What Is Considered Open Carry

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Defining the Core Concept of Open Carry
3. Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
4. What Is Considered Open Carry for Knives?
5. The Role of Holsters and Sheaths
6. Open Carry in a Vehicle
7. Open Carry on the Trail and in the Backcountry
8. Printing and Brandishing: Two Important Terms
9. Practical Steps for Responsible Open Carry
10. Choosing Gear for Open Carry
11. The Social Aspect of Open Carry
12. Conclusion
13. FAQ

Introduction

Walking into a local gear shop or onto a trailhead with a sidearm or a fixed-blade knife often prompts a fundamental question: how is this being seen by others? You might have your favorite blade strapped to your belt or a pistol in an outside-the-waistband holster, assuming it is clearly visible. However, the legal and practical definition of "open carry" is more nuanced than simply not wearing a jacket over your gear. At BattlBox, we believe that being a responsible outdoorsman means knowing exactly how your equipment is classified the moment you step out the door. This guide explores the physical and situational requirements that define open carry for firearms and knives. We will cover how your choice of holster, your clothing, and even your posture can change your carry status. Understanding what is considered open carry ensures you remain compliant and confident while exploring the wild or navigating your community.

If you want to keep building a well-rounded outdoor kit, you can choose a BattlBox subscription for curated gear delivered monthly.

Quick Answer: Open carry is the act of carrying a weapon, such as a firearm or a large knife, in a manner that is clearly visible to the casual observer. While specific definitions vary by state, it generally requires that the item is not hidden by clothing, bags, or the physical structure of a vehicle.

Defining the Core Concept of Open Carry

Open carry refers to the practice of wearing a weapon in plain view. This is the opposite of concealed carry, where the item is hidden from public sight. For many hikers, hunters, and EDC (Everyday Carry) enthusiasts, open carry is a matter of accessibility and comfort. A tool that is out in the open is easier to reach in an emergency, such as a wildlife encounter or a sudden need for a utility knife.

For a broader look at how visibility affects knife carry, read this guide to concealed carry knives.

The standard often used by law enforcement and courts is the ordinary observation test. If a person with normal vision can see and recognize the object as a weapon during a routine encounter, it is typically considered open carry. If any part of the weapon is intentionally shielded from view to prevent others from knowing it is there, it may transition into the category of concealed carry.

The Ordinary Observation Standard

To meet the requirement of open carry, the weapon must be "readily identifiable." This does not mean someone has to see every single screw or the serial number. It means that the shape and nature of the object must be apparent. A holster worn on the outside of the belt is the most common example. Even if only the grip of a pistol or the handle of a knife is visible, most jurisdictions still classify this as open carry because the nature of the tool is obvious.

For additional context on the visibility standard, explore BattlBox's open carry guide.

Common Open Carry Methods

• Outside the Waistband (OWB): Carrying a holster or sheath on a belt outside the trousers.
• Shoulder Holsters: Worn over a shirt without a covering jacket.
• Drop-Leg Holsters: Often used by hikers to keep gear clear of a heavy backpack waist belt.
• Chest Rigs: Common for fly-fishing or backcountry hiking where quick access is needed while wearing a pack.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry

The line between open and concealed carry can be surprisingly thin. This distinction is critical because many areas require a specific permit for concealed carry, whereas open carry may be legal without one. Understanding the "grey areas" can help you avoid accidental legal trouble.

For a deeper discussion of holster placement, retention, and visibility, see this concealed carry holster guide.

Concealed carry occurs when a weapon is hidden from the "ordinary observation" of others. This includes having a knife inside a pocket where only the clip shows, or a handgun tucked under a shirt. If you are wearing an OWB holster but your long t-shirt happens to drape over it, you may be legally "concealed" even if you didn't mean to be.

Partial concealment is a common point of confusion. If a jacket covers half of a holster, is it open or concealed? In many states, if any part of the weapon is hidden by clothing, it is legally considered concealed. This is why many people who choose to open carry use "active retention" holsters and keep their shirts tucked in or their jackets short.

Key Takeaway: The distinction between open and concealed carry is often determined by whether a casual observer can identify the weapon at a glance.

What Is Considered Open Carry for Knives?

While much of the conversation around carry laws focuses on firearms, knife owners must be equally diligent. Knife laws are often more complex and vary significantly between cities and states. For the outdoor enthusiast, the type of knife and how it is attached to your gear determines its carry status.

For everyday utility tools and pocket knives, browse BattlBox's EDC collection.

Fixed Blades

A fixed-blade knife is a knife that does not fold or retract. These are almost always considered open carry when worn in a sheath on the belt. Because the handle and the sheath are clearly visible, they meet the ordinary observation test. However, if you put that same fixed blade inside your waistband (IWB) or under a coat, it becomes a concealed weapon.

You can compare field-ready options in the fixed blades collection, including the Tactica K.220 Search & Rescue Knife.

Folding Knives and Pocket Clips

The most common way people carry knives today is via a folding knife with a pocket clip. Does a pocket clip count as open carry? In most jurisdictions, the answer is no. Because the blade and most of the handle are inside the pocket, the knife is considered concealed. Some local ordinances are very strict about this. If you are in an area that bans concealed knives over a certain length, having that knife in your pocket—even with the clip visible—could be a violation.

For more discussion of pocket clips and local carry rules, read this pocket knife carry article.

If you prefer folding designs for everyday use, explore folder blades.

Neck Knives and Boot Knives

• Neck Knives: If worn over the shirt, these are open carry. If tucked under the shirt, they are concealed.
• Boot Knives: These are almost always considered concealed because the boot shaft or pant leg hides the weapon.

Note: Always check local municipal codes, as some cities have stricter definitions of "concealed" than the state at large.

The Role of Holsters and Sheaths

The gear you use to carry your tool is the primary factor in how it is classified. A holster or sheath serves two purposes: safety and legal clarity. At BattlBox, we have featured various types of retention systems and carry options in our missions, as the right holster ensures your gear stays put while remaining visible if you intend to open carry.

For accessories that support daily carry systems, browse the EDC gear collection.

Retention and Safety

When carrying openly, you do not have the "security of anonymity" that concealed carry provides. This means your gear is visible to everyone, including people who might try to grab it. Active retention holsters, which require a button press or a thumb break to release the weapon, are highly recommended for open carry.

Another option for a fixed blade is the BattlBolt Fixed Blade Knife, which is presented as a belt-sheath carry tool.

Holster Placement

Where you mount your holster on your body matters.

1. Strong Side Hip: The most traditional open carry position. It is easily seen and recognized.
2. Small of Back: This can be dangerous for your spine if you fall, and it is often partially covered by a shirt, leading to accidental concealment.
3. Appended Carry: Carrying at the front of the body. While popular for concealment, it is rarely used for open carry due to comfort and visibility issues.

Open Carry in a Vehicle

One of the biggest legal traps for those who open carry is getting into a vehicle. The moment you step into a car, the definition of "open" can change. In many states, a weapon that was perfectly legal on your hip becomes "concealed" once the car door closes because the door, center console, or seatbelt obscures it from view.

For related guidance on concealed carry considerations, read BattlBox's concealed carry basics.

The Plain View Doctrine

In some jurisdictions, for a weapon to be considered "open" in a vehicle, it must be in plain view. This might mean it needs to be on the dashboard or in a mounted holster on the console. Simply having it on your hip might not be enough if a police officer looking through the window cannot see it.

Storage vs. Carry

If you do not have a concealed carry permit and your state treats vehicle carry as concealed, you may need to store the weapon in a specific way. This often involves placing it in a locked box or the trunk, separated from the ammunition.

Myth: If I am open carrying on my belt, it stays "open carry" when I sit in my truck. Fact: In many states, a weapon on your person inside a vehicle is considered concealed if the vehicle's body or your seatbelt hides it from a person standing outside the window.

Open Carry on the Trail and in the Backcountry

For hikers and campers, open carry is often the most practical choice. Whether it is a large survival knife for processing wood or a firearm for protection against predators, having the gear on the outside of your pack or body is standard.

You can pair open-carry tools with broader emergency preparedness gear for longer trips and changing conditions.

Carrying on a Backpack

Many modern backpacks have MOLLE webbing (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) on the shoulder straps or waist belt. Attaching a knife or holster here is generally considered open carry because it is exposed to the air and visible to other hikers. However, you must be careful when putting on or taking off a rain cover. A rain cover draped over your pack can technically "conceal" any gear attached to the outside of it.

Interaction with the Public

When you are open carrying in a public forest or park, you are a representative of the outdoor community. Even if it is legal, being mindful of your gear's "footprint" is important. A secure, high-quality sheath or holster that keeps the tool tight to your body looks more professional and less threatening than a loose, dangling setup.

Bottom line: In the backcountry, open carry is about accessibility, but you must remain aware of how your gear is perceived and whether temporary covers (like rain gear) are accidentally concealing your tools.

Printing and Brandishing: Two Important Terms

To fully understand what is considered open carry, you must understand two terms that often come up in legal and social discussions: printing and brandishing.

For another perspective on concealment and the outline of a weapon under clothing, read this guide to concealed carry methods.

What is Printing?

Printing occurs when the outline of a weapon is visible through clothing. If you are trying to carry concealed, printing is a failure of your concealment. In some strict jurisdictions, if you do not have a concealed carry permit and your weapon "prints" through your shirt, you could be cited for carrying a concealed weapon because the item is not "openly" visible, yet its presence is known.

What is Brandishing?

Brandishing is the act of showing, waving, or pointing a weapon in a threatening manner. This is a criminal offense. There is a massive difference between open carry (having a weapon in a holster) and brandishing (taking the weapon out or even resting your hand on it in a way that threatens others). Open carry must be passive. The weapon stays in its retention device until there is a legitimate, lawful reason to use it.

Practical Steps for Responsible Open Carry

If you decide that open carry is the right choice for your outdoor adventures or daily life, follow these steps to stay safe and compliant.

Step 1: Research Local and State Laws. Before you strap on a holster, you must know the specific laws of your area. Some states are "Gold Star" open carry states, meaning it is legal without a permit. Others may require a permit or have "preemption" laws that prevent cities from making their own stricter rules.

Step 2: Choose the Right Gear. Invest in a high-quality OWB holster or fixed-blade sheath. Ensure it has at least Level 1 retention (friction) or ideally Level 2 (a thumb break or button). We often include these types of durable, field-tested accessories in our Advanced and Pro BattlBox tiers.

When you are ready to build a kit around this kind of equipment, get expert-curated gear delivered monthly.

Step 3: Conduct a "Mirror Test." Put on your gear and look in the mirror. Turn around, sit down, and reach for something on a high shelf. Does your clothing cover the weapon at any point? If you want to ensure you are open carrying, the gear must remain visible throughout your normal range of motion.

Step 4: Practice Retention and Situational Awareness. When you carry openly, you lose the element of surprise. You must be more aware of your surroundings and the people near you. Practice "retention drills" (safely and with an unloaded tool) to ensure you know how to protect your gear from an unauthorized grab.

Choosing Gear for Open Carry

Not all gear is designed to be seen. When selecting tools for open carry, look for items that are built for the elements and designed for external carry.

Knives

For open carry, a full-tang fixed blade is the gold standard. A full-tang knife is one where the steel of the blade runs all the way through the handle. These are incredibly durable and usually come with a Kydex or leather sheath designed for belt carry. Many of the knives we feature from brands like TOPS, Fox Knives, and Morakniv are perfect examples of tools meant to be carried openly in the field.

For another fixed-blade option, see the K-TAC Karambit.

Holsters

If you are open carrying a firearm, avoid "pancake" holsters that are designed to pull the gun tight to the body for concealment. Instead, look for holsters with a bit of "stand-off" from the belt. This makes the weapon more visible (satisfying the open carry definition) and easier to grip quickly.

The Social Aspect of Open Carry

While the legal definition of what is considered open carry is based on visibility, the social reality is based on perception. In deep wilderness, seeing a person with a sidearm or a large knife is common and often expected. In a suburban park or a gas station near a trailhead, it might draw more attention.

Responsible open carry involves:

• Professionalism: Using clean, well-maintained gear.
• De-escalation: Being polite and non-confrontational if someone asks about your gear.
• Awareness: Knowing when it might be more appropriate to cover up or store your gear (such as entering a private business with a "No Weapons" sign).

Key Takeaway: Open carry is as much about your behavior as it is about your holster. A calm, professional demeanor helps maintain the public's trust in responsible outdoorsmen.

Conclusion

Understanding what is considered open carry is a vital skill for anyone who carries tools for self-reliance or outdoor survival. It isn't just about having your gear "out"; it's about ensuring that your gear meets the legal standard of ordinary observation, is secured by proper retention, and is carried with a high degree of situational awareness. Whether you are trekking through the backcountry with a fixed blade on your pack or carrying a sidearm on your hip, being informed is your best defense.

At BattlBox, we are committed to providing the gear and the knowledge you need to be prepared for any situation. Our expert-curated missions deliver high-quality tools that you can rely on, whether they are tucked away in a go-bag or carried openly on your belt. By staying informed and choosing the right equipment, you can enjoy the outdoors with confidence and peace of mind.

"The best gear in the world is only as effective as the knowledge of the person carrying it."

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FAQ

Does a knife clip showing on my pocket count as open carry?

In most jurisdictions, a knife clipped to the inside of a pocket is considered concealed, not open carry. Because the majority of the knife is hidden from view, it does not meet the "ordinary observation" test. If your local laws prohibit concealed carry of certain knives, you should carry the knife in a belt sheath to ensure it is considered open carry.

Can I open carry a firearm in my car without a permit?

This depends entirely on your state's laws. In many states, a weapon inside a vehicle is legally "concealed" because the car's structure hides it from public view. Some states allow "open carry" in a car if the weapon is on the dashboard or in plain sight, while others require it to be encased or locked away if you do not have a permit.

Is a holster that is partially covered by a shirt still open carry?

Generally, no. If a piece of clothing covers any significant portion of the weapon, it may be legally classified as concealed. To ensure you are strictly open carrying, your gear should be completely unobstructed by shirts, jackets, or bags. Many people who open carry choose to tuck in their shirts to avoid accidental concealment.

What is the difference between open carry and brandishing?

Open carry is the passive act of wearing a weapon in a visible holster or sheath. Brandishing is the active, threatening display of a weapon, such as drawing it, pointing it, or holding it in a way that suggests an immediate threat. Open carry is a legal method of transport in many places, while brandishing is a criminal offense everywhere.