I need some legal knowledge concerning what knives or pokie things can be carried in Wisconsin in regard to length, type, etc…
My Stepdaughter is in the booming metropolis of Madison, Wisconsin, and she wants a knife for self-defense. She is not ready to accept the responsibility of owning a firearm, so let us not go there.
If someone can direct me to the specific code outlining knives in WI, that would be phenomenal.
Thanks in advance.
Following this
First thing I would do when I land in Milwaukee this weekend is buy a knife.
Then, mail it to myself before flying back home.
Go Pack Go 
That is a great idea. Why didn’t I think of that¿
Hi @BruceE as no doubt someone else has reported, 3.75" blade*, no switchblades* for carry. At home, pretty much whatever floats your boat. Too bad she ended up in the People’s Republic of Madison! 
* Your question caused me to do some research, which appears below. It would seem like I once again must un-insert my foot from my mouth. 
Brother-man,
“There are no legal penalties for carrying or concealing a knife in Wisconsin regardless of blade length or style of knife, unless you are prohibited from possessing a firearm. It is, however, illegal to carry any knife into any publicly owned building or use it as a weapon”.
Hope that helps.
D
Hello, Crocodile Dundee 
Wisconsin Knife Laws | American Knife and Tool Institute Better information than I have understood. Not sure I would open carry in Madison. It might be legal, but the nut jobs that live there and the cops are the most anti-2A and weapons in the entire state. The people that live there either work for the University or the state of WI. Those that don’t are scientists and their labs that all work alongside the UW system. Comrade knee pads will get 90% of the vote there.
P.s. I actually live in WI, you would assume I knew better.
Pss If she is going to UW they are ALL public buildings along with the usual stuff.
Mr. Grieve actually put the 'Dundee quote on his Law site!
Thanks Don. 
De Nada!
Buy her a couple of OC spray devices. Those work at 6 to 10 feet and are quite effective. Much better than having to grapple hand to hand in a knife fight. She can always shift to a knife if for some reason the pepper spray fails to keep the dastardly miscreant at bay.
There are several good brands, but I am a big fan of POM for several reasons.
get pepper spray
Yeah, Brother, I saw that too, but this is the part that gets me. It’s like WI is saying you can have one, just don’t use it. WTF???
Luckily she has graduated and no longer associated with UW. She manages an apparel outlet in one of the malls.
I’m thinking I may invest in some pepper spray and send her a care package.
Another question: Is WI a Stand Your Ground or Castle Doctrine state?
Welcome Daniel575, we’re glad you found us.
Wisconsin does not have a stand your ground law. We do, however, have a law referred to as the castle doctrine . (Gamino Law.com)
The castle doctrine allows people in Wisconsin two specific instances where it’s okay to use deadly force (or force that’s likely to cause death or great bodily harm). Those two instances are:
Welcome Daniel to the Fold
You are right where you are suppose to be Brother.
WWG1WGA
Look into buying what is called the claw. It’s a bracelet basically made from parachute cord but the latch is a knife that buckles together. You can get it in different sizes and colors.
Daniel575…a third welcome from me, very glad that you’ve chosen to join the community.
Take care & be well
hmmm… thinkin on this item… guess it depends on the state…
in some states that could be considered a concealed weapon???
some states have allowed many types of knives now… others still say nope…
possible legal issues could be involved with this???
Regardless of what your daughter decides to do on the knife route I highly recommend carrying a sturdy metal pen with a flat top. She could carry one of these pretty much everywhere and when held in an ice pick grip they make for an effective improvised self defense tool. Hammer strikes to throat, eyes and ears with a pen are going to have a lot more impact than an empty fist.
A lot of the “tactical” pens have a painful point where the thumb should go and they also may attract unwanted attention when passing through security. But a simple twist top or side thumb lever pen is just as effective and much easier to use as an actual pen.
On the knife front I have been doing a little knife related training and have found that a fixed blade knife carried in the appendix position is by far the quickest and most fumble free way for me to react to surprise threats. Unfortunately in CA where I do a lot of work, only criminals are allowed to carry concealed fixed blade knives. I have actually thought about making a little kydex holster to carry my pen while in CA since it would be much quicker to get into action than my folding pocket knife. Right now I keep the pen clipped in the front pocket on the opposite side of my folding knife. Not as effective as appendix but I can deploy it quicker and more securely than the pocket folding knife.
