Knife Laws In Connecticut
The knife laws in Connecticut are ill-defined to let people know what is lawful and what is unlawful. The state’s laws are substantially ambiguous about owning knives. However, a little effort is made to make things a bit black and white from the twisted legal outline. The one thing that is clear to perceive is, that the people of the state can use survival knives to defend themselves from a nasty situation.
Knives that are legal in the eyes of the law
The knife law of Connecticut makes those knives legal which you can take to your home. For instance,
- Balisong/butterfly knives
- Switchblades
- Gravity knives
- Dirks, stilettos, daggers, and push knives
- Bowie knives (or other large fixed blades or folding knives)
- Disguised knives eg. belt buckle knives, cane knives, lipstick knives, etc.
The abovementioned knives are permissible by law, and you can own them. However, a few of them are prohibited to carry in public.
Knives that are outlawed in Connecticut
Connecticut knife law imposed several restrictions on the length of knives that can be carried. However, it forbids people to own following knives
- Automatic knives (including switchblades) over 1.5″
- Stilettos (OTF knives)
- Knives 4″ or over with a single cutting edge (meaning a 4.00″ blade is illegal)
- Double edge knives over 1.5″
It is pertinent to observe that the law puts objection on the length of the blade, not on the overall length of the knife. Blade length is supposed to be measured using the AKTI Protocol (with a 1/8″ variance allowed).
Important regulations to embark upon
Breaching the knife laws can land you with monetary compensation or imprisonment. So, try to grasp rules and regulations before getting involved in a knife fare.
Let us take you to dive deep to understand the law
• Transit of illegal knives
According to the law.
“Transport of “Illegal Knives” Knives of the “Illegal” list that are officially legal to own can only be carried or used on private land with the consent of the landowner. Any camping on private land, illegal knives must be transported in the trunk where they cannot be retrieved.”
Age limit
No age limit is defined by the law of Connecticut. However, most of the sellers are reluctant to sell knives under 16 teens without a parent’s physical presence.
License to carry
The permissible blade length is 4’’ or less than 4’’, if you are a professional hunter or a fisherman, you need a license to get engaged in the knife activity.
Automatic knives
Connecticut knife laws are not amicable with a spring release device. Nevertheless, if you have a knife without a spring release; it is considered to be legal. But it is important to remember that permissible blade length would be under 1.5’’. However, firefighters can keep them with an ID to prove.
Schools are proscribed
Any knife type is strictly banned on the school premises. Moreover, schools K-12 (either public or private) will be responsible for any violation and will maintain strict scrutiny.
It is unpretentiously suggested to stick to the grounds of law and try to stay far within the laws as possible. Sometimes, you own a legal knife but are caught in an act of ignorance. And ornery police officers can make your life a living hell.
State Knife Law of Connecticut
According to the constitution of Connecticut, Article 1 (Section 15)
“Every citizen has the right to bear arms for self-defense. If you have a CCW you can carry pretty much any gun you want.”
Knives, however, are disguised tools, and the state does not allow any knife that is concealed. You have to openly carry your knife and blade, to minimize the risk of a sneak peek by the officials. A minor is completely disallowed to sell or carry blades and knives without legal permission.
Carry Law of Connecticut
According to Section 53-206 of the 2011 Connecticut Code (Title 53 crimes, Chapter 943),
“Carrying a knife in the streets or public place is an offense against public safety and peace.”
As per Section 53-206,
“Carrying any dangerous weapon is prohibited which has an automatic spring release. Blades above 4” are restricted to carry. If you carry knives without any permission, then you have to compensate five hundred dollars or be imprisoned for three years. Automatic knife and stilettos cannot be carried more than 15”. If you carry it, then the penalty is not less than $500- or three-years imprisonment. “
Concealment Carry Law of Connecticut
The knife law in Connecticut is clear on concealed carry such as switchblades and pocket knives. Carrying knives in a bag or belt is an offense against the law. The law is not flexible in concealed carry knives, rather the knife should be visible enough to spot.
The penalty for violating the law
According to the knife laws of Connecticut,
“The infringement of the law can penalize you with three years imprisonment and a $500 fine. You may be imprisoned for five years or compensated with a $1,000 fine if you carry the illegal blades and knives in vehicles without permission.”
Limit of the Length of Knife in Connecticut
According to the Connecticut Knife Law,
“You cannot carry any knife which is longer than 4.5”. And the blade of the knife should not be longer than 1.5”. Only some people are allowed to carry large knives who require knives and blades in their profession like butchers, barbers, hunters, and military departments.”
Legally relaxed knife carriers
According to codes 53-206 & 29-38,
“If the knife is required for your profession like fishing, the work of butcher, barber, security guard, or in the armed force, then you won’t be penalized for using or carrying knives. You have to show your fishing, hunting, or other license of your profession. Furthermore, people are tolerable to carry knives, blades, and other sharp elements when they are intended to switch locations.”
Types of Legal Knives in Connecticut
The dwellers of Connecticut are obliged to follow the legal regulations of the Connecticut Knife Law for buying, using, carrying, and selling different types of knives.
Let us take a glance at the legal knives and blades of Connecticut
• Razor Blade
According to Section 53-207,
“Carrying or using a razor is not an offense.”
• Bowie Knife
Bowie is a stalking knife that is often used by hunters and the butchers. However, it is acceptable in Connecticut. Though, it has legal differences in other states of the US.
• Ballistic Knife
Ballistic Knife is a kind of a switchblade and as per the Switchblade Act,
“Citizens and migrants in Connecticut can carry Ballistic knives but with the permission.”
• Undetectable Knives
The hidden knives with a handle made of material other than wood are undetectable, and the law is not happy with them. For instance,
- Plastic
- Titanium
- Carbon fiber
- Ceramic
- Fiberglass
- Zytel
A lipstick knife and a pen knife are some examples of undetectable knives.
• Dirks/Daggers
Long-pointed tools without handles are dirks and daggers. Moreover, these are extremely sharp tools and an inexpert person can injure himself and others. That’s why the law asks you to take permission from the authority for using a dirk or dagger.
• Gravity Knife
This knife has a spinning motion to propel the blade out of the handle. It opens with a push.
• Balisong
It is mostly known as a butterfly knife and is mostly used for self-defense. It is permissible in Connecticut.
• Pocket Knife
The pocket knife is allowed in Connecticut. However, it should be less than 1.5”.
It is pertinent to note that the law of Connecticut discourages any knife display without prior permission.
As per Section 53-207,
“You cannot carry any deadly knife and blade openly without legal permission.”
Types of Illegal Knives in Connecticut
You need to be very careful in picking knives. Any illegal pick can cause trouble. Using illegal knives may put you in jail for a long time.
Let us take you to look at the illegal knife goings-on that should be known
- Any blade or knife longer than 4”
- Automatic or concealed knife over 1.5”
- Stilettos are illegal because of their pointed blade
- Switchblade over 1.5”
- Metal or brass knife, knuckles, dirk, and blackjack knife
- Throwing stars, batons, and nightsticks
Legal Consequences Of Using Illegal Knives
If you use, buy or carry illegal knives, then he or she will fall guilty under Class E felony as per Section 53a-3.
According to Section 53-206 of Connecticut Knife law,
“You have to compensate $1,000 or you will be imprisoned for five years.”
Circumscribed Venues to Use and Carry Knives in Connecticut
According to Connecticut Knife Law,
“There are many places where you are not permitted to carry knives and blades. You may have to compensate if you carry any sharp tools in such places.”
• Schools
According to Section 53-207 of Connecticut Knife Law,
“You cannot carry knives and blades in the office. You need to take the permission of the authority of the school or any educational institute for carrying or using a knife.”
• Vehicles
According to Section 29-38 of Connecticut Knife Law,
Any person who carries any deadly weapon or a knife in public transport will be imprisoned for three years under Section 53-206 and he or she will be charged $500.
• Government Buildings
Knives are outlawed in government buildings like a bank, post offices, and courts.
According to the law,
“If you carry knives and weapons in the government building, then the penalty for that will be $500.”
• Public Places
You cannot carry knives and blades freely in streets, markets, fairs, and bus stand.
Bottom Line
Connecticut knife laws are flexible and you can keep them with legal permission. Any misleading stance can put you inside the lock-up. So, as a citizen of the state, you must respect the regulations of the Connecticut Knife Law for buying, using, selling, and carrying. Rules and regulations are designed to keep the citizens safe and secure.
So, you should abide by the legislation regarding knives that are purely designed by the state for the safety of citizens or migrants.
