The State of Alaska is known by many as the “Last Frontier” of the United States of America as many thousands of square miles are untouched by the human hand and has a thriving wilderness that grasps the imagination and takes hold to roots of survival and humans’ most basic instincts. The knife laws related to the State of Alaska have maintained a similar headline over the years, continuing into 2016 and beyond as what is known as a “Knife-Friendly” State. As the probability of encountering a large animal in Alaska, such as a moose, bear, or caribou is significantly greater than any other state in the lower United States, knife laws help to protect citizens of Alaska by allowing individuals to carry almost anything that they want in the realm of knives. Alaska goes so far as to publish on its Fish and Game Website the aggressive behavior identified by moose and how they may respond to different situations.
Of the many types of knives available to Alaska consumers and consumers throughout the United States, there are only two types of knives that are identified as being illegal in the State of Alaska- gravity knives and switchblade knives. Based on a multitude of legal rulings in the State of Alaska over the course of time, there has also been a slight “Legal gray area” identified in the realm of knife laws throughout the state. There are two clear definitions of a deadly weapon that must be identified together in order to be considered a deadly weapon and therefore allow for individuals to carry and conceal a full spectrum of knives in Alaska as long as they do not fall into the gravity or switchblade category.
First, the State of Alaska has identified that a deadly weapon must be a weapon or similar item that, if used against another human being, can cause significant physical injury or death. Additionally, the weapon or item must be identified as being in use, attempted use, or threatened use, in order to be considered a deadly weapon. This creates a “gray area” for legality purposes as a knife can be considered a non-deadly weapon if it is sitting in a concealed pocket that is not being used for threatening purposes, attempted purposes, or actions against another human being. This legal ruling allows for individuals in Alaska to carry, with confidence, a multitude of knives including, but not limited to, bailsongs, stilettos, Bowie knives, and pocket knives.
Essentially, in a state that understands that individuals have a higher-than-average likelihood of running into large mammals that can be potentially dangerous, the state statutes and regulations identified and developed in relation to knives has adjusted and maintained accordingly to the needs of the citizens within the state. The knife-friendly mentality of Alaska knife law helps to provide a resourceful and supportive relationship amongst hunters, hobbyist, and knife enthusiasts, alike, in a state that may be the “Last Frontier,” but helps to set an example for knife-friendly states for others to follow.
This information that is presented as a brief description of the laws and not as any kind of legal advice. aStraightArrow will not and cannot be a legal service provider. The use of the site does not create any sort of client/lawyer relationship. The knife laws are interpreted differently by prosecuting attorneys, enforcement officers, and judges. aStraightArrow suggests you consult legal counsel for further guidance.