Tomahawks---Legality to carry for lawful purposes

[Wojo 98]

We all know how subjective NJ laws can be when it comes to knifes and of course firearms. But I am questioning the legal aspect of carrying a tomahawk. Of course being painted black will make it evil in its own right. I have collected over the years a few of the SOG Tactical Tomahawks because they are incredible versitile and keep one in the trunk of each vehicle along with some other roadside emergency supplies.

 

I recently bought a Fast Hawk and have used it quite a bit during work to clear brush / branches mostly when I am doing facility audits and evaluations. Plus, if I am in say, Paterson, it doesn't hurt to have it handy while working in Section 8 Housing areas.

 

Question, does the law view this as a tool, or a knife exceeding the 3"-4" guidelines? I carry mine in my messenger bag, along with Maglite, Leatherman, N95 Mask, hearing protection, clipboard, tape measure, binoculars, and other tools.

 

When I was with the County Search and Rescue Team, I always carried a full size SOG Tomahawk for a variety of reasons, clearing brush, extraction / entry, sharing a sammich, cuticle repair, etc.

 

http://sogknives.com/store/F06T-N.html

[gunforhire 826]

I carry a tops battle axe, been good so far Scott.

[RecessedFilter 222]

Not sure why there is any question at all about this when you use it for work...

[BlueLineFish 615]

Just like with all edged weapons. Can you articulate why you have it and self defense isn't a reason

[ChrisJM981 924]

It only has a 2" blade. I was wondering the same thing, but for hiking. I have the belt sheath which I plan on using. And what about my 18" SOGfari?

[brizbane 1]

I carry a Cold Steel Special Forces Shovel in my Jeep. Nice handy tool and I sharpened one edge a little, in case a tree limb blocks the road or something.

[KpdPipes 388]

Just like with all edged weapons. Can you articulate why you have it and self defense isn't a reason

This

[Old Glock guy 1,127]

It only has a 2" blade. I was wondering the same thing, but for hiking. I have the belt sheath which I plan on using. And what about my 18" SOGfari?

 

You might be OK carrying that when you're hiking, but I'd like to hear you articulate a legally explainable purpose if you were walking around Newark with it.

[Sticky Grips 4]

Ive been trying to find a reasonable excuse to carry a medieval mace....no luck lol

[FishNJ 2]

Ive been trying to find a reasonable excuse to carry a medieval mace....no luck lol

 

you work for a demolition company...

[BlackOps Badger 52]

Ive been trying to find a reasonable excuse to carry a medieval mace....no luck lol

 

Awkward hammer?

[GRIZ 3,369]

FWIW I remember a case where a guy was arrested for having a machete under the back seat of his Jeep while returning from surf fishing. He claimed he used it to cut driftwood to make a fire on the beach (not sure if or where you can do this in NJ now). Judge found him not guilty as he had a lawful purpose. This might of been different if he was in a sedan or other vehicle where it could have been locked up.

 

The responsibility to articulate a lawful purpose is yours.

[Wojo 98]

Thanks for the feedback and pretty much in line with what I was thinking. It is all up to your interaction with the LEO and thier ability to reason. Some will call in a SWAT team for a box-cutter and others will compliement you on your weapon. Happened to me with a TSA agent in Orlando, he loved my 1911.

 

FWIW, I was all over the municipal building complexes in Paterson yesterday and must've went thru 5 different security positions with metal dectectors along with my escort. I told the guys up front that I am going to go off like crazy because I have all sorts of tools and pointy things in my bag...never opened it once. Even going into the Mayor's office. I suprised my escort when I pulled it out of my bag to open an access hole in some dry wall.

[halbautomatisch 60]

On a related note, don't do this if you are carrying a tomahawk:

 

 

http://www.nj.com/morris/index.ssf/2012/07/cops_man_with_axe_demanded_fre.html