Colorado Laws

Two sections of the Colorado Criminal Code regulate knives. The first, 18-12-101, defines a knife as "any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over three and one- half inches in length, or any other dangerous instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds, but does not include a hunting or fishing knife carried for sports use. The issue that a knife is a hunting or fishing knife must be raised as an affirmative defense." Thus, a knife of less than 3.5 inches is acceptable, but hunting and fishing knives of any length are not considered "knives" for the purposes of the criminal code.

Carrying Knives

Code Section 18-12-105 states that, "A person commits a class 2 misdemeanor if such person knowingly and unlawfully...carries a knife concealed on or about his or her person." It is important to understand that the definition of a knife, the largest legal blade of what would be commonly considered a knife, is 3.5 inches.

Legal Loophole

In Colorado, hunting and fishing knives are not considered "knives" for purposes of the criminal statute outlawing carrying "knives." Thus, carrying a hunting or fishing knife is not a violation of the criminal statute.