Spring assisted carry knives

haroldg48

haroldg48

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Question: Are spring assisted folding knives legal to carry in NC. I have had different answers from different people. I'mnot talk "switchblade",but a knife that you start with your thumb that a spring pops to full open?
 
I'm not an expert on otf's or switchblades so I cannot get into serious details. I believe that in NC they are legal to own but not legal to conceal.

So, you can buy one and play with it but don't walk around with it in your pocket.

Pretty sure you can even open carry them but you should research it first as I'm not positive about that.
 
I believe spring assisted knives are no different than a regular folder, as long as it otherwise meets the definition.

It is my understanding that it is illegal to conceal a sheath knife. Must have been the product of a democrat legislature.
 
I was volunteering on a job site recently with the retired high sheriff of Harnett Co. and showed him mine and ask him "is it legal in NC"? He said yes.
 
You cannot conceal carry any knife except and ordinary pocket knife. (Edited to add spring assisted does not count as ordinary)

Open carry is legal. Having the knife clip exposed is the grey area that is considered open carry.

OTF and switchblades are legal in NC and one of the most popular brands of OTF's are made in this state (Microtech).
 
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How many times have you been asked by police to see your knife?

Me. Never.

Edit. Most LEOs dont care nor care to waste their time writing a worthless waste of time ticket for them and you. Now if you used said knife to commit crime that might be a different story. Several autos in my daily rotation.
 
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It’s been a long time since I’ve read up on NC knife laws but from what I recall, you can’t carry an auto but spring assisted don’t count as autos.

At the end of the day, like @BloodRunsThicker said, I realllly don’t think any cop cares about the type of knife in your pocket unless you give them a realllly good reason to.
 
Wow. Answers all over the spectrum. An auto is an auto regardless of out the front or side. Defined as a push of a button, not any way like a flip spring assist. Automatics are not legal to conceal or carry regardless of length. But so are knives rendered not normal length which is not clearly defined unless a judge deems it longer than normal. A bit cleaner but in my case I carry whatever I want to because screw em.
 
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Microtech is headquartered right here in Western NC and sells a metric ton of folders with “buttons” out of their showroom.

They’re legal.
 
I don't think most LEOs are super worried about knives honestly unless you are doing something dumb.

I had two NCSHP Troopers in front of me tonight when I opened my Kershaw launch and neither said anything.

They did ask how I like the Benchmade Mini SOCP I have clipped to my pocket....so dagger and auto knife and I'm not writing this from jail.
 
haroldg48 said:
Question: Are spring assisted folding knives legal to carry in NC. I have had different answers from different people. I'mnot talk "switchblade",but a knife that you start with your thumb that a spring pops to full open?
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Spring assisted OTF and locking folders are legal. My understanding from the Raleigh city attorney is that if it has a button you can't conceal it but you can still possess and carry it, similarly to a dagger, knuckles, etc.
 
The.galloglach said:
Spring assisted OTF and locking folders are legal. My understanding from the Raleigh city attorney is that if it has a button you can't conceal it but you can still possess and carry it, similarly to a dagger, knuckles, etc.
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Unless you're part of the protected classes, then you can.
 
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