate vicinity" refers to the area within the person's immediate control within which the person has ready access to the ammunition;

(7) "Knife" means any bladed hand instrument that is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person with the instrument;

(8) "Knuckles" means any instrument that consists of finger rings or guards made of a hard substance and that is designed, made or adapted for the purpose of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by striking a person with a fist enclosed in the knuckles;

(14) "Switchblade knife" means any knife that has a blade which opens automatically by:

(A) Hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle; or

( Operation of gravity or inertia;

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, § 1; 2001, ch. 375, §§ 1, 2.]

*

39-17-1302. Prohibited weapons.

(a) A person commits an offense who intentionally or knowingly possesses, manufactures, transports, repairs or sells:

(7) A switchblade knife or knuckles; or

(8) Any other implement for infliction of serious bodily injury or death which has no common lawful purpose.

( It is a defense to prosecution under this section that the person's conduct:

(1) Was incident to the performance of official duty and pursuant to military regulations in the army, navy, air force, coast guard or marine service of the United States or the Tennessee national guard, or was incident to the performance of official duty in a governmental law enforcement agency or a penal institution;

(2) Was incident to engaging in a lawful commercial or business transaction with an organization identified in subdivision ((1);

(4) Was incident to using the weapon in a manner reasonably related to a lawful dramatic performance or scientific research;

(5) Was incident to displaying the weapon in a public museum or exhibition;

(6) Was licensed by the state of Tennessee as a manufacturer, importer or dealer in weapons; provided, that the manufacture, import, purchase, possession, sale or disposition of weapons is authorized and incident to carrying on the business for which licensed and is for scientific or research purposes or sale or disposition to the organization designated in subdivision ((1); or

© It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section which the person must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that:

(1) The person's conduct was relative to dealing with the weapon solely as a curio, ornament or keepsake, and if the weapon is a type described in subdivisions (a)(1)-(5), that it was in a nonfunctioning condition and could not readily be made operable; or

(2) The possession was brief and occurred as a consequence of having found the weapon or taken it from an aggressor.

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, §§ 2, 11; 2001, ch. 375, §§ 3, 4; 2002, ch. 849, § 5.]

*

39-17-1306. Carrying weapons during judicial proceedings.

(a) No person shall intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carry on or about the person while inside any room in which judicial proceedings are in progress any weapon prohibited by § 39-17-1302(a), for the purpose of going armed; provided, that if the weapon carried is a firearm, the person is in violation of this section regardless of whether such weapon is carried for the purpose of going armed.

( Any person violating subsection (a) commits a Class E felony.

© The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to any person who:

(1) Is in the actual discharge of official duties as a law enforcement officer, or is employed in the army, air force, navy, coast guard or marine service of the United States or any member of the Tennessee national guard in the line of duty and pursuant to military regulations, or is in the actual discharge of official duties as a guard employed by a penal institution, or as a bailiff, marshal or other court officer who has responsibility for protecting persons or property or providing security; or

(2) Has been directed by a court to bring the firearm for purposes of providing evidence.

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, § 5; 2000, ch. 988, § 2.]

*

39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.

(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.

(2) An offense under subdivision (a)(1) is a Class C misdemeanor, except it is a Class A misdemeanor if the person's carrying of a handgun occurred at a place open to the public where one (1) or more persons were present.

( (1) A person commits an offense who possesses a handgun and:

(A) Has been convicted of a felony involving the use or attempted use of force, violence or a deadly weapon; or

( Has been convicted of a felony drug offense.

© (1) A person commits an offense who possesses any deadly weapon with intent to employ it in the commission of or escape from an offense.

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, § 6.]

*

39-17-1308. Defenses to unlawful possession or carrying of a weapon.

(a) It is a defense to the application of § 39-17-1307 if the possession or carrying was:

(1) Of an unloaded rifle, shotgun or handgun not concealed on or about the person and the ammunition for the weapon was not in the immediate vicinity of the person or weapon;

(2) By a person authorized to possess or carry a firearm pursuant to § 39-17-1315 or § 39-17-1351;

(3) At the person's:

(A) Place of residence;

( Place of business; or

© Premises;

(4) Incident to lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or other lawful activity;

(5) By a person possessing a rifle or shotgun while engaged in the lawful protection of livestock from predatory animals;

(6) By a Tennessee valley authority officer who holds a valid commission from the commissioner of safety pursuant to this part while such officer is in the performance of the officer's official duties;

(7) By a state, county or municipal judge or any federal judge or any federal or county magistrate;

(8) By a person possessing a club/baton who holds a valid state security officer/guard registration card as a private security officer/guard, issued by the commissioner, and who also has certification that such officer has had training in the use of club/baton which is valid and issued by a person certified to give training in the use of clubs/batons;

(9) By any person possessing a club/baton who holds a certificate that the person has had training in the use of a club/baton for self-defense which is valid and issued by a certified person authorized to give training in the use of clubs/batons, and is not prohibited from purchasing a firearm under any local, state or federal laws; or

(10) By any out-of-state, full-time, commissioned law enforcement officer who holds a valid commission card from the appropriate out-of-state law enforcement agency and a photo identification; provided, that if no such valid commission card and photo identification are retained, then it shall be unlawful for such officer to carry firearms in this state and the provisions of this section shall not apply. The defense provided by this subpart shall only be applicable if the state where the out-of-state officer is employed has entered into a reciprocity agreement with this state that allows a full-time, commissioned law enforcement officer in Tennessee to lawfully carry or possess a weapon in such other state.

( The defenses described in this section are not available to persons described in § 39-17-1307((1). [convicted felons]

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, § 7; 1993, ch. 200, § 1; 1996, ch. 1009, §§ 20, 21; 1997, ch. 476, § 3; 1999, ch. 295, § 1; 2003, ch. 144, § 2.]

*

39-17-1309. Carrying weapons on school property.

(a) As used in this section, "weapon of like kind" includes razors and razor blades, except those used solely for personal shaving, and any sharp pointed or edged instrument, except unaltered nail files and clips and tools used solely for preparation of food, instruction and maintenance.

( (1) It is an offense for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to go armed, any firearm, explosive, explosive weapon, bowie knife, hawk bill knife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot, leaded cane, switchblade knife, blackjack, knuckles or any other weapon of like kind, not used solely for instructional or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in any public or private school building or bus, on any public or private school campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic field or any other property owned, used or operated by any board of education, school, college or university board of trustees, regents or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution.

(2) A violation of this subsection ( is a Class E felony.

© (1) It is an offense for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, any firearm, not used solely for instructional or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in any public or private school building or bus, on any public or private school campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic field or any other property owned, used or operated by any board of education, school, college or university board of trustees, regents or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution. It is not an offense under this subsection © for a nonstudent adult to possess a firearm, if such firearm is contained within a private vehicle operated by the adult and is not handled by such adult, or by any other person acting with the expressed or implied consent of such adult, while such vehicle is on school property.

(2) A violation of this subsection © is a Class B misdemeanor.

(d) (1) Each chief administrator of a public or private school shall display in prominent locations about the school a sign, at least six inches (6") high and fourteen inches (14") wide, stating:

FELONY. STATE LAW PRESCRIBES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF SIX (6) YEARS IMPRISONMENT AND A FINE NOT TO EXCEED THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($3,000) FOR CARRYING WEAPONS ON SCHOOL PROPERTY.

(2) As used in this subsection (d), "prominent locations" about a school includes, but is not limited to, sports arenas, gymnasiums, stadiums and cafeterias.

(e) The provisions of subsections ( and © do not apply to the following persons:

(1) Persons employed in the army, air force, navy, coast guard or marine service of the United States or any member of the Tennessee national guard when in discharge of their official duties and acting under orders requiring them to carry arms or weapons;

(2) Civil officers of the United States in the discharge of their official duties;

(3) Officers and soldiers of the militia and the national guard when called into actual service;

(4) Officers of the state, or of any county, city or town, charged with the enforcement of the laws of the state, when in the discharge of their official duties;

(5) Any pupils who are members of the reserve officers training corps or pupils enrolled in a course of instruction or members of a club or team, and who are required to carry arms or weapons in the discharge of their official class or team duties;

(6) Any private police employed by the administration or board of trustees of any public or private institution of higher education in the discharge of their duties; and

(7) Any registered security officer/guard who meets the requirements of title 62, chapter 35, and who is discharging such officer's official duties.

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, § 8; 1991, ch. 510, §§ 1-3; 1996, ch. 1009, § 24.]

*

39-17-1310. Affirmative defense to carrying weapons on school property.

It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under § 39-17-1309(a)-(d) that the person's behavior was in strict compliance with the requirements of one (1) of the following classifications:

(1) A person hunting during the lawful hunting season on lands owned by any public or private educational institution and designated as open to hunting by the administrator of the educational institution;

(2) A person possessing unloaded hunting weapons while transversing the grounds of any public or private educational institution for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting with the intent to hunt on such public or private lands unless the lands of the educational institution are posted prohibiting such entry;

(3) A person possessing guns or knives when conducting or attending "gun and knife shows" and such program has been approved by the administrator of the educational institution; or

(4) A person entering the property for the sole purpose of delivering or picking up passengers and who does not remove, utilize or allow to be removed or utilized any weapon from the vehicle.

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1991, ch. 510, § 4.]

*

39-17-1311. Carrying weapons on public parks, playgrounds, civic centers and other public recreational buildings and grounds.

(a) It is an offense for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to go armed, any weapon prohibited by § 39-17-1302(a), not used solely for instructional, display or sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in or on the grounds of any public park, playground, civic center or other building facility, area or property owned, used or operated by any municipal, county or state government, or instrumentality thereof, for recreational purposes.

( The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to the following persons:

(1) Persons employed in the army, air force, navy, coast guard or marine service of the United States or any member of the Tennessee national guard when in discharge of their official duties and acting under orders requiring them to carry arms or weapons;

(2) Civil officers of the United States in the discharge of their official duties;

(3) Officers and soldiers of the militia and the national guard when called into actual service;

(4) Officers of the state, or of any county, city or town, charged with the enforcement of the laws of the state, in the discharge of their official duties;

(5) Any pupils who are members of the reserve officers training corps or pupils enrolled in a course of instruction or members of a club or team, and who are required to carry arms or weapons in the discharge of their official class or team duties;

(6) Any private police employed by the municipality, county, state or instrumentality thereof in the discharge of their duties; and

(7) Also, only to the extent a person strictly conforms such person's behavior to the requirements of one (1) of the following classifications:

(A) A person hunting during the lawful hunting season on lands owned by any municipality, county, state or instrumentality thereof and designated as open to hunting by law or by the appropriate official;

( A person possessing unloaded hunting weapons while transversing the grounds of any such public recreational building or property for the purpose of gaining access to public or private lands open to hunting with the intent to hunt on the public or private lands unless the public recreational building or property is posted prohibiting such entry;

© A person possessing guns or knives when conducting or attending "gun and knife shows" when such program has been approved by the administrator of the recreational building or property;

(D) A person entering the property for the sole purpose of delivering or picking up passengers and who does not remove any weapon from the vehicle or utilize it in any manner;

(E) A person who possesses or carries a firearm for the purpose of sport or target shooting and sport or target shooting is permitted in such park or recreational area; or

(8) A registered security officer/guard, who meets the requirements of title 62, chapter 35, while in the performance of such officer's duties;

At such time as such person's behavior no longer strictly conforms to one (1) of such classifications, such person shall be subject to the provisions of subsection (a).

© (1) Each chief administrator of public recreational property shall display in prominent locations about such place a sign, at least six inches (6") high and fourteen inches (14") wide, stating:

MISDEMEANOR. STATE LAW PRESCRIBES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF ELEVEN (11) MONTHS AND TWENTY-NINE (29) DAYS AND A FINE NOT TO EXCEED TWO THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($2,500) FOR CARRYING WEAPONS ON OR IN PUBLIC RECREATIONAL PROPERTY.

(2) As used in this subsection ©, "prominent locations" about public recreational property includes, but is not limited to, all entrances to such property, any such building or structure located on such property, such as restrooms, picnic areas, sports facilities, welcome centers, gift shops, playgrounds, swimming pools, restaurants and parking lots.

(3) The legislative body of any municipality or committee appointed by such body to regulate public recreational property may exempt public recreational property located within its jurisdiction from the requirements of subdivision ©(1).

(d) A violation of this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

[Acts 1989, ch. 591, § 1; 1990, ch. 1029, § 9; 1993, ch. 480, §§ 1-3; 1996, ch. 1009, § 23.]

*

39-17-1322. Defenses.

A person shall not be charged with or convicted of a violation under this part if the person possessed, displayed or employed a handgun in justifiable self-defense or in justifiable defense of another during the commission of a crime in which that person or the other person defended was a victim.

[Acts 1994, ch. 943, § 1.]

*

39-17-1351. Handgun carry permits.

(a) The citizens of this state have a right to keep and bear arms for their common defense; but the general assembly has the power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime.

( Except as provided in subsection ®, any resident of Tennessee who is a United States citizen or permanent lawful resident, as defined by § 55-50-102(30), who has reached twenty-one (21) years of age, may apply to the department of safety for a handgun carry permit...

(n) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (n)(2), a permit issued pursuant to this section shall be good for four (4) years and shall entitle the permit holder to carry any handgun or handguns that the permit holder legally owns or possesses. The permit holder shall have the permit in the holder's immediate possession at all times when carrying a handgun and shall display the permit on demand of a law enforcement officer...

® (1) A facially valid handgun permit, firearms permit, weapons permit or license issued by another state shall be valid in this state according to its terms and shall be treated as if it is a handgun permit issued by this state; provided, however, the provisions of this subsection ® shall not be construed to authorize the holder of any such out-of-state permit or license to carry, in this state, any firearm or weapon other than a handgun.

(2) For a person to lawfully carry a handgun in this state based upon a permit or license issued in another state, the person must be in possession of the permit or license at all times such person carries a handgun in this state.

[Acts 1996, ch. 905, § 3; 1997, ch. 476, § 1; 2000, ch. 947, § 8C; 2001, ch. 218, § 1; 2002, ch. 601, § 1; 2003, ch. 300, §§ 1, 2; 2003, ch. 349, §§ 1, 2; 2004, ch. 483, §§ 1, 2; 2004, ch. 776, § 1; 2005, ch. 343, § 1; 2005, ch. 423, § 1.]

* * * * * *

Tennessee Case Law (as of 1996):

- "The general assembly has the power to prohibit the keeping

or bearing of weapons dangerous to the peace and safety of

the citizenry." (1840; 1878)

- "The constitutional right to bear arms refers only to

military arms or arms useful in the common defense."

(1840; 1872)

- "The purpose of the former provisions was to discourage the

using of certain weapons which tend to lead to crime."

(1957)

- "The terms 'other knife or weapon of like form, shape, or

size of a bowie knife or Arkansas toothpick,' used in the

former provisions were not too indefinite to be

enforced..." (1844; 1928)

- "It was not necessary to a conviction under the former

provisions that the weapon carried be concealed about the

person, except if it was a razor..." (1914)

- "Butterfly or Balisong knives are not switchblades..."

(1986)

Edited June 29, 2010 by forklift

[Guest Jamie]

Tennessee Case Law (as of 1996):

- "The general assembly has the power to prohibit the keeping

or bearing of weapons dangerous to the peace and safety of

the citizenry." (1840; 1878)

- "The constitutional right to bear arms refers only to

military arms or arms useful in the common defense."

(1840; 1872)

- "The purpose of the former provisions was to discourage the

using of certain weapons which tend to lead to crime."

(1957)

- "The terms 'other knife or weapon of like form, shape, or

size of a bowie knife or Arkansas toothpick,' used in the

former provisions were not too indefinite to be

enforced..." (1844; 1928)

- "It was not necessary to a conviction under the former

provisions that the weapon carried be concealed about the

person, except if it was a razor..." (1914)

- "Butterfly or Balisong knives are not switchblades..."

(1986)

I've been wondering how much of this sort of stuff will also eventually get changed or done away with, now that "to keep and bear arms" is an individual right, and has been incorporated against the states.

After all, a knife, axe, hatchet, or any number of other common items ARE considered a weapon - or arm. And although the thoughts and arguments lately have been concerning firearms, these things are subject to the same rules.

J.

[Guest forklift]

You're right, I'm hoping a lot of these types of laws will change.

[enfield]

We can change the laws in Tennessee - we can legalize the carrying of any knife, clubs, billies, slapjacks and knuckle-dusters. All we have to do is unite and let our legislators know what we want.

We don't have to wait for God to descend from Washington and hand it to us.

[MacGyver]

We can change the laws in Tennessee - we can legalize the carrying of any knife, clubs, billies, slapjacks and knuckle-dusters. All we have to do is unite and let our legislators know what we want.

We don't have to wait for God to descend from Washington and hand it to us.

I was thinking about this the other day when I saw that the govenor of New Hampshipe signed a new bill into law making switchblades and other autos legal.

I started checking into the laws, and come to find out, both California and New York are ahead of us on this issue. They both allow autos in some form or fashion for both possession and carry.

Maybe we could forward a copy of the New Hampshire law over to some of our reps?

[Guest Jamie]

We can change the laws in Tennessee - we can legalize the carrying of any knife, clubs, billies, slapjacks and knuckle-dusters. All we have to do is unite and let our legislators know what we want.

We don't have to wait for God to descend from Washington and hand it to us.

Yup, we could do that. And end up with something regarding knives and such that looks a whole lot like that "Restaurant carry" abomination we just got saddled with.

Or, using the rulings we've gotten from SCOTUS these last couple of years, have all the "thou shalt not" laws knocked off the books for being unconstitutional.

Either one will probably take about the same amount of work and length of time, but I'm thinking the results might be more satisfactory with option no. 2 there.

J.

[enfield]

I agree with you - fewer laws, not more.

[hso]

New Hampshire didn't just decriminalize switchblades, but all knives. Length, type, shape, mechanism are all irrelevant now. Their success provides a blueprint for other states.

[Guest forklift]

I've already emailed Governor Bredesen about it. Now you guys need to hit him up, too!

Dear Governor Bredesen,

I believe that you are indeed looking after the safety and security of law-abiding TN residents and I thank you for expanding/updating Castle Law (HB 1907) in 2007. It is evident that you recognize the importance of ensuring that citizens have the options and rights to protect themselves when criminals attack.

As I am sure you are aware, the Supreme Court recently voted the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as being applied to the States by the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Our current TN Case Law states differently and needs updating.

Please notice that the sections mentioned below include outdated knife laws. You might also be aware that Governor John Lynch of New Hampshire signing Rep. Jenn Coffey’s Knife Rights Bill into law on 18 May 2010, making all knives regardless of length, type, shape, and mechanism legal. I humbly urge you to use this same type of deregulation regarding TN’s current knife law and allow citizens to also carry clubs, batons, knuckles, and other such common self defense tools without the need for certification.

Tennessee Case Law (as of 1996):

- "The general assembly has the power to prohibit the keeping

or bearing of weapons dangerous to the peace and safety of

the citizenry." (1840; 1878)

- "The constitutional right to bear arms refers only to

military arms or arms useful in the common defense."

(1840; 1872)

- "The purpose of the former provisions was to discourage the

using of certain weapons which tend to lead to crime."

(1957)

- "The terms 'other knife or weapon of like form, shape, or

size of a bowie knife or Arkansas toothpick,' used in the

former provisions were not too indefinite to be

enforced..." (1844; 1928)

- "It was not necessary to a conviction under the former

provisions that the weapon carried be concealed about the

person, except if it was a razor..." (1914)

- "Butterfly or Balisong knives are not switchblades..."

(1986)

39-17-1307. Unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon.

(a) (1) A person commits an offense who carries with the intent to go armed a firearm, a knife with a blade length exceeding four inches (4"), or a club.

Sincerely,

[Bassoneer]

OK...I have a question. Last night I took some teenage boys to a concert at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum (it was loud). It was a Christian concert (Chris Tomlin and Toby Mac), so there was not an issue with drugs, et al. However, we did go through something that resembled metal detectors (although I don't think they were actual working metal detectors). Nothing was posted anywhere that I saw that said you could or could not take this or that into the coliseum, but we were asked to take everything out of our pockets for the security guards to look at. I had the typical stuff, including a Spyderco folding knife, with about a 3" blade. The guards had a lot of discussion about that, and the guy in charge looked at me and said "I'm going to look the other way...keep it in your pocket". So...I just went on in...I guess I look like an old fart and didn't look like a gangster. I am still wondering though what the rules were...nobody told me you couldn't have a knife in your pocket when going to a concert...maybe that's tribal knowledge by those that attend regularly, but I almost never go to stuff like that. I usually don't even go out after dark. I always have a gun with me, but I remembered not to take a firearm into the Civic Coliseum...I knew that was against the rules, but what are the rules about a pocket knife at a concert in the Coliseum?

Thanks,

[Oh Shoot]

..., but what are the rules about a pocket knife at a concert in the Coliseum?..

No state law against any knife except switchblades and those with blades > 4 inches. No provision for posting to disallow them.

Can't find any Knoxville city ordinance allowing banning of knives on any city property, parks or otherwise.

Municode - Search

Might be a good cause for someone with some bucks and time on his hands to challenge.

But of course they do, such as City/County Bldg itself. You won't get in there with a 1" blade on a key chain.

Knoxville DOES still have the same archaic ordinance on books that Kwik "obeyed" in Belle Meade, maybe that's a fallback defense of their actions, I don't know:

"Sec. 19-104. - Carrying dangerous weapon.

Any person who shall carry in any manner whatever, with the intent to go armed, any razor, dirk, bowie knife or other knife of like form, shape or size, sword cane, icepick, slingshot, blackjack, brass knuckles, Spanish stiletto, or fountain pen pistol or gun, or like instrument containing a firing pin and capable of shooting tear gas or pistol cartridges, or any pistol or revolver of any kind whatever, except an Army or Navy pistol which shall be carried openly in the hand, or any other dangerous weapon, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor."

- OS

[Guest forklift]

Had a response from the Governor this morning in my inbox:

July 12, 2010

Dear Kevin:

Thank you for your message expressing your support for changes in Tennessee's laws related to knife ownership. I appreciate hearing from you.

Throughout my time as Governor, my administration has remained committed to reviewing, recommending and implementing effective policy changes for Tennessee. As I near the end of my term, we will continue to work to work to make the right choices for the future of our state. Your observations merit serious consideration. and I genuinely appreciate your advice.

Again, thank you for sharing your opinion on this topic.

Warmest regards,

Phil Bredesen

[hso]

Keep in mind that any venue can prohibit the carrying of any type of knife as an exercise of their right as property owner.

They're under no obligation to post either (obviously there are state posting requirements for firearms that to some extent act as preemption).

Since you're not breaking any law by carrying a sub-4" blade pocket knife the only legal issue would be if the property owner or their representative asked you to leave making you subject to a trespassing charge if you didn't cooperate.

[Guest id1228]

I remembered not to take a firearm into the Civic Coliseum...I knew that was against the rules, but what are the rules about a pocket knife at a concert in the Coliseum?

Just for future reference of anyone else who ends up here like I did last week when trying to decide if I could carry into Knoxville Civic Coliseum to last weeks circus, they are NOT POSTED but carry is against their rules. However...

Upon review of their Policies (Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum - Event Policies) they state they don't allow firearms, even with a permit and that you will not be allowed to enter. Earlier in the policy it states everyone must submit to a search or will also not be allowed to enter. At this event, there was almost zero police presence and no one was questioned or searched. Not sure if this has to due with the lack of alcohol being served or what (I'm sure there wasn't any at the Chris Tomlin concert either though).

Due to the leniency of their firearm policy below it's probably worth trying to make it in concealed since at worst you'll just be asked to go back and leave it in your car.

Fire Arms/Weapons: No persons except local, state and federal law enforcement officials are permitted to bring weapons of any kind into Knoxville Civic Auditorium Coliseum. Guests with a weapon and a concealed handgun permit are not allowed to enter the Knoxville Civic Auditorium Coliseum. Anyone with a weapon will be instructed to return to his or her vehicle, or make other arrangements with the Knoxville Police Officer in charge of the event. Weapons will not be checked into the security office. Guests who refuse to follow this policy will be given a refund on their tickets and asked to leave the premises.

[Oh Shoot]

Just for future reference of anyone else who ends up here like I did last week when trying to decide if I could carry into Knoxville Civic Coliseum to last weeks circus, they are NOT POSTED but carry is against their rules....

I'd say it's covered by Knoxville's pre-1986 ordinance banning firearms in parks/recreational property.

From Knoxville Municipal Code:

"Park means a park, reservation, playground, beach, recreation center or any other area in the city owned, leased or used by the city and devoted to active or passive recreation. "

- OS

[Cherokee Slim]

Seems to me I remember something about people with limited hand movement being able to use a switchblade type knife. I can't remember when or where I heard it. I do know that i would never have arrested someone with one arm for example for having a switchblade. Whether that was just common sense, THP policy or a legal opinion I disremember. All officers have a great amount of freedom in what they arrest for. Common sense on their part and a respectful attitude on the knife carriers part go a long way.

Cherokee Slim

[LeadWaster]

You would think that those of us with HCP would be able to carry about whatever knife we want, but common sense isn't in great abundance in our government. As I understand, it's against the law for me to even OWN a switchblade? Not talking about carrying, just owning? Also, if I were to sell one, I couldn't ship it to them? I go to knife shows and see all kinds of automatics, police officers walking around (looking at the goodies just like me), and nothing is ever said about the automatics. Seems to not be an issue. I take it this isn't enforced unless you are in some other type of trouble, or doing something illegal with an automatic.

[Guest KCSTEVE]

Strange.

Why is a fixed blade less dangerous than a switchblade?

[LeadWaster]

I suspect it's because a switchblade is easier to conceal. But, how is a concealed switchblade more of a problem than a concealed handgun (provided you have a HCP)? Aren't there regulations prohibiting the carry of double edge blades as well?

[Oh Shoot]

... As I understand, it's against the law for me to even OWN a switchblade? Not talking about carrying, just owning?..

One lawyer's opinion on this site aside, my lawyer buds say that the "curio, ornament or keepsake" exception is generally ample for owning switchblades. Hence why switchblade sellers are not hassled at gun shows, at least in 21st century towns.

I suspect it's because a switchblade is easier to conceal.

Just how is that so? I have 5 knives on me right now, all completely concealed. Hell, one is in my freaking wallet.

Aren't there regulations prohibiting the carry of double edge blades as well?

No.

- OS

[LeadWaster]

Thanks OhShoot. I don't really buy the "easier to conceal" either. I've got spring assist opening knives that open faster and easier than a lot of switchblades! I think the laws aren't based on any real issues, but more on perceptions than anything. "Switchblade" has a negative connotation to most of the population. Maybe we'll get some laws changed in the future, but I'm not holding my breath.

[DaveTN]

X

Edited March 7, 2011 by DaveTN

[Guest Wiggy]

So if I'm reading this correctly, it's fine for someone to carry a knife with a blade over four inches if they're legally hunting, fishing, or camping, as long as it's not a switchblade? If so, then that's good news for me since all my hunting and camping knives have blades that are over four inches.

Also, it seems silly that an HCP doesn't allow a person to carry a baton or a knife with a blade over four inches. I wonder what they were thinking when they made those laws?

Edited March 11, 2011 by Wiggy

[Oh Shoot]

So if I'm reading this correctly, it's fine for someone to carry a knife with a blade over four inches if they're legally hunting, fishing, or camping, as long as it's not a switchblade? ...

Correct.

"Incident to lawful hunting, trapping, fishing, camping, sport shooting or other lawful activity".

Of course the other lawful activity does not include "going armed". Clear?

- OS

[Guest FordMan]

I'm glad I saw this. I didn't know you couldn't carry a knife over 4''. Does this apply when hunting also??