Fixed blade knife laws?

[YoungGunVA]

So I'm either overlooking it or there's no clear, definitive answer but I'm trying to find out what the laws are regarding carry of a fixed blade knife. I EDC a folder like most folks and obviously that's not an issue. I've never been a fixed blade guy but I'm taking a trip to the mountains in a month and got a Mora Companion fixed blade to take with me so I can mess around with some bushcraft. I intend to carry it while hiking and will probably have it on me the whole week so I wanted to know if there are any restrictions. I dont intend on carrying it openly because the kydex sheath I made for it carries horizontally on my belt so it would most likely be covered by a shirt. It's got a 4 inch blade and is only about 8 inches overall if that makes any difference. Help me out here guys! Is it a problem if it's covered up or does it need to be visible? I know that VA CCW permits only apply to firearms so that won't help me.

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[Jakeiscrazy]

You should be fine but IANAL

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§ 18.2-308. Personal protection; carrying concealed weapons; when lawful to carry; penalty.

A. If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any pistol, revolver, or other weapon designed or intended to propel a missile of any kind by action of an explosion of any combustible material; (ii) any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, slingshot, spring stick, metal knucks, or blackjack; (iii) any flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts connected in such a manner as to allow them to swing freely, which may be known as a nun chahka, nun chuck, nunchaku, shuriken, or fighting chain; (iv) any disc, of whatever configuration, having at least two points or pointed blades which is designed to be thrown or propelled and which may be known as a throwing star or oriental dart; or (v) any weapon of like kind as those enumerated in this subsection, he shall be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A second violation of this section or a conviction under this section subsequent to any conviction under any substantially similar ordinance of any county, city, or town shall be punishable as a Class 6 felony, and a third or subsequent such violation shall be punishable as a Class 5 felony. For the purpose of this section, a weapon shall be deemed to be hidden from common observation when it is observable but is of such deceptive appearance as to disguise the weapon's true nature. It shall be an affirmative defense to a violation of clause (i) regarding a handgun, that a person had been issued, at the time of the offense, a valid concealed handgun permit.

[skeeterss0]

it may be considered like kind of a bowie knife, depending on the cop

[Reverenddel]

If it's not over 4" Fixed? Most cops won't give it a second glance if you're in the woods.

Shoot, depending on the county, you could walk in with a bowie knife, and they wouldn't give it a second thought.

[skeeterss0]

I was thinking, in the woods it would be no problem but if you stop at a convience store or someplace else with it semi concealed, someone might freak and call 911.

[Jakeiscrazy]

I don't think even a corropt cop could make the arguement that this:


Looks even close to this:


I doubt you have anyone call 911 on you. This is Virginia most people wouldn't think twice about it if you ask me. I used to carry a Kbar never had any problems at all.