What are the rules for concealed carry of a fixed blade knife?

-Jason

That's a good question. Though I always carry a keychain type utility knife, I've always wanted to carry a push type knife....

That's a good question. Though I always carry a keychain type utility knife, I've always wanted to carry a push type knife....

I've carried a Benchmade auto going on 6 years now and never had an issue. Then again I strive to make sure I never have an LEO encounter. Not saying that I haven't had my run ins with Johnny Law, just never had to explain or claim...

OK, so I put my lazy ass in gear and ran a google search 

First link I found: http://knife-expert.com/hi.txt

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In short, you're not allowed to carry "dirk, dagger, blackjack, slug shot, billy, metal knuckles, pistol, or other deadly or dangerous weapon(s)". Further definition of a  "'dangerous weapon' means a dirk, dagger, butterfly
knife, blackjack, slug shot, billy, metal knuckles, or other instrument whose sole design and purpose is to inflict bodily injury or death."

You're also not allowed to make/sell/import a switchblade knife or a butterfly knife (balisong).

Carrying deadly weapons... Any person not authorized by law, who carries concealed upon one's person or within any vehicle... or who is found armed with any dirk, dagger... or other deadly or dangerous weapon, shall be fined... or imprisoned...

"'Other deadly or dangerous weapon' is limited to instruments whose sole design and purpose is to inflict bodily injury or death... A 'diver's knife' is neither a 'dangerous weapon' nor a 'dagger'. 'Deadly and dangerous weapon' is one designed primarily as a weapon or diverted  from normal use and prepared for combat... Cane, butterfly, and kitchen knives are not deadly or dangerous weapons... Sheathed sword cane and wooden knuckles with shark's teeth were 'deadly or dangerous weapons..."

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So it seems like it would be legal to carry a fixed blade knife, concealed or unconcealed, as long as it doesn't fall in line with the above defined guidelines.  Since I typically use the knife I own as a tool, and not solely as a "weapon designed to inflict bodily injury and/or death" I (and you) should be good to go.

I'd like to add the above post is not legal counsel and should be used at your own risk. 

You know what's funny, i'd feel more comfortable next to someone concealing a balisong than a steak knife..... Most likely the steak knife guy needs shrink help and probably will end up doing wierd things after he stabs you....

I find this sad that for the most part it seems Hawaii citizens are not able to defend themselves at all.

I remember when I was in high school I worked part time at Radio Shack for the holidays. Everyone in the store carried a folding knife, not for protection but because of processing shipment arrivals and bringing products out of the boxes.

As long as the knife doesn't look scary, you may be ok. Unfortunately, like the majority of Hawaii laws, the "dirk" description gives the prosecutor too much discretion on who is legal and not legal. In California, several years back, some judge somewhere ruled that the Spyderco Mariner is, in fact, a "dirk" by their standards.

It is funny that that quoted red text cites a butterfly knife as both a dangerous weapon, and not a dangerous weapon. I believe it is not a dangerous weapon, but it is prohibited under its own specific "possession of a butterfly knife" statute