Permits and Bowie Knives

There are few things that beg to be shown off as much as does a fine quality Bowie knife. These are among America's legendary blades; tools as suited to frontier survival as they are to combat. For that reason, many owners would like nothing more than to take their knife out on the town with them. This is only natural. Many of these knives are quite beautiful and there is a romantic air about carrying a blade. After all, it used to be only permissible for nobles to do so!

There are always laws involved with carrying weapons, however, no matter where one lives. As long as one is in their own home, there are no restrictions on carrying or using a Bowie knife. However, when one ventures outside, the landscape is far different. Knife and other weapons laws entail a complex tangle of state, federal and local codes. One has to make certain that they're always on the right side of these laws.

In some jurisdictions, the Bowie knife is legal if it is visible. This comes down to a concealment issue. In most states, individuals have the right to carry visible arms in most places. Concealed weapons are usually only permitted under the auspices of a special license. Law enforcement and military personnel may have special immunity to these laws but always check and never assume.

If one were to write a short list of how to violate concealed weapons laws while carrying Bowie knives, it would certainly include the following: strapping the knife sideways on one's belt; hiding the knife under a long shirt tail or jacket; placing the knife in an inside pocket; and, of course, strapping the knife to one's boot. These carry options may be glamorous but they are illegal in most places. Unlike guns, it's rare to find a jurisdiction that offers concealed carry permits specifically for knives.

Bowie knives are not illegal under any federal laws, as are switchblades. This means that one does not need a permit to collect or own them in the privacy of their own home. These knives are very real weapons, however, and shouldn't be carried without making certain that one is on the right side of the law. Remember that a concealed carry permit for a gun doesn't necessarily translate to permission to carry a concealed knife. Never assume one has such credentials without first checking.