I'll be attending school at the University of Dayton this coming year and I was wondering what the knife laws are in Ohio.  I've been googling, but I have trouble deciphering the legal-speak.  This is where I've been reading.  I can't seem to find anything related to blade length, though.  Anyone know what it means or just know the laws off the top of their head?

You need to search the Ohio board that has come up a number of times, The law is wacked and can be read many ways,  But to keep it simple. if you plan to carry it then the blade should fit  accross your palm. NO auto.s no butterfly knives, ect: ect: Like I said that is the simple version. from your link i see you have found the OHIO Revised Code. The sad part is the cops can make any knife you have weapon if they so choose

BTW welcome to OHIO

No where in the Ohio knife laws does it say autos are ileagal to posses, only illegal to posses to sell., ballistic knives are illeagl either way.( my interpetation) Some cities may have ordanaces against autos. If you carry you may get into trouble if they are concealded so pocket carry with a clip and remember if asked you are carrying a 'tool" not carrying for self defense
There are no blade length requirements on Ohio.  Ohio is an "Intent" or "judgement call" jurisdiction, meaning that a police officer who was to come across your knife will have to make a judgment call based on your actions, evidence, and the appearance of the knife.

Some cities do have blade length restrictions.  Most that I have seen are 2 3/4 inches.

Poster asked about Ohio Sate laws on blade length, there are none. Yes there may be individual city regs

Akron, OH 137.02 Y 2.5" on or about his person a pistol, a knife having a blade two and onehalf
inches
Highland Hts, OH 549.11 Y 2.5" or any knife having a blade two and onehalf
inches in length or longer,
Bay Village, OH 549.12 Y 2.5" or other knife having a blade of two and onehalf
inches in length or longer,
Strongville, OH 672.11 Y 2.5" or other knife having a blade of two and onehalf
inches in length or longer,
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 549.10 Y 2.5" or other knife having a blade of two and onehalf
inches in length or longer,
Warrensville Hts. OH 741.07 Y 2.5" or other knife having a blade of two and onehalf
inches in length or longer,
Lyndurst, OH 672.13 Y 2.5" in his or her possession any knife having a blade length of more than two and onehalf
inches
Tallmadge, OH 549.13 Y 2.5" or other knife having a blade of two and onehalf
inches in length or longer,
Summit Co. OH

May not be a complete listing

There's a court case that ruled that version of ACO 137.02 unconstitutional.

The reason that it was ruled unconsitutional was because it prohibited a very wide variety of completley innocent actions. For example, carrying an antique sword or dagger to or from a collector's exhibition was completely prohibited under the original statute.

The amended ACO now includes a provision whereby if you are not carrying the knife as a weapon (and are not engaged in some other unlawful activity), 137.02A does not apply. I (and many others) may be called upon during daily duties to open packages, cut wiring/cabling, or make other lawful usage of a knife, and since I carry it for such utility, 137.02A does not apply.

Furthermore, if you *are* carrying it as a weapon, you may make an affirmative defense that there existed circumstances where a prudent man would be justified in carrying such a weapon.

So carrying a knife as a tool is legal?  But what happens if I need to use that tool in self defense, because I have nothing else?

Whats up Feier. I'm a UD alum and current P.T. Grad student, I'm going to assume your a HS student going to college? Word to the wise you can carry a knife on campus just keep it tucked DEEP in your pocket. If you are partaking in after hours activities (UD ghetto) do not carry, it's not worth the trouble. Additionally if you are partaking in after hours activities keep your head about you when in the ghetto it's far more dangerous than when I started.

Yep, just finished high school and starting college.  Thanks for the heads up about the ghetto, I had no idea.  I haven't actually been to Dayton to visit yet.  Not worth the trouble to have a knife on me, huh?  You probably know better than I do, but the idea of having nothing doesn't sit well with me.

If your going to sit in your dorm room every thursday, friday, and saturday night then you are fine just keep it burried in your pocket and hidden while in your room. But if your going out and having fun ( and you inevitably will) keep the knife in your room. All it takes is one pat down from the cops and you could be kicked out of school for having a deadly weapon. Remember they accepted you, it's your priveledge to be there not your right. I can't tell you how many times I've seen smart ass kids there think that they own the damn place runnin their mouth thinking they are something special.

Anyways back on topic just be smart if your going out if you see someone who looks a little to old/young to be a college student they probably aren't. Stay away from "Darkside" as much as possile. Go to the ghetto in groups (don't be supprised if you get mooed at thought ) untill you know your way around and get a little more UD street smarts in ya. Any more question let me know.

Yeah, that makes sense.



I really appreciate the advice, thanks.

You dont need a knife - use your beer bottle

Than you would be OK, the law says you can't carry ANY deadly weapon (except a pistol with the proper CCW license) unless it is prudent to do so. This means ALL deadly weapons (ORC says defensive sprays are not classified as weapons if they are not used offensively). I know it is weird but if you carry a 1.5 inch pocket knife with the sole intent to use it in self defense situations as a weapon, than it is illegal (because it is deadly). But if you carry a 2.5 inch pocket knife (or even larger) as a tool and use it to open letters, peel apples, and just happen to use it in a self defense situation, than you would be OK, because you were not carrying it with the intent to use it as a deadly weapon.

Correct, the law is vague, so if the arresting officer feels your pocket knife you use for fishing or camping is really a weapon, he can charge you with a concealed weapons charge.

See ORC 2923.12



Of course, handguns are allowed if you have the CCW license. Notice 2923 does not talk about tools. That is what allows you to carry a pocket knife. It is a tool that you use in your day to day activities.

However, it might be hard to convince a LEO that a six inch serated folder is a tool you use in the classroom .

That's what sucks the most about this whole issue while at an Ohio college.  Most who attend are too young to get their CCW, but carrying a knife in the mean time is risky.  It's a no-win scenario.  I hate having to walk around at night on weekends without a gun because I'm not old enough.....and without a knife because I'm afraid I'll get a felony and never be able to own a handgun .

It's messed up.  Oh well, only one more year for me.