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WWI Trench Fighting Knife Legality

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1.2K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  NimrodMRA4  
#1 ·
Hi All,

I am rather new to the edged weapon collecting realm and ran into an issue that I thought that I would bring up for more thoughts/opinions/input.

I already collect US bayonets that are appropriate for the rifles that I currently own, but after doing some research I found an interest in US "trench" knives.

While looking at the M1917 and M1918 MkI I would notice disclaimers like "know your state laws, make sure legal to own" which puzzled me at first but then being a resident of New York I figured if the gun laws are a circus, I am sure there are knife laws as well...

So I did some research into that and sure enough there are...

Should there be concern in purchasing either of these two US models? Do they fall into the "metal knuckle" category?

This may seems obvious to some, but I just thought I would get more opinions/input on the topic before making a purchase. Maybe a fellow New Yorker has had the same issues with collecting military edged weapons.

Thanks in advance!

Austin
 
#2 ·
In some states a US military knuckle knife, especially a Mark One is "illegal".
These laws are more directed toward sketchy people actually carrying one on the street.

However, as antique's of great value, and that you aren't going to be carrying it around, you should not have any problem.
Yes, if you get into trouble for something else it could be used to add on charges, but no one is going to be much interested in a knife over 100 years old and of high collector value.
The most probable risk would be in New York City.

Again, the trick is to not be carrying it and not being a criminal type.
If you put them in a display case I'd think any risk would be minimal.
 
#3 ·
I've also read of some localities charging ex-cons with carrying a dangerous weapon when they were caught with pen flare guns. Not sure of the outcome. And, of course, anyone can put about anything in print or on the internet any more, but....
 
#5 ·
while the above posts are correct, it is still against the law, as written, to own some in NY,

the decision is yours to make,

FWIW, I picked up an estate a couple years ago in NY, a full 1/3rd tp 1/2 of what I bought was not NY legal any longer, including a handful of real and repro trench knives (knuckles)

the family wanted it all gone just in case a health care worker for a family member ratted them out,,

they wanted to avoid the Film at 11 pics of a pile of stuff not NY legal any longer spread out on the front lawn,
 
#6 ·
while the above posts are correct, it is still against the law, as written, to own some in NY,

the decision is yours to make,

FWIW, I picked up an estate a couple years ago in NY, a full 1/3rd tp 1/2 of what I bought was not NY legal any longer, including a handful of real and repro trench knives (knuckles)

the family wanted it all gone just in case a health care worker for a family member ratted them out,,

they wanted to avoid the Film at 11 pics of a pile of stuff not NY legal any longer spread out on the front lawn,
Their loss was your gain! Sweet deals were had, no doubt!