For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BLACKJACK. A short bludgeon consisting, at the striking end, of an encased piece of lead or some other heavy substance and, at the handle end, a strap or springy shaft which increases the force of impact when a person or object is struck. BLACKJACK includes, but is not limited to, a billy, billy club, sand club, sandbag or slapjack.
CONCEALED. Hidden from ordinary observation so as to prevent disclosure or recognition. A deadly weapon is CONCEALED when it is carried on or about the person in such a manner that another person in the ordinary course of events would not be placed on notice that the deadly weapon was being carried.
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE. Has the same meaning as is ascribed to that term in W. Va. Code Art. 60A-1.
DEADLY WEAPON. An instrument which is designed to be used to produce serious bodily injury or death, or is readily adaptable to such use. The term DEADLY WEAPON includes, but is not limited to, many of the instruments defined herein, or other DEADLY WEAPONS of like kind or character which may be easily concealed on or about the person.
DRUG. Has the same meaning as is ascribed to that term in W. Va. Code Art. 60A-1.
FIREARM. Any weapon which will expel a projectile by action of an explosion.
GRAVITY KNIFE. Any knife that has a blade released from the handle by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force, and when so released is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever or other locking or catching device.
KNIFE. An instrument, intended to be used or readily adaptable to be used as a weapon, consisting of a sharp-edged or sharp-pointed blade, usually made of steel, attached to a handle, which is capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing or tearing wounds. KNIFE includes, but is not limited to, any dagger, dirk, poniard or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length, any switchblade knife or gravity knife and any other instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing or tearing wounds. A pocket knife with a blade three and one-half inches or less in length, a hunting or fishing knife carried for hunting, fishing, sports or other recreational uses, or a knife designed for use as a tool or household implement shall not be included within the term KNIFE as defined herein, unless such KNIFE is knowingly used or intended to be used to produce serious bodily injury or death.
METALLIC OR FALSE KNUCKLES. A set of finger rings attached to a transverse piece, to be worn over the front of the hand for use as a weapon, and constructed in such a manner that, when striking another person with the fist or closed hand, considerable physical damage may be inflicted upon the person struck. The term METALLIC OR FALSE KNUCKLES includes any such instrument, without reference to the metal or other substance or substances from which the metallic or false knuckles are made.
NUNCHUKU. A flailing instrument consisting of two or more rigid parts, connected by a chain, cable, rope or other nonrigid, flexible or springy material, constructed in such a manner as to allow the rigid parts to swing freely, so that one rigid part may be used as a handle and the other rigid part may be used as the striking end.
PISTOL. A short firearm having a chamber which is integral with the barrel, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.
REVOLVER. A short firearm having a cylinder of several chambers that are brought successively into line with the barrel to be discharged, designed to be aimed and fired by the use of a single hand.
SWITCHBLADE KNIFE. Any knife having a spring-operated blade which opens automatically upon pressure being applied to a button, catch or other releasing device in its handle.
(W. Va. Code 61-7-2) (Prior Code, § 545.01)