What Are the Knife Laws in Washington State?
According to Washington state knife laws, it is illegal to carry or own any type of spring-blade knife or switchblade. It is legal to own dirks, daggers, bowie knives, stilettos, throwing stars and disguised knives, notes KnifeUp, the Knife News Magazine.
It is illegal to own or carry any spring-blade weapon, which is defined as a knife with a blade that is automatically released by a spring. No other knife is defined by Washington state law. While it is legal to own a wide variety of stabbing knives such as dirks and daggers, it is illegal to carry or conceal-carry any blade or dangerous weapon. It is illegal to show off any dangerous weapon to intimidate or scare someone, though only in instances where there is sufficient cause for alarm by a reasonable person, according to KnifeUp.
Violation of this statute does not require intent, explains KnifeUp. Concealed carry laws in Washington do not apply to people in their homes, at their fixed place of business or defending themselves against unlawful threat or force. Additionally, Washington state considers a furtive or secret, act to be carrying a concealed weapon in and of itself, and a furtive act does not apply to the intent of the action.
