When most people think of weapons, guns, knives, crossbows, machetes and brass knuckles probably come to mind. In law enforcement and the judicial system, almost anything can be considered a weapon.
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Many weapons are specifically addressed as such, being defined in the Criminal Code as weapons. Brass knuckles are a device produced solely with the intent of being used as a weapon against another person, as opposed to other items that have a legal use.
The Criminal Code essentially defines a weapon as anything used, designed to be used, or intended for use in causing death or injury to any person, or for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person.
Knives are items that are not specifically classified as weapons but are often used as such. Some types of knives are prohibited. A switchblade knife that exposes the blade with a spring is a prohibited weapon. Any knife that opens by gravity or centrifugal force is also prohibited. A “butterfly knife” is an example, as the blade becomes exposed by centrifugal force.
The Criminal Code also prohibits a number of devices outright, such as conducted energy weapons, nunchakus, throwing stars (shuriken) and weighted flails (kusari). Other prohibited devices are listed in the Criminal Code, but most are not used by themselves as weapons; they are typically related to firearms, such as overcapacity magazines.
When a firearm is involved, many sections cover offences related to them. However, if someone is hit with a gun, that would be assault with a weapon. In this case, the gun was used as a blunt-force weapon, while at the same time the person likely would face a few firearm-related charges for being in possession of it. The law can make you scratch your head at times.
Other items I have seen deemed weapons specifically because of their use include tools, potato salad, a coffee mug and a frozen muskrat. The muskrat was thrown through a drive-thru window at a coffeeshop worker at one of my previous postings. Essentially, if an item is used to strike, or intended to strike, someone, it can be considered a weapon.
In the above examples, it is how the object was used that determines whether it is a weapon under Criminal Code standards. Another factor with items not typically seen as weapons is where they are possessed.
There is a distinct difference between a butcher knife in your kitchen at home and one a student takes to school. The same applies to a baseball bat being at a ballpark versus in a bar. In cases such as these, the person can likely be arrested for possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace.
There are many Criminal Code sections that include weapons or devices, and varying circumstances that constitute offences. Essentially, if you use an item against someone, it can likely be considered a weapon..
Staff Sgt. Jerry Nutbown is the NCO in charge of the Lloydminster RCMP detachment’s General Investigation Section. Stay tuned for future columns from the Lloydminster RCMP.
This column was originally published in the Feb. 12, 2026, edition of the Meridian Source.
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