Wojo 98 Posted July 9, 2012 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gunforhire 826 Posted July 9, 2012 I carry a tops battle axe, been good so far Scott. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RecessedFilter 222 Posted July 10, 2012 Not sure why there is any question at all about this when you use it for work... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueLineFish 615 Posted July 10, 2012 Just like with all edged weapons. Can you articulate why you have it and self defense isn't a reason Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ChrisJM981 924 Posted July 10, 2012 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? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brizbane 1 Posted July 10, 2012 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
KpdPipes 388 Posted July 10, 2012 Just like with all edged weapons. Can you articulate why you have it and self defense isn't a reason This Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Old Glock guy 1,127 Posted July 11, 2012 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sticky Grips 4 Posted July 11, 2012 Ive been trying to find a reasonable excuse to carry a medieval mace....no luck lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FishNJ 2 Posted July 11, 2012 Ive been trying to find a reasonable excuse to carry a medieval mace....no luck lol you work for a demolition company... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlackOps Badger 52 Posted July 11, 2012 Ive been trying to find a reasonable excuse to carry a medieval mace....no luck lol Awkward hammer? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,369 Posted July 11, 2012 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wojo 98 Posted July 11, 2012 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
halbautomatisch 60 Posted July 12, 2012 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites