Double Edged

Are all double-edged knives illegal in Massachusetts?

I’m looking for a small knife to carry around for all the random things a pocket knife comes in handy for. I have an old swiss army knife, but it is bulky in my pocket and a pain to open the blade for quick things. I saw some nice double-edged fixed-blade knives with small belt sheaths in a shop in Maine (and online), but someone told me that double-edged knives are illegal in Massachusetts. Is that true?

Yes, doubled edged are illegal to carry, though you can keep at home as a collectors item or for use around the house.

The law says:
“(b) Whoever, except as provided by law, carries on his person, or carries on his person or under his control in a vehicle, … any knife having a double-edged blade…if the court finds that the defendant has not been previously convicted of a felony, he may be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars or by imprisonment for not more than two and one-half years in a jail or house of correction.”

A doubled-edged knife is a pretty big leap from a Swiss Army Knife. Two edgers have really only one purpose, offense (as in, stabbing people). For doing any kind of regular task, they become a liability for accidentally injuring yourself. There are loads of intermediary knife styles that are perfectly reasonable for tasks and also legal, like simple folding knives with a thumb-stud to open with one hand. Or if you like having the extra tools with the knife but still want one-handed, there is the Leatherman Wave.

Nitrome – Double Edged Last Boss + Ending