Thread: How many people CCW here?

Originally Posted by Bruno

Personally I would like to carry a decent fixed blade knife concealed under my arm.
Sadly, that is not allowed here. Even my spyderco delica is pushing it a bit.

Funny thing, here in VA, USA. A concealed fix blade knife is also illegal.

Openly carried knives and guns are both legal. Concealed guns are allowed with permit.

It's about the same here in TX. With a license you can carry a handgun concealed but not open, but (depending on the area) you can carry a fix blade knife openly. I don't suggest doing that in the big cities but in a farming or ranching area it's fairly common. I use a folder though, less hassle with liberal nutjobs that way. Gun wise, I carry a full sized Springfield XD 40, I've replaced the guide rod with a laser sight, as far as holsters go I usually use a Smartcarry holster. I'm looking for a few different options though.

I never understood that about the US. Here in Belgium, offensive weapons are illegal to carry.
Guns are illegal, so by extension the knife ban (not banned to have them or use them, but carrying them for use as a weapon) is logical.

In the US, handguns are legal to CCW (subject to the regulations etc) but knives aren't, even though guns are much more dangerous to bystanders and the public at large. Knives can be more dangerous in close combat, buy you don't hear of knife-killing sprees, and in a confrontation, there is virtually no risk to bystanders either. And accidents are much less likely as well.

It doesn't really make sense imo.
Carrying a fixed blade openly (for use as a weapon) is silly imo because anyone close to you can draw it before you do.

Whether you do, or don't, carry a concealed weapon, why tell people? You are simply advertising to people that you are either unarmed (not smart to advise people of your vulnerability), or that you are armed, and that they should preemptively shoot you (also not smart). Keep it to yourself, and be secure.

I have to agree with you on that mhailey. In person, noone knows that I carry, but online it doesn't really matter, I'll never see any of you and Y'all have never see me. But you do have a good point.

Bruno, knives are not illegal to carry, just certain knives. Fixed bladed knives are stronger and usually have longer blades compared to a folder. Most states have length laws on how long the blades can be even on folders. In Texas I believe that the limit is 4 inches or about the width of the average hand not including thumb. Where I live I see people carrying all kinds of knives of all lengths, But I live in a mostly farming and ranching area it's common. Knives are tools, just like hammers, screwdrivers, and pliers it's all about the use. I don't go anywhere without a blade on me. Not for defense but because they are very handy to have around.

I currently carry a concealed fixed blade IWB every day unless I'm in uniform. In MO the law is under 4 inches and I dont think there is a blade width limit. I carry it because until a few months ago I couldn't carry a pistol because I lived in IL. Most people close to me know I carry and I will talk to people I know about it and explain why I do. But the average person on the street or the people I'm not close to have no clue I carry anything but a folder thats clipped on my pocket

Originally Posted by Bruno

I never understood that about the US. Here in Belgium, offensive weapons are illegal to carry.
Guns are illegal, so by extension the knife ban (not banned to have them or use them, but carrying them for use as a weapon) is logical.

In the US, handguns are legal to CCW (subject to the regulations etc) but knives aren't, even though guns are much more dangerous to bystanders and the public at large. Knives can be more dangerous in close combat, buy you don't hear of knife-killing sprees, and in a confrontation, there is virtually no risk to bystanders either. And accidents are much less likely as well.

It doesn't really make sense imo.
Carrying a fixed blade openly (for use as a weapon) is silly imo because anyone close to you can draw it before you do.

At the risk of sounding political. Laws are often motivated to target the criminal more than the physical danger of one item over another. Blackjacks and batons are banned in most places too. Lawmakers want a reason to take people they suspect off the streets before they potentially cause violence. As you accurately point out, openly carried fixed blades are not a good weapon, so they are allowed.

Guns have a special value to Americans and thus their protected status is a separate issue altogether.

Originally Posted by wrxguyusa

At the risk of sounding political. Laws are often motivated to target the criminal more than the physical danger of one item over another. Blackjacks and batons are banned in most places too. Lawmakers want a reason to take people they suspect off the streets before they potentially cause violence. As you accurately point out, openly carried fixed blades are not a good weapon, so they are allowed.

Guns have a special value to Americans and thus their protected status is a separate issue altogether.

Fairly well said.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Personally I would like to carry a decent fixed blade knife concealed under my arm.
Sadly, that is not allowed here. Even my spyderco delica is pushing it a bit.

that is so sad, I'm sorry for you.

So today when i was leaving the church the preacher man said "peace be with you" so i opened my jacket and said "it always is" i thought he was going to wet himself.