Knife Laws in Ohio: What You Need to Know About Your Rights? It is not easy to come up with knife rules since this varies from state to state. Bringing and having a knife is not illegal in Ohio; however, it is somewhat legal in other states but it is still important that you know your rights about it and what the rule is.
This guide will educate you on what you could and could not do knives in Ohio.
1. Legal Knife Ownership in Ohio
This allows an Ohioan to own all types of knives. There aren’t any laws that restrict a person from owning a type of knife, so technically you can buy and carry pretty much anything from pocket knives to larger blades such as Bowie knives or machetes.
Examples of this are knives like balisongs or butterfly knives, switchblades, and stilettos.
There are no state laws that are illegal to own, but there are local laws that may impose more restrictions.
Always make sure you check the law in your city or county to ensure you are not violating it. Some cities and counties have stricter rules than others regarding specific types of knives.
2. Carrying Knives in Ohio
The Ohio law makes a distinction between carrying knives openly and carrying knives concealed.
Carry Knives Out in Public: Ohio allows the carrying of knives of any size or type out in public. That means you can carry knives in public openly without breaking any laws. However, this does depend on city laws, so it’s always a good idea to check your area’s rules.
When it comes to carrying knives without being seen, Ohio law gets more complicated. Ohio Revised Code Section 2923.12 says that it is against the law to carry a concealed firearm, which includes knives, if the knife is a “deadly weapon.”
A deadly weapon is any tool, device, or thing capable of causing death that was altered or created to be used as a weapon. It depends on the size and shape of the knife, for what it is used, and how it is carried whether the knife is a deadly weapon or not.
In reality, most of us do not think there is a problem with carrying around little tool knives or pocket knives that are under 2.5 to 3 inches long.
But if you are carrying around knives larger than that or that resemble a weapon, like switchblades or dirks, you might be in violation of law. If you’re ever in doubt, it is best to just leave your knives out.
3. Ban on Knife Use
Ohio laws are not so strict about possession and carrying knives, but rules about the use are pretty strict. If a person uses a knife to menace another or commit a crime, then the person stands the risk of serious charges.
For instance, if someone uses a knife to threaten or harm another person, then this act may attract a serious charge, such as assault aggravation or felonious assault.
Ohio law also states that you are not allowed to carry knives in certain places, whether they are concealed or openly carried.
There are places such as government buildings, schools, airports, and courthouses where you are not allowed to carry knives. If you break these rules, you could face serious legal penalties.
4. Self-Defense and Knives
The state’s “Stand Your Ground” rule and other self-defense laws in Ohio also apply to the use of knives. That is to say, you can use a knife to protect yourself if you believe you are likely to be killed or seriously harmed and do not need to retreat.
You can use dangerous force, even with a knife, but it has to be in proportion to the threat you face. You could still be charged with a crime if you use too much force.
5. Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Safe
Everyone owning or carrying a knife in Ohio should know state laws about knives. Generally, Ohio allows people to carry many different types of knives and supports open carry.
However, carrying a knife hidden can be tricky legally, especially if the blade is big. Always check your local laws and rules to make sure you are following them, and remember that using a knife in a criminal way can get you in a lot of trouble.
If you are not sure what to do, talk to a lawyer to protect your rights.
