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Can I Carry A 6in Fixed Blade Knife in West Virginia?

Views: 220 Author: svegaoutdoor Publish Time: 2025-06-16 Origin: Site

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Content Menu

● Understanding West Virginia Knife Laws

>> Legal Ownership of Knives

>> Carrying Knives: Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry

>>> Open Carry

>>> Concealed Carry

>> Blade Length and Deadly Weapon Classification

>> Location-Based Restrictions

● Specific Considerations for a 6-inch Fixed Blade Knife

>> For Individuals 21 and Older

>> For Individuals Under 21

>> Hunting, Fishing, and Tool Use Exception

● Legal Definitions Relevant to Carrying a 6-inch Fixed Blade Knife

>> Concealed Carry Definition

>> About the Person

● Licensing and Permits

● Penalties for Violations

● Summary

● Related Questions and Answers

Carrying knives in West Virginia involves understanding specific state laws that regulate the possession, open carry, and concealed carry of knives. This article explores whether you can legally carry a 6-inch fixed blade knife in West Virginia, detailing the legal framework, restrictions, and exceptions you need to know.

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Understanding West Virginia Knife Laws

West Virginia law classifies knives under the category of "deadly weapons" in certain contexts, especially when the blade exceeds specific lengths or the knife type falls into certain categories like switchblades or gravity knives. The relevant statutes are primarily found in Chapter 61, Article 7 of the West Virginia Code, which governs dangerous weapons.

Legal Ownership of Knives

In West Virginia, there are no restrictions on owning any type of knife. This means:

- It is legal to own daggers, dirks, stilettos, switchblades, butterfly knives (balisongs), Bowie knives, and ballistic knives.

- No specific knife types are prohibited from ownership by state law.

This broad allowance means owning a 6-inch fixed blade knife is legal without any special permits or licenses.

Carrying Knives: Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry

West Virginia law distinguishes between open carry (carrying a knife visibly) and concealed carry (carrying a knife hidden from view).

Open Carry

- Open carry of knives is generally permitted for all individuals regardless of age.

- You can carry a 6-inch fixed blade knife openly, such as in a belt sheath, without legal issues.

- Location-based restrictions apply, such as on school grounds or court facilities, where carrying knives is prohibited.

Concealed Carry

- Concealed carry of deadly weapons, including knives, is regulated by age and licensing.

- Persons 21 years and older who are U.S. citizens and not prohibited from possessing firearms may carry concealed deadly weapons, including knives, without a permit.

- Persons under 21 are restricted from carrying knives with blades longer than 3.5 inches concealed unless they have a provisional license, which does not cover knives.

- Concealed carry of a 6-inch fixed blade knife by someone 21 or older is legal under state law, provided no intent to harm is demonstrated and location restrictions are observed.

Blade Length and Deadly Weapon Classification

West Virginia law defines certain knives as deadly weapons based on blade length and type:

- Daggers, dirks, poniards, or stilettos with blades longer than 3.5 inches are considered deadly weapons.

- Switchblades and gravity knives are also classified as deadly weapons.

- A fixed blade knife with a 6-inch blade falls into the category of a deadly weapon.

However, for persons 21 and older, carrying deadly weapons concealed or openly is legal without a license, except in restricted locations.

Location-Based Restrictions

Certain places prohibit carrying knives regardless of blade length or carry method:

- Primary and secondary school premises, including school buses and school-sponsored activities.

- Court facilities.

- Some private schools may opt out of restrictions.

- Knives locked inside parked vehicles are generally exempt.

- Law enforcement officers and military personnel have exemptions for carrying knives in official capacities.

Specific Considerations for a 6-inch Fixed Blade Knife

For Individuals 21 and Older

- You may carry a 6-inch fixed blade knife openly or concealed without a permit.

- You must avoid carrying the knife in restricted locations like schools or courts.

- The knife must not be carried with intent to harm or threaten others.

For Individuals Under 21

- Concealed carry of knives with blades longer than 3.5 inches is prohibited unless licensed, and licenses do not cover knives.

- Open carry may be allowed but with caution regarding local laws.

- Carrying a 6-inch fixed blade knife concealed is a felony for those under 21.

Hunting, Fishing, and Tool Use Exception

Knives carried for hunting, fishing, sports, or as tools are generally exempt from some restrictions. If your 6-inch fixed blade knife is carried for these purposes, it may be more easily justified legally.

Legal Definitions Relevant to Carrying a 6-inch Fixed Blade Knife

Concealed Carry Definition

A weapon is considered concealed if it is hidden from ordinary observation so that others would not realize it is being carried.

About the Person

Carrying a knife "about the person" means it is on your person or within close reach without significant movement.

Licensing and Permits

West Virginia offers a license to carry concealed deadly weapons, but it is not required for those 21 and older to carry knives concealed. Licenses are more relevant for firearms than knives.

Penalties for Violations

Violating knife laws can lead to fines, imprisonment, or both. Concealed carry violations by those under 21, especially with blades over 3.5 inches, are treated as felonies.