Introduction to Seattle Knife Regulations
The state of Washington broadly regulates knives under Chapter 9.41 of the Revised Code of Washington, the state’s gun control code. However, localities are allowed to impose their own regulatory authority over knives under RCW 9.41.290.
Seattle most commonly enforces its knife laws via Seattle Municipal Code 12A.14.040, which prohibits the open carry of dangerous knives and other weapons, unless the weapon is openly carried for the purpose of a lawful commercial or professional activity , and there is no evidence of any unlawful purpose in the manner of carry. There is also a different prohibition on carrying dangerous knives in schools or on school grounds that applies to people under the age of 21 and does not differ from the general prohibition discussed below (SMC 12A.14.043).
Seattle law defines a "dangerous knife" as a knife or other instrument with characteristics that may render it capable of producing bodily harm, including but not limited to the following: Failure to abide by the above prohibitions is a gross misdemeanor, and is punishable by up to 365 days in jail and/or up to $5,000 in fines.
Categories of Knives Allowed in Seattle
In Seattle, certain classes of knives are prohibited not only from being concealed on your person but also from being visible. Knives that are illegal to possess include ballistic knives, dirks, daggers, stiletto knives, or any knife with a blade that is two or more inches in length, except for razor blades, box cutters, and table knives. As you may have already guessed, things like machetes, swords, and such will also be prohibited as weapons, basically anything that has the appearance of a "dangerous weapon" is strictly off-limits, including a sheath for the weapon, regardless of whether it has been worn on your belt.
Knives that are explicitly permissible in Seattle include:
• Standard kitchen knives including chef’s knives
• Folding pocket knives that don’t have a fixed blade in length to be opened while being held in hand and that fit fully in the palm of your hand for the entire length
• Switchblade knives that have a blade length not to exceed two and one-half inches, which is 6.35 centimeters
• A pen knife
• A tiny knife can be concealed on your person up to 3 inches or seven centimeters
• So-called "fighting knives" that are auto-open knives with a locking blade
• Regular folding knives of any length provided they are not a weapon of any kind
If you are a law enforcement officer or other type of authorized law enforcement authority, you are able to disregard all laws regarding knives while you are on duty, at your place of employment, and only using your weapon while you are on duty.
Limitations on Carrying Knives in Public Settings
In King County, it is illegal for you to carry a knife or sword in a public place. Carrying a knife means having one on you, either physically in your hand, purse or backpack, or in your vehicle. If you are caught carrying any blade exceeding three inches or with a locking mechanism on it, even if that locking mechanism is not engaged, then you face criminal possession of a knife in the fifth degree, a gross misdemeanor in the State of Washington.
A gross misdemeanor is the highest level of offense in Washington that would not lead to you being in the Department of Corrections custody, but it may require you to serve 364 days in the county jail. You may also be fined up to $5,000 and have no more than one year on community custody. The latter is like parole, in which you are required to check in with a probation officer to ensure that you are following the law and not getting into more trouble.
King County Code 12.12.020 prohibits you from carrying a knife or sword in the town of Seattle, unless you have express permission from the Seattle Police Chief to do so. In addition to facing a gross misdemeanor in Washington, unlawfully carrying a knife into Seattle may get you a misdemeanor charge in Seattle Municipal Court as well.
Consequences for Breaching Knife Legislation
Violating knife laws can have significant repercussions. Knives fall into multiple categories according to the Washington state statute, and the severity of these consequences depends on which particular violation you commit. In other words, not all knives are treated equally. Here are just a few examples of the different types of violations and penalties you could face:
- Common pocket knives: If you violate knife regulations involving common pocket knives, you will likely be charged with a misdemeanor. This is the least serious violation. Misdemeanor convictions come with a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Dangerous knives: If you violate knife regulations dealing with dangerous knives, the charge is considered a gross misdemeanor. The maximum penalty for a gross misdemeanor is a year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine.
- Switchblade knives: If you violate knife regulations dealing with switchblade knives, you will often receive the charge of a class C felony. This is usually accompanied by a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
If you are wondering how exactly knife violations are enforced and prosecuted, the procedure is as follows: A police officer witnesses or is otherwise alerted to a potential violation. The officer will usually give you a summons (or possibly even arrest you) and collect evidence if necessary for use by the prosecutor in court. From here, the matter is remanded to the court, where a prosecutor will file charges. There may be a preliminary hearing once charges are filed. This hearing is held to determine whether or not there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The case will then proceed to arraignment, where you will have an opportunity to enter your plea.
Special Exceptions and Loose Regulations
While Seattle’s regulations on knives are relatively straightforward, there are some exceptions and special circumstances that knife owners should be aware of:
Permit Exemptions: In Seattle (and Washington), there are permits that exempt holders from certain restrictions. In these cases, the permit holder is allowed to carry or use knives in ways and for purposes that might seem generally illegal. One example would be large knives, which may be used for "lawful business, trade , profession or occupation." It’s important to note that permits can be contested and revoked.
Religious Exemptions: In Washington state, if knives are used for religious purposes, they are often permitted in situations that would otherwise be illegal. For example, the Jewish tradition of a ritual circumcision may require the use of a knife and is an exemption to the law requiring a physician to perform the procedure. In this case, the circumcision would be an exception to the law that prohibits the display and use of a dagger, dirk or razor having a blade length of over 5 inches.
How Seattle’s Knife Rules Stack Up Against Surrounding Regions
In contrast to Seattle’s more permissive stance on knives, several surrounding cities and counties have knife laws that are more strict or at least more complicated. King County, for instance, mirrors many of Seattle’s regulations—however, Pierce County, to the south, has a ban on daggers, throwing knives, and deadly weapons.
Snohomish County also poses some unique challenges. While the county prohibits swords, ornate knives, and daggers, it also distinguishes between different types of knives in terms of size, referencing "dirks" and "daggers," with different standards for each.
Finally, while Washington’s general laws on dagger regulations and blade length might be fairly lenient, the majority of schools in the state proscribe any dangerous weapons on school property or school-sponsored events, and that includes knives and other bladed weapons. The regulations in place by the Seattle School District are representative of what you might find in other school districts across the state.
Professional Guidance and Reference Materials
In addition to seeking counsel from an experienced lawyer , individuals can turn to several resources for navigation around city ordinances and regulations on knives. The Seattle-King County Public Library can connect individuals with legal content and services. The Neighborhood Legal Clinics directory and Guide to Legal Services provides information on establishing eligibility for free legal assistance. The Seattle Community Law Center enables individuals with limited or no income to meet one-on-one with an attorney. The King County Bar Association connects individuals with a network of local lawyers. The United States Knife and Tag Knife Association provides regular updates on knife policies nationwide.