Karambits Explained
Karambit knives are a popular tool for knife aficionados. The blade has a wicked curve that makes it look like a tiger claw. Karambits are better at ripping and slicing than at stabbing like most knives. A good Karambit will have a flat inner edge for control. The curved portion of the blade along the outer edge allows for catching or dragging. The internal angle of the blade also prevents it from being stabbed into an object, but is instead more useful for hooking, slashing, or cutting.
The advancement of materials and techniques used to create Karambits has allowed them to become a more popular form of knife as they have become sharply more affordable. Once found only in specialty knife shops, today a basic steel Karambit can be bought in sporting goods stores and as an impulse buy in gas stations. The low price of entry has opened the world of Karambits to hobbyists.
All forms of Karambit descend from the traditional knives of Southeast Asia . Origination in Indonesia, the knives became prominent in Malaysia, with their use adopted by the West after the end of World War II. Many forms of traditional Karambit knives are decorated heavily, with blood grooves or intricate inlays. Today the design has seen less emphasis on ornamentation, as blade material and shape, a comfortable handle, and folding vs. fixed blade are more of interest. The current trend in new forms of decoration for the knives is without additional adornment, where the material of the handle and blade are as important as the shape of the knife.
Another change in the design of the traditional Karambit knife is in its use. Traditionally, the knives were used as a last resort for assassination. The curve of the blade made it perfect for hooking and slicing into an individual rather than a stabbing approach. As a result, promotional materials for the knives often highlight the element of surprise and the ability to wield it in close quarters.
Laws Regarding Knives in New York
To start with, New York’s knife laws do not provide a statutory definition for "knife." However, New York courts have historically defined a knife as "a word used to denote an instrument with a straight, pointed, sharp-edged and sharp-pointed blade which is used for cutting or piercing." An instrument fits this definition when it "is primarily designed for and as capable of being used for stabbing." This means that while nunchaku and brass knuckles (which are explicitly illegal) do not fit this definition, many other edged weapons do, such as switchblades and swords. It also means that an individual will almost never be charged with knife possession under these laws if the knife is dull or defective.
New York distinguishes between "gravity knives," "switchblade knives," "dirk knives" or "dagger," and "stiletto knives." The law prohibits possession of the first three categories; possession of a stiletto knife, on the other hand, is just a class B misdemeanor.
A "gravity knife" is defined as "any knife (including a knife which may be called a gravity knife), regardless of how it is opened, having a blade which opens by the force of gravity, ie. by the effect of gravity falling or downward pressure on the blade except to overcome the resistance of the blade’s pivot. A gravity knife has the appearance of a "fighting knife" and is an openly carried instrument intended to be used as a ‘weapon.’"
A "switchblade knife" is defined as "any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the grip of the knife, except that a knife which has some other mechanism to lock the blade in place is not prohibited." In other words, a folding knife with a thumb-push mechanism or a spring-assisted opening mechanism is legal in New York, so long as the blade does not have a button or swich on the grip to release the blade.
A "dirk knife" or "dagger" is defined as "a knife with a double-edged blade with one pointed end, commonly known as a stiletto."
A "stiletto" or "stiletto knife" is defined as "a kind of dagger having a long slender blade and needlelike point."
In addition to the categories of knives defined above, New York also prohibits the following types of knives: "cane swords," "metal knuckles," "cestuses," "flashlights with knuckles," and "cane swords." A cane sword is defined as "a sword, knife or other deadly instrument made a part of or attached to, concealed within or otherwise equipped upon a cane or any other type of walking stick." A metal knuckle knife is defined as "any knife having a finger gripped sheath or slide glove with two or more sharp blades or points that can be projected from a metal knuckle. A cestus is defined as "an ancient weapon resembling a modern-day boxing glove having metal, rubber or leather, spikes or studs." A flashlight with knuckles is defined as "a flashlight to which a metal, plastic or other hard substance knuckle guard is affixed."
Legal Status of Karambits in New York
Unlike other knives which might be more or less limited based on their features, all knives in New York can be classified as either gravity knifes, switchblades and a myriad of other types as either illegal or legal. Specifically, NY Penal Law ยง 265.01 provides in its subsections (2) and (4) the following: (2) "Switchblade knife" means any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by the force of gravity, by the application of centrifugal force or by any mechanical device. "Switchblade knife" shall not include any knife in which the blade folds, closes or is concealed within the handle, and which is opened manually by pressure applied to the blade or by pressure applied to some other part of the knife. (4) "Gravity knife" means any knife which has a blade which is released from the hand grasp solely by the force of gravity, by the application of centrifugal force or by any mechanical device, or any type of pocketknife which has a blade which is exposed, released from the handle or propelled from the handle by the application of pressure to some mechanism in the knife, including a sliding, spinging or detent mechanism. (Emphasis added). Thus, for instance, a ‘gravity knife’ would be illegal in NY (absent narrow exceptions such as for use by military or law enforcement officers) but bucking knives, butterfly knives, dirks and daggers would not. For a karambit knife, whether or not it would be illegal or not would depend from spring assisted blades (with mechanical assistance) to fully automatic versions. Thus, unlike these other types of knives which could be legally carried anywhere, a karambit is legally permitted to be carried only if the blade is manually deployed. Otherwise, it would be illegal.
Exceptions and Legal Exemptions
The law pertaining to all knives can be found under Penal Laws, Chapter 40, Section 265.01, entitled "Prohibited Uses of Weapons." However, it is important to note at the outset that a law pertaining specifically to the karambit knife does not exist. A karambit is, however, classified as a "dagger" or "dirk knife," which is defined in Chapter 40, Section 265.00 of New York State Penal Laws. The law permitted outlined in Chapter 40, Section 265.20, however, allows for karambits to be exempt from the penal laws banning the use of daggers and dirks.
Chapter 40, Section 265.20, consists of five different exceptions, D through H, of weapons usage that are permitted by law. The E exception states, "Any person possessing a dagger, dirk, or stiletto who is licensed as a dealer, dealer in sporting activities, gunsmith, convicted apprentice of a gunsmith, qualified or certified member of a duly organized target company, or a qualified or certified member of a duly organized target, rifle, or shotgun club." This permits not only dealers but other persons who meet the qualifications for one or more of these conditions permission from the law to both own and carry a karambit.
Punishments for Possession of an Illegal Knife
Possession of an illegal karambit, especially one with a blade length greater than the legal limit in New York, may result in prosecution for criminal weapons possession. It can be prosecuted as a Class A misdemeanor or Class D felony depending on the circumstances and the type of knife.
- Possession of a gravity knife, dirk, dagger, stiletto knife, or throw knife, a misdemeanor. According to Penal Law 265.01 of New York State P.L., "A person is guilty of criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree when he… (2) knowingly possesses any dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or other dangerous knife or dangerous instrument with intent to use the same unlawfully against another." This is considered a class A misdemeanor. As a class A misdemeanor, a conviction would subject the offender to a fine of up to $1,000.00 and/or imprisonment of no more than one year and no less than 15 days. Sentencing depends on the crime’s severity and other factors.
- In addition, carrying a dangerous knife off your premises constitutes possession for unlawful use. Thus, if you own an illegal knife for display or other lawful purpose but bring it out into public, you may still be arrested. While this law may seem vague, this is how the law is written and has been upheld in courts.
- Possession of an illegal knife can be prosecuted as a felony. Beyond misdemeanor possession, possession of a knife with intent to use it unlawfully , or possession of a knife during the commission of a felony are all felonies that will lead to serious charges. In addition, all knife convictions are considered weapons offenses meaning offenders may be charged for having a knife while committing a crime rather than the underlying crime itself.
- There are Felony Gun Possession/Charge Enhancements for Weapons Used during a Crime. As noted above, there are serious charges when knives are used during a crime. Section 265.03 of the NY Penal Code explains:
- 1. Criminal possession of a weapon in the first degree. (a) … a class A-I felony when the person possesses… a shotgun, rifle, machine gun, possessed either with the intent to use the same unlawfully against another person…; (b) a class B felony when the person possesses… a shotgun, rifle, machine gun, possessed with the intent to use the same unlawfully against another person, under circumstances that support of the inference that such person…; (c) Criminal possession of a firearm; class E felony.
- 2. Criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. (a) … a class C felony when a person possesses… a machine gun, under circumstances that prevent others from being endangered thereby… except as provided in subdivision four.
- 3. Criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree. (b) A class D felony, when either of the conditions in subdivision two [a criminal possession of a shotgun, rifle, firearm silencer or shrilk firearm; or an assault weapon, or a large capacity ammunition feeding device] is met.
What Knife Owners Should Know in New York
While some may not have the funds to invest in a brank new knife case, investing in a good holster is more than worth it. A smooth leather sheath, rubber multi-tool grip, or even a molded, hard-shell lock-blade sheath can protect your blade from the environment, while preventing accidental injury to you or those around you. If you wish to build a knife collection, then take appropriate measures to care for your knives and ensure they’re always treated well. Simple tips include: Likewise, if you plan to use your knives regularly for hobbies or sports, continue to use them responsibly to avoid causing injury or unnecessary alarm. When on the job due to a hobby or just a job, make it clear that you’re only using your knife for fun or work, not for any sort of personal attack on those around you. As mentioned above, New York State has some of the country’s most strict laws regarding knives and other weapons. Whether you’ve recently purchased a Karambit, switchblade, dagger, or other folding knife, it’s imperative that you familiarize yourself with local knife laws so you’re never caught violating them. A good way to avoid getting into hot water is to ensure you invest in a knife with a blade that won’t exceed 4 inches. You should also keep knives sheathed whenever possible, so that you aren’t tempted to brandish a weapon in a social situation or when dealing with authorities. When in doubt, consult local ordinances and any local or district police departments to ask questions if you don’t understand a specific law or regulation or if you have specific questions regarding your knife.
Overview of Recent Changes and Developments
The legal landscape for karambits in New York is always evolving, and there have been some meaningful changes in recent years. Of particular importance is the definition of gravity knife. Recent case law has established that locking mechanisms and switchblade features (a spring-loaded blade, automatic deployment, etc.) may not, in and of themselves, render a knife a gravity knife as that term is defined in the state laws. While the New York Court of Appeals ruling in People v. Burks, 23 NY3d 161, 164 (2014), found that a locking mechanism, in and of itself , cannot create a "reasonable possibility of secretly deploying the knife," the Court nevertheless went on to affirm the conviction of the man who, while hired under a program to clean up the subway system, was found with a karambit which did in fact possess a spring-loaded blade and a lock, but one which was not deployed. See also People v. Cruz, 160 A.D. 3d 515 (2 Dept 2018) (emphasis added). Obviously if you own a karambit it is prudent to secure its safe storage and use. A karambit with a spring-loaded blade and locking mechanism is less likely to be found to be a gravity knife if it has not been deployed.
