There is always a general query among the knife enthusiasts in
India that what types of knives are legal in India and what are illegal. They
are mostly confused before opting for buy knives
online in India. The main reason behind this confusion is that the weapons laws
in the states of India are not clearly known to them.
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| Kartar Knife |
The question arises that who is going to decide whether a knife should
be under illegal or illegal category. How
can a person know that the knife which he/she is buying gets into which
category (illegal or illegal).
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| Black Beauty Folding Knife |
The current scenario for the legality of knives in India is that:
·
It is illegal to carry spring actuated knives
·
It is illegal to carry Button actuated knives
·
It is illegal to carry knives of more than the
specified length (perhaps 9 inches)or breadth (2 inches).
If you are found in possession of one or take it out (technically
ready to use) You are guilty of a non-bailable offense under the Arms act-1959.
What happens on the spot, I will not be able to foresee. As long as you have a
utility knife on you, shouldn’t be a problem. I often carry a Swiss army knife
myself on outstation trips in India.
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| MTech Future Talon Red Karambit Knife |
Knives are generally meant for knife enthusiasts who want to show
their love for knives, law enforcement, self defense, etc. There are people in
India who might be fond of these scary knives and want to buy them as well, but
they are not sure that whether these will be permitted to carry all day around
and it will be legal or illegal in the sight of the India’s weapons laws.
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| Tac Force Claw Karambit Knife |
According to my knowledge about the weapons laws in India, it’s
legal to carry a knife below 9 inches in length or 2 inch in width. But there
are laws abide on some knives that they are not allowed to be taken with you at
certain places like inside theatres, airports, metro stations, etc. Except to
the laws of the Indian states, there are rules and regulations imposed by
individuals in their authorized properties like restaurants, hotels and other
public places.
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| USMC Battalion Master Pocket Knife |
The knife which looks to be fine for one might look scary to the
other. Their various knife
online stores which are selling knives as well with a warning that you should
buy them according to the laws of your states. They are also not sure about the
arms law of the state where you live.
At the end of this whole discussion, I personally believe that the
legality or illegality of scary knives in India is a topic of great concern and
it needs the higher authority to clarifies the arms laws, so that no innocent
person gets behind the bars because of it.
I will highly appreciate any comments from any of you or some key
points I might be missing for the above discussed topic.
As far as I know it is illegal to carry a prohibited weapon in India, and a prohibited bladed/edged weapon is defined as anything with a blade (sharp edge) longer than 9 inches and wider than 2 inches (These would be considered swords)
ReplyDeleteIt therefore stands to reason than any knife shorter than 9 inches and narrower than 2 inches would be legal carry anywhere that does not SPECIFICALLY ask you not to carry (airports/metros/etc)
Then again, use of a knife in self defense is gray if anything. The word "Criminal Intent" comes to mind.
But either ways, if youre in a dark place, alone and get attacked, by all means use that knife. Your life is more important than possible legal action.
I carry a 3" fixed blade btw
THANK YOU VERY MUCH :D
DeleteWhat about butterfly knife
ReplyDeleteI have 12 butterfly knifes 4 are actually quite blunt and others are considerably sharp on asking few of my elders and one of my brothers(who is in Police) it is not illegal to carry a butterfly knife as they are all under 9" (length) and under 2" width (come on who can spin an 9" blade between their fingers) but morally it is recommended not to do so unless it's Balisong (butterfly) trainer as it might be seen with "criminal intent", owning them is not a problem, just keep it inside house, oil it, love it, make videos that all is just fine. Same actually goes with swords no authority provides license for swords (never seen one) so I guess its fine to own them not carry them around like its medieval times. I have most of thr swords and knives but I don't carry them around. Stay safe and play with the trainer first.
DeleteCan I carry Karambit in cabin luggage while flying on a domestic flight?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this information. Fully Help Me... Casual Sarees
ReplyDeleteSo u cannot carry a button knife even if it is shoter than 9" and 2"??
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ReplyDeleteHonestly it is India. You can really do whatever you want. My son and nephew drove a motorcycle around Delhi. No one really cares.
ReplyDeleteAmazing nice work. This is very useful article. Thank you. For more
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather was a lawyer. He told me that it is legal to carry a knife upto 6 inches. If that sort of knife is found with anyone, it doesn't mark him as a criminal provided he is not having any criminal record.
ReplyDeleteUsually Karambits have about 3" or lesser in length blades and about 5" handles.
ReplyDeleteAre these legal to carry in India?
Based on experience....I am a knife collector(started as EDC) which lead to possesing a knife .First strated with a balisong later a schrade folder. I used to keep it with a phone so while frisking in malls, metro etc.. people would not notice. Later a police inspector saw the deep carry belt clip while travelling on bike at toll junction. Trust me in india no Arms act1959...length 9"width2.5" will help you...Even in Bangalore (a city free of will not some conservative state) where this happened.Its adviced to not carry high end steel knife because if you are caught it will be confisicated without giving a reason.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather was an officer in Royal Indian Army and fought world war 2 on Burma front for 4 years. He has passed away in 2006 at 91 years. Now, the question is I found a khukri (Nepali sword) in his possessions. It was used in during world war. It's an antique but I am not interested in keeping it. How can I sell the item legally in India? Please advise.
ReplyDeleteYou are lucky to have such a great man from your family. I would advise you to keep that khukhari as your family treasure and wealth. My family is serving in Armedforces from four generations, it means a lot to me. Khukari is a mark of pride for u . You are lucky to have such a nice suvinier love that thing more than anything else.
DeletePlease never sell it.
DeleteThough I am tempted to buy it but no please. Don't sell it.
how to contact you
DeleteAre there any restrictions on MAKING and selling knives just as a Hobbyist? I'm quite handy with Damascus and I like to make custom knife scales for Kershaws, Spidercos and Benchmades
ReplyDeleteDoes the "length" include the tang or just the exposed blade length?
ReplyDeleteFor me everything is confusing in the comments I feel they are telling its illegal but not telling straight forward
DeleteDont worry about law esp Indian law if you are in a danger situation and need to protect yourself. Please protect your life with whatever you have. Dont posses any automatic weapons thats marked illegal.
ReplyDeleteDocuments needed for manufacturing and selling of knives??
ReplyDeleteHai im manufacturing kitchen knives am i allowed to manufacture pocket edc knives under 5inch of blade length and within 1.5inch of blade width
ReplyDeleteVery significant Information for us, I have think the representation of this Information is actually superb one. This is my first visit to your site. Buy online Knifes
ReplyDeleteis 9 inch length overall length including blade or just the blade length
ReplyDeleteCan person use knife under age 18
ReplyDeleteWithout carrying it outside
Is it legal to buy or own kukri in India and is it allowed in check-in baggage, domestic?
ReplyDeleteA knife is one of the most versatile tools that anyone can own. Whether you’re in the wilderness or in the city, a knife can be a lifesaver. Here are 10 reasons why you should always carry a sheath knife when you travel.
ReplyDelete