EDC for the D.C.?

[iobidder]

 

[Minuteman]

I don't see a distinction in the law that the knife must be a folding knife, fixed blade is much more practical and safer.

I don't recommend taking a weapon of any kind into a federal building unless authorized. A pocket knife isn't a weapon by design, but I guess anything could be improvised for that purpose.

Can't go wrong with a flashlight and solid pen-knife for starters.

Didn't we already find the ultimate small folder?

http://www.mdshooters.com/showthread.php?t=42402

 

[Roneut]

To my knowledge can carry a folding knife of any length in DC as long as you arent carrying it with the intent to use it to hurt someone. I called DC metro police when I got my job in DC and they told me that. I didnt ask a lawyer tho.

Yes technically true by the letter of the law. It doesn't have to be folder per se either.

However there is a risk, but not a definite certainty, that your intent can be presumed based on the knife being that large. But then again, DC also has case law on the books that knives under 3" can still be ruled weapons if your behavior suggests you have obvious criminal intentions. The case in question involved a teen trying to burglarize a house, who ran from the police and "ditched" his knife during the pursuit. It was still ruled a concealed weapon despite it's size.

 

[cb51]

Yes technically true by the letter of the law. It doesn't have to be folder per se either.

However there is a risk, but not a definite certainty, that your intent can be presumed based on the knife being that large. But then again, DC also has case law on the books that knives under 3" can still be ruled weapons if your behavior suggests you have obvious criminal intentions. The case in question involved a teen trying to burglarize a house, who ran from the police and "ditched" his knife during the pursuit. It was still ruled a concealed weapon despite it's size.

When you boil it all down, it comes out that they can do whatever they want. Got a 2 1/2 inch knife on ya? You're busted if they want it that way. It's like that old Jack Nickleson movie, Chinatown. At the end of it the guy tells an outraged Jack, "It's China town" as if that explained it all. That's why I just don't carry anything more than a keychain knife like a SAK classic down there. First, it's the big city, so what an I going to need a knife for? I ain't skinning buffalo. For any mail or package opening, my keyring classic is enough. If push comes to shove, then the 34 inches of sturdy blackthorn or hickory already in hand is going to be swinging.

Cut and stab wounds just don't have any stopping power. Somebody can be fatally stabbed and fight like hell for minutes. Victor Frykowski was a big guy, and it took 52 stab wounds that night at the Tate house to bring him down. In my time on the police department, I saw too many people walking and talking after being cut or stabbed seriously. Blunt force truma wins over cuts, especially if you're handicapped by carrying a law abiding little knife.

 

[Justin B.C.]

The more I look into it, the more I think you are right cb51. I was looking at some Cold Steel replicas of blackthorn walking sticks. Do you have any experience with those?

I figure I can legitimately carry one of those for self defense and just have a folder for utility stuff.

 

[cb51]

The more I look into it, the more I think you are right cb51. I was looking at some Cold Steel replicas of blackthorn walking sticks. Do you have any experience with those?

I figure I can legitimately carry one of those for self defense and just have a folder for utility stuff.

I've seen the cold steel stuff, and was not impressed with it. First probelm is liability, and because of the way they are marketed, there is no 'plausible deniability. The second probelm is, the head of the fake plastic blackthorn comes apart under impact. They look cheap, and are a plastic fake of the real thing. I go with a real all one piece wood cane/walking stick that looks decent. In fact, the only comments Ihave received from security personal is, after they pass my stick thru the x-ray, is how nice it is. I advise you to look around and find a nice wood walking stick that will fly under radar.

When we meet up, I'll bring along some of my collection, so you can get a feel for what you are looking for.

 

[Minuteman]

It's clear to see it's not a weapon.

 

[Justin B.C.]

When we meet up, I'll bring along some of my collection, so you can get a feel for what you are looking for.

Ok, thanks. I appreciate it.

 

[BigT]

Thank God I no longer have to work in that city... I have carried this into many a federal bldg as a money clip...

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=12

just use discretion until you are fully badged... I went with that spyderco because I wouldn't be horribly upset if I had to surrender it at a sec check point and would never be able to get it back.

I also carry one of these almost everywhere I go (haven't had it on my person when flying yet... )

http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...57885_757876_757837_ProductDisplayErrorView_N

I have had a few kubotans but they never seemed practical like the pen..

I also agree with the suggestions about a small flashlight - so many uses - I always have at least one..

 

[cb51]

I have had a few kubotans but they never seemed practical like the pen..

I also agree with the suggestions about a small flashlight - so many uses - I always have at least one..

I agree about the dedicated kubotons and other dedicated martial arts tools that have no real use in the real world. There are just too many items like AA mini mag flashlights, Cross or Zebra pens and Sharpie markers, that can do the job well, but have a real world use that lets them fly under the radar. It's a poor choice to use some whiz bang item that is marketed as a weapon in disguise. Things like Jaw Jackers, and other cheep fake knuckle dusters can look bad in court. The LEO's and such get all the memo's and e-mails on this stuff, and you're not fooling anyone. I watched a young and dumb kid get busted at BWI airport for trying to smuggle a jaw jacker onto a flight. He insisted it was a keychain something or other, but I heard the TSA guy tell him "You think we don't know about this junk?"

I always beleive that one should carry a real use item, like a flashlight or sharpie, and if need be, they can do the same damage as a dedicated kuboton or tactical pen. In this day of law suits, you need to have 'plausible deniability.'

 

[ToneGrail]

Thank God I no longer have to work in that city... I have carried this into many a federal bldg as a money clip...

http://www.spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=12

I'd be pretty upset if I lost that $100+ Spydie.

If I know I'm gonna be at risk of confiscation, I will carry one of my Enlan's:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stone-washe...624?pt=Collectible_Knives&hash=item337ff06f28

or Byrd's :
http://www.amazon.com/Spyderco-Cara...82&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=spyderco+cara+cava+2

or a cheap throwaway flea-market Chinese folder :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stiletto-Mi...890&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=2&sd=290840673760&

 

[Justin B.C.]

It was a pleasure to meet up with you today cb51. Thanks for the advice.

 

[cb51]

It was a pleasure to meet up with you today cb51. Thanks for the advice.

The pleasure was all mine. I was just glad I could give you some alternatives.

Carl.

 

[Justin B.C.]

So. It happened today. Only my second day on the job, no badge issued yet for a certain Fed building, so I had to go through the scanner and empty pockets. The Ugandan security guards flipped out on me, and told me I could not enter with my folding Benchmade. They wouldn't even let me store it at the desk with my ID. I had to go stash it in some bushes until I was done. Sad thing is, the toolbag I have been issued for IT comes stocked with a folder, and if I had a badge it wouldn't have been an issue... luckily my blade was still in the bushes an hour later. Whew!

 

[scottymd]

What part of the city are you working? I have worked in most of the Federal buildings in the city over the last 20 plus years and during the day there isn't anything to be worried about in the majority of them.

 

[Justin B.C.]

Off the Mall. Not too worried, once I have "legit" access it won't be an issue, I was just shocked at how hardassed they tried to be about it. "What is this knife for? Are you a contractor with legitimate business to use it for? How long is the blade? Oh, under three inches? That is ok... wait ask him."

"Leave the knife in your car or you will be escorted out."

...

lol

 

[Justin B.C.]

Oh, and this is not meant to be a self-defense carry, if that is what you are asking. Just a simple folder to be used when needed, strictly a tool.

 

[RaVis]

So. It happened today.

Thanks for sharing.

I walked into a gov't building once with a vintage Boy Scout pocket knife (looked its age too) in my pocket. I wasn't harassed about it. The Sheriff was friendly enough and told me to leave it atop a door frame outside and that he'd keep an eye on it for me.

How did you answer those "tough" questions?

 

[scottymd]

Yeah, Once your badged in most building you will go right through and a knife or box cutter won't be an issue.

 

[Justin B.C.]

There were several more questions, each asked with prigressively greater attitude. Probably didn't help that I was giving them the stinkeye after a few minutes lol.

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