There are lots of Muni laws on the books here in VA with regards to knife blade length etc..
However, VA. is a
Dillion Rule State(Common Wealth), all those silly Muni Laws that specify blade length etc..except those that basically mirror State law, are unenforceable.
State law:
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-308/https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title18.2/chapter7/section18.2-308.1/These basically mirror State Law: enforceable:
Norfolk, VA 47-6. on any public/private/parochial/elementary/middle/high school, including buildings & grounds, W/blade 3" or longer
Petersburg, VA 74-207. on any public/private/parochial/elementary/middle/high school, including buildings & grounds, W/blade 3" or longer
Than there is case law:
There is far too much subjectivity and fluidity with respect to the terms “dirk, “bowie knife” and/or “switchblade.” The problem is further compounded by the provisions of § 18.2-308A (v), where “any weapon of like kind as those enumerated . . .” is included. The test for determining whether a given knife comes within the statutory prohibition has been stated by the Supreme Court of Virginia in the case of Farrakhan v. Commonwealth of Virginia, 639 S.E.2d 227 (2007).
https://www.courtlistener.com/opinio...rrakhan-v-com/Terms, such as “dirk,” “bowie knife” and “switchblade knife” are not statutorily defined. Whether a particular knife is a dirk or bowie knife, or for that matter “any weapon of like kind as those enumerated,” is an issue to be reserved by the fact finder, whether it be a jury, or in the case of a bench trial, the judge. Delcid v. Commonwealth of Virginia, 526 S.E.2d 273 (2000).
https://www.leagle.com/decision/2000799526se2d2731791I was recently reminded of the above and thought I'd share, least we forget! I DID!
The VA Supreme court has already decided these aren't weapons or weapons of like kind:
http://www.courts.state.va.us/opinio...wp/2074072.pdfMCmillian Vs Commonwealth = scuba knife
Farrakhan v. Commonwealth = kitchen knife
Thompson v. Commonwealth = butterfly knife
I'm no legal scholar..do your own research...