Are Switchblades Legal? Knife Laws By State

Ignorance of the law is not an excuse, so arm yourself with the right information on knife laws by state.

RELATED: 23 Best Survival Knife Brands You Can Trust

In this article:

1. Alabama Knife Laws
2. Alaska Knife Laws
3. Arizona Knife Laws
4. Arkansas Knife Laws
5. California Knife Laws
6. Colorado Knife Laws
7. Connecticut Knife Laws
8. Delaware Knife Laws
9. Florida Knife Laws
10. Georgia Knife Laws
11. Hawaii Knife Laws
12. Idaho Knife Laws
13. Illinois Knife Laws
14. Indiana Knife Laws
15. Iowa Knife Laws
16. Kansas Knife Laws
17. Kentucky Knife Laws
18. Louisiana Knife Laws
19. Maine Knife Laws
20. Maryland Knife Laws
21. Massachusetts Knife Laws
22. Michigan Knife Laws
23. Minnesota Knife Laws
24. Mississippi Knife Laws
25. Missouri Knife Laws
26. Montana Knife Laws
27. Nebraska Knife Laws
28. Nevada Knife Laws
29. New Hampshire Knife Laws
30. New Jersey Knife Laws
31. New Mexico Knife Laws
32. New York Knife Laws
33. North Carolina Knife Laws
34. North Dakota Knife Laws
35. Ohio Knife Laws
36. Oklahoma Knife Laws
37. Oregon Knife Laws
38. Pennsylvania Knife Laws
39. Rhode Island Knife Laws
40. South Carolina Knife Laws
41. South Dakota Knife Laws
42. Tennessee Knife Laws
43. Texas Knife Laws
44. Utah Knife Laws
45. Vermont Knife Laws
46. Virginia Knife Laws
47. Washington Knife Laws
48. West Virginia Knife Laws
49. Wisconsin Knife Laws
50. Wyoming Knife Laws

What Are the Knife Laws in the United States?

 

Federal Knife Laws by State

Getting caught or crossing state lines with an illegal knife or switchblade can lead to serious consequences like fines or even jail time, so it’s important to know your state’s knife laws and the knife laws of any state you may travel to. It is important to remember that state laws are not always the same as the local or federal laws.

Every state has its own law when it comes to carrying a switchblade, and the only federal law is the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 and the 2009 amendment to the act which applies to individuals who are traveling between states and internationally. To better understand each law, below are the 50 states along with their knife laws to avoid an untimely visit to the sheriff’s office.

1. Alabama Knife Laws

What is legal in Alabama?

Alabama has some of the best knife laws in the U.S., including a nifty switchblade law. If you don’t like legal speak, here are the basics of what knives are legal under Alabama knife laws.

• Balisongs/butterfly knives are legal.
• Switchblades, gravity knives, automatic and assisted opening knives are legal.
• Stilettos, dirks, and toothpick knives are legal.
• All folding knives are legal.
• Bowies are legal if carried open (like on your hip).
• Bowies are legal to carry concealed if you are on your own property.
• Double sided knives are legal, no matter the size.
• If the knife fits in your pocket, it is legal.
• Out the front knives are legal.

What is illegal in Alabama?

• Bowies and things like Bowies are illegal if concealed.
• Bowies are illegal to have in your vehicle.
• A machete might be classified as a Bowie, and it will be illegal if you carry it concealed.
• An 11″ butcher knife has been found to be like a Bowie in court so don’t plan on using it in a crime.
• Selling Bowies to people under 18 is illegal.

2. Alaska Knife Laws

UPDATE:

Summary of 2013 Alaska Knife Law Changes

The effective date of HB33 is September 18, 2013.

• This law also preempts the repealing of local knife laws. Other than that, it also prevents new knife laws from being enacted upon.
• Legal for an adult to possess or transport a switchblade or gravity knife
• No prohibition on manufacturing switchblades or gravity knives;
• Minors under the age of 16 can only possess a switchblade or gravity with parental consent

3. Arizona Knife Laws

What is legal/illegal in Arizona?

• The state has preempted all local knife laws.
• There are no blade length laws.
• Balisongs, Bowie knives, pocket knives, switchblades, and stilettos are legal.
• It’s legal for anyone over 21 to carry knives.
• It’s illegal to not inform a police officer you are carrying a concealed knife when the knife is not a pocket knife. This is true even if you have a concealed-carry permit.

Knives are not allowed in schools.

Learn more from the official Arizona State Legislature site.

4. Arkansas Knife Laws

What are legal knives under the Arkansas Knife Law?

• Balisongs are legal.
• Switchblades, automatic knives, gravity knives, and similar knives are legal.
• Dinks, stilettos, and other stabbing knives are legal.
• Bowies and other large knives are legal.
• Knives of all sizes are legal. Yes, even your straight-edge razor.

Basically, if it has a blade, it is legal, even if you are carrying concealed.

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5. California Knife Laws

California’s knife laws are among the toughest in the country.

What’s legal in California?

• Bowie knives are legal in the state of California.
• Large knives are also legal in California with no restriction in size.
• Carrying knives in the open is legal.
• Carrying knives concealed is legal, depending on which knife.

What’s illegal in California?

• Knives that are misleading or undetectable by a metal detector.
• Misleading knives include cane knives and zobi-tsues, belt knives, pen knives, air gauge knives, and lipstick knives.
• Dirks, stilettos, and daggers are illegal.
• Ballistic (throwing) knives are illegal.

Read more from shouselaw.com and duilawyers.

6. Colorado Knife Laws

These knives are legal to own in Colorado:

• Dirks, daggers, push knives, and stilettos are legal.
• Bowie knives and other large blades are legal.
• Disguised knives like belt knives, pen knives, cane knives, and lipstick knives are legal.
• Balisong/butterfly knives are in a legal gray area.
• Ballistic knives are illegal.
• Gravity knives and switchblades are legal. (SB 008 removes gravity knives and switchblades from the State’s definition of illegal weapons.)

These knives are illegal to carry concealed in Colorado:

• Knives less than 3.5 inches are legal.
• Fishing and hunting knives of any length are legal.
• Knives over 3.5 inches are illegal.

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7. Connecticut Knife Laws

All knives are legal to own in Connecticut:

• Balisongs, automatic or folding knives, gravity knives, and switchblades are legal to own.
• Dirks, stilettos, daggers, and push knives are legal to own.
• Disguised knives like lipstick knives, cane knives, and boot knives are legal to own.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal to own.
• Basically, any knife is legal to own and have in your home.

Some knives cannot be carried (open or concealed):

• Automatic knives over 1.5 inches are illegal.
• Switchblades over 1.5 inches are illegal.
• Stilettos are illegal.
• Blades longer than 4 inches are illegal.

8. Delaware Knife Laws

Knives that are banned in Delaware:

• Balisong knives are legal.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal.
• Disguised knives like belt knives, lipstick knives, and cane knives are legal.
• Throwing knives are legal.
• Stilettos, dirks, and daggers are legal.
• Knives that will not set off metal detectors and have a pointed tip are illegal.
• Knives with brass knuckles are illegal.
• Switchblades and gravity knives are illegal.
• Throwing stars are illegal.

If a knife does not fall into any of the illegal categories above, it is legal to own.

Limits to carrying knives:

• It is legal to carry a 3-inch pocket knife or folding knife concealed.
• Other than a 3-inch pocket knife, carrying any other type of knife concealed is illegal.

If the knife is not banned, you can carry it in the open. Only concealed carry is limited. Concealed means close enough by you that you can readily use it while being covered by something. Having a knife in your car counts as being concealed.

9. Florida Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Florida?

• Balisong knives are legal.
• Belt knives, cane knives, and other disguised knives are legal.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal.
• Throwing stars and throwing knives are legal.
• Undetectable knives (knives that will not set off metal detectors) are legal.
• Ballistic knives are illegal.

The law does not limit individuals from owning, selling, or buying any knife except for ballistic knives.

Restrictions on Carry:

• You can open carry any knife.
• Box cutters, multi-tools, and other work knives are legal to carry concealed.
• In most cases, conceal carry of a common pocket knife with a blade of less than 4 inches is legal.
• Anything outside of this has not been expressly banned or allowed.

10. Georgia Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Georgia?

• Balisong knives often called butterfly knives are legal.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal.
• Throwing stars and throwing knives are legal.
• Disguised knives such as cane knives, belt knives, and lipstick knives are legal.
• Push knives, stilettos, switchblades, dirks, and daggers are legal.
• Spring assisted ballistic knives are legal.
• Knives that are undetectable with a metal detector are legal.

In Georgia, there are no limits on the possession of knives. You can own any knife you want. There are only limits on carry knives.

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is illegal to carry, open or concealed, a knife larger than 5 inches without a permit.
• For knives greater than 12 inches, you need a weapons permit. (HB 292 increases the legal length of a knife blade to carry to 12 inches.)

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11. Hawaii Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Hawaii?

• Bowie knives and other large knives.
• Throwing stars and throwing knives.
• Disguised knives like belt knives, lipstick knives, and push knives.
• Undetectable knives (knives that won’t set off metal detectors).
• Dirks, daggers, and stilettos
• Balisong knives
• It is illegal to own switchblades.

Only balisongs and switchblades are banned in Hawaii. Any other type of knife is legal.

Restrictions on Carry:

• You can open carry any knife.
• Conceal carry of dirks, daggers, and knives similar to that are allowed.
• You can not conceal carry knives with knuckles like some WWI trench knives.
• You can conceal any other type of knife.

12. Idaho Knife Laws

No Knife Ban

• Balisong knives are legal.
• Switchblades, automatic knives, and other quick release knives are legal.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal.
• Throwing stars and throwing knives are legal.
• Stilettos, dirks, and other stabbing knives are legal.
• Disguised knives like belt knives, lipstick knives, cane knives, and key knives are legal.
• Spring assisted ballistic knives are legal.
• Pocket knives of any size are legal.

Age Restrictions on possession:

• Need parental consent to possess a bowie or dirk if under 18.
• Can not possess a bowie or dirk if under 12 unless your parents are with you.

There is no ban on the possession of any type of knife in Idaho. You can buy and own any knife you want. However, taking it outside of the house is a different situation.

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is legal to open carry any knife.
• It is illegal to bring any knife (open or concealed) besides a 2.5″ pocket knife to school.
• Conceal carry of any dirk, bowie, or dangerous weapon is illegal.
• It is illegal to conceal carry a knife, even if you have a permit, when intoxicated.

13. Illinois Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Illinois?

• Balisong knives are legal.
• Disguised knives like cane knives, belt knives, and lipstick knives are legal.
• Throwing knives are legal.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal.
• Throwing stars are illegal.
• Ballistic knives are illegal.
• Switchblades and other automatic knives are legal. (SB 607 would allow individuals to carry automatic knives when in possession of their Firearm Owner’s Identification Card.)

The state of Illinois only banned the possession of throwing stars, switchblades, ballistic knives, and knives that open with a press of the button.

Restrictions on Carry:

You can carry any knife as long as it is not one of the banned knives listed above and you do not have the intent to harm someone or break the law.

14. Indiana Knife Laws

What is legal in Indiana?

• Balisong knives are legal.
• Bowie knives are legal.
• Dirks, daggers, and stilettos are legal.
• Assisted knives are legal.
• Disguised knives like cane knives, lipstick knives, and belt knives are legal.
• Switchblades and other automatic knives are legal.

What is illegal in Indiana?

• Ballistic knives are illegal.
• Throwing stars are illegal.

Restriction on Carry:

There are no limits to concealed or open carry as long as you do not bring a knife to school.

15. Iowa Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Iowa?

• Balisong knives are legal.
• Switchblades and automatic knives are legal.
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other stabbing knives are legal.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal.
• Disguised knives like cane knives, belt knives, and lipstick knives are legal.
• Ballistic knives are illegal.

Only ballistic knives are outlawed in Iowa law.

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is legal to open carry any knife.
• It is illegal to conceal carry a switchblade.
• Conceal carry of a dagger or stiletto is illegal.
• It is illegal to conceal carry a knife whose blade is greater than 5 inches.
• Conceal carry of a balisong knife is illegal.
• It is illegal to conceal carry disguised knives like cane swords and lipstick knives.

16. Kansas Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Kansas?

• Bowies and other large knives.
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other stabbing knives.
• Disguised knives like belt knives, lipstick knives, and cane swords.
• Switchblades and other automatic knives.
• Gravity knives
• Undetectable knives (knives that will not set off metal detectors)

What is illegal to own in Kansas?

• It is illegal to own ballistic knives.
• It is illegal to own throwing stars.

17. Kentucky Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Kentucky?

• Ballistic knives
• Balisong knives
• Switchblades and other automatic knives
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other stabbing knives
• Disguised knives like belt knives, lipstick knives, and cane knives
• Undetectable knives (knives that will not set off metal detectors)
• Bowie knives and other large knives

There are no banned knife types in Kentucky.

What is legal to carry in Kentucky?

• It is legal to open carry any knife.
• It is legal to conceal carry any ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife.
• Anything besides a pocket or hunting knife can be considered a deadly weapon and would be banned from concealed carry.

18. Louisiana Knife Laws

What is legal to own Louisiana?

• Balisong knives also called butterfly knives
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other slim knives
• Disguised knives like belt knives
• Undetectable knives–knives that will not set off metal detectors
• Throwing stars and throwing knives
• Bowie knives and other large knives
• It is illegal to own switchblades and other automatic knives.

The only banned knife in Louisiana is a switchblade. However, if you are a law enforcement officer, you might be able to get an automatic opening knife because there is an exemption for “rescue knives” in the law.

Restrictions on Carry:

Any knife is legal for open or concealed carry as long as it is not a switchblade.

19. Maine Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Maine?

• Bowie knives and other large knives
• Dirks, stilettos, daggers, and other slim knives
• Throwing stars and throwing knives
• Disguised knives like cane knives, belt knives, and lipstick knives
• It is illegal to own switchblades, automatic knives, and balisong knives.

The only banned types of knives are automatic opening knives. Balisong knives were found to fall under this category.

What is legal to carry in Maine?

• It is legal to carry any knife in the open.
• It is illegal to carry daggers, stilettos, and knives designed for harming others.
• Any knife outside of those 3 is legal to conceal carry.

The law bans the carry of “other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person.” This means that, as long as the knife was not designed to attack other people, it is fine to carry concealed.

20. Maryland Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Maryland?

• A balisong knife also called butterfly knife
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other slim knives
• Switchblades, gravity knives, and automatic knives
• Ballistic knives
• Disguised knives like belt knives and lipstick knives
• Throwing stars and throwing knives
• Undetectable knives
• Bowie knives and other large knives

There is no limitation on the type of knife you can own in Maryland.

Limits on carry:

• You can not conceal carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife, or bowie knife.
• You can not open carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife, or bowie knife with the intent to harm someone.
• Open or conceal carry any sized pocket knife you wish is good.

If a knife is not listed above, it is most likely to be legal for concealed or open carry.

21. Massachusetts Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Massachusetts

• Balisong knives also called butterfly knives are legal to own.
• Switchblades and automatic knives are legal to own.
• Ballistic knives are legal to own.
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and push knives are legal to own.
• Knives with brass knuckles are legal to own.
• Disguised knives like cane knives and lipstick knives are legal to own.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal to own.
• Throwing knives and throwing stars are legal to own.

There is no knife ban in Massachusetts.

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is illegal to carry, open or concealed, switchblades, dirks, daggers, stilettos, ballistic knife, double edge knives, and knuckle knives.
• It is illegal to carry anything perceived as dangerous while disturbing the peace or being arrested.
• Folding knives, Swiss army knives, and kitchen knives are legal to carry as long as you do not behave in a way that makes them dangerous.

22. Michigan Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Michigan?

• Butterfly knives also called balisong knives are legal.
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other stabbing knives are legal.
• Throwing knives and throwing stars are legal.
• Bowie knives and other large knives are legal.
• Hidden knives like belt knives and lipstick knives are legal.
• Undetectable knives (knives that do not set off metal detectors) are legal.
• Switchblades, automatic knives, and gravity knives are illegal.

What is illegal to carry in Michigan?

• It is illegal to carry (either concealed or otherwise) dirks, stilettos, daggers, a double-edged non-folding stabbing instrument of any length or any other dangerous weapon in any vehicle occupied or operated by the person. With the exception of a hunting knife adapted and carried as such.
• On top of this, you can not carry a dangerous weapon with intent to harm.

Learn more on the Michigan Penal Code on concealed weapons.

23. Minnesota Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Minnesota?

• Balisong knives are legal to own.
• Dirks, stilettos, daggers, and other stabbing knives are legal to own.
• Disguised knives like lipstick knives are legal to own.
• Bowie knives are legal to own.
• Throwing stars and throwing knives are legal to own.
• All other knives are legal to own.
• Only switchblades are illegal.

What is legal to carry in Minnesota?

• Knives with utility purposes are legal to carry.
• Knives that can be used as weapons are legal to carry as long as you do not have the intent to harm others.
• It is illegal to recklessly use a knife designed to be a weapon.
• It is illegal to carry a knife designed to be a weapon (and not a tool) with the intent to harm others.

24. Mississippi Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Mississippi?

• Balisong knives also called butterfly knives
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other slim knives
• Disguised knives like belt knives
• Undetectable knives–knives that will not set off metal detectors
• Throwing stars and throwing knives
• Bowie knives and other large knives
• Switchblades, gravity knives, and automatic knives

Mississippi does not restrict ownership of any type of knife for those over the age of eighteen who have not been convicted of a felony.

What is illegal to own in Mississippi?

It is illegal for a minor or a convicted felon to own a:

• Bowie knife
• Dirk knife
• Butcher knife
• Switchblade

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is illegal to carry concealed any bowie knife.
• It is illegal to carry concealed any dirk knife.
• Concealed carry of butcher knife is illegal.
• It is illegal to carry concealed any switchblade or automatic knife.
• You may carry any knife concealed if it is concealed in your vehicle, and not on your person.
• You may carry any knife concealed if you are participating in a sports activity where such a knife is legitimately used.
• Open carry of any knife in Mississippi unless you are a minor or a student on an educational property is good.

25. Missouri Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Missouri?

• Dirks, stilettos, and other slim knives
• Boot knives and other daggers
• Balisong knives sometimes called butterfly knives
• Undetectable knives–knives that will not set off metal detectors
• Throwing stars and throwing knives and even throwing axes
• Bowie knives and other large knives

What is illegal to own in Missouri?

It is a Class C Felony to own a switchblade knife in Missouri unless the person possessing the switchblade is in compliance with the applicable federal law. The federal law, which governs possession of switchblades, is 15 USC Chapter 29. The law allows a person to possess and/or carry a switchblade on or about his person if the blade is less than three inches long and the person has only one arm, or the knife contains a spring or other mechanism designed to create a bias toward closure of the blade.

RELATED: 13 Brutal Tips, Tricks, And Myths From A Filipino Knife Fighter

26. Montana Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Montana?

• Dirk, dagger, stiletto, or other push knives
• Balisong, or butterfly knife
• Bowie knife, or other large knives
• Throwing knives or throwing stars
• Disguised knives such as cane knives and lipstick knives
• It is legal to carry a blade with 4 or more inches in length from the list of illegal concealed weapons. (HB 251 is effective on October 1, 2017.)

What is illegal to own in Montana?

• A switchblade knife is illegal to own in Montana unless you are a collector who is registered with the Sheriff in the county where your collection is kept.

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk.
• It is illegal to conceal carry a dagger.
• To possess or carry any knife with a four-inch blade or longer in a school building is illegal.
• It is illegal to conceal carry any weapon while intoxicated.
• It is illegal to conceal carry a weapon into a government office, bank or financial institution, or a place that sells alcohol for onsite consumption.
• Conceal carry of any “deadly weapon” is illegal.
• It is legal to open carry any knife that is legal to own in Montana.
• It is legal to carry any knife that is legal to own in your vehicle, concealed or openly.

27. Nebraska Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Nebraska?

• Balisong knives are legal to own.
• Bowie knives are legal to own.
• Dirks, daggers, and stilettos are legal to own.
• Ballistic knives are legal to own.
• Disguised knives like cane knives, lipstick knives, and belt knives are legal to own.
• Switchblades and automatic knives are legal to own.

What is illegal to own in Nebraska?

• It is illegal for a person who has been convicted of a felony to own a knife.
• Fugitives are not allowed to own a knife.
• It is illegal for a person subject to a domestic violence protective order to own a knife while knowingly violating such an order.

Nebraska L 558 redefined the term “knife” for certain provisions of the criminal code to allow hunters and anglers to possess knives with blades over 3 and 1/2 inches. Signed on April 27 and effective on September 2017.

28. Nevada Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Nevada?

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Balisong or butterfly knife
• Bowie and other hunting knives
• Throwing knives and throwing stars

What is illegal to own in Nevada?

• Any knife which is made an integral part of a belt buckle
• Switchblade knives

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is illegal to possess or carry a dirk, dagger, or switchblade on school or childcare facility property or in a vehicle owned by a school or childcare facility.
• It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk.
• Conceal carry of a dagger is illegal.
• It is illegal to conceal carry a machete.
• It is illegal to conceal carry any knife which is made an integral part of a belt buckle.
• Conceal carry of any knife which could be considered a dangerous or deadly weapon is illegal.
• It is legal to conceal carry a pocketknife.
• It is legal to open carry any knife that is legal to own.

29. New Hampshire Knife Laws

What is legal to own in New Hampshire?

In New Hampshire, it is legal to own any type of knife, as long as you have not been convicted of a felony against the person or property of another or of a felony drug-related offense. Yes, machetes are legal.

What is illegal to own in New Hampshire?

It is illegal for a person who has been convicted of a felony against the person or property of another or of a felony drug-related offense to possess a:

• Stiletto
• Dirk or dagger
• Switchblade knife
• knife considered a deadly weapon

30. New Jersey Knife Laws

What is legal to own in New Jersey?

• Balisong or butterfly knife
• Disguised knives like lipstick knives
• Bowie knife
• Throwing stars and throwing knives
• Any weapon for which a person has an explainable lawful purpose for owning

What is illegal to own in New Jersey?

• It is illegal to own any weapon, with the purpose to use it unlawfully against the person or property of another.
• It is illegal for a person convicted of certain crimes (see below) to own a gravity knife, switchblade, dirk, dagger, stiletto, or other dangerous knives.
• Certain mentally ill people are not allowed to own a gravity knife, switchblade, dirk, dagger, stiletto, or other dangerous knives.
• It is illegal to own a gravity knife, switchblade, dirk, dagger, stiletto, or other dangerous knives with any explainable lawful purpose.

A conviction for aggravated assault, arson, burglary, escape, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, bias intimidation, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of weapon for an unlawful purpose, manufacture or transport of a prohibited weapon, unlawful possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance, or endangering the welfare of a child prevents a person from owning certain types of knives in New Jersey.

31. New Mexico Knife Laws

What is legal to own in New Mexico?

• Bowie knife
• Throwing stars or knives
• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto

What is illegal to own in New Mexico?

• Switchblade
• Balisong or butterfly knife

32. New York Knife Laws

What is legal to own in New York?

• Hunting knife
• Dirk or dagger
• Stiletto

What is illegal to own in New York?

• Switchblades and swords
• Pilum ballistic knife
• Metal knuckle knife
• Cane sword
• Throwing stars
• It is illegal to own any knife if you are not a U.S. citizen.
• To own any knife adapted for use primarily as a weapon is illegal.
• It may be illegal to own a gravity knife, without a valid hunting and/or fishing license.

Just by having a banned knife in one’s possession already gives the presumption he or she intends to use it unlawfully against someone else as stated in one state law. In addition, people under 16 years of age are not allowed to have “any dangerous knife” in their possession. They can be considered as a juvenile delinquent should they be convicted.

Please see more of the New York Penal Code § 265.01.

33. North Carolina Knife Laws

What is legal to own in North Carolina?

• Bowie knife
• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Switchblade
• Gravity knife
• Disguised knives, such as in a pen or lipstick

What is illegal to own in North Carolina?

• Any spring-assisted projectile knife
• Ballistic knife
• Any weapon of similar character to a projectile or ballistic knife

34. North Dakota Knife Laws

What is legal to own in North Dakota?

It is legal to own any type of knife in North Dakota. North Dakota has no laws making it a crime to own any kind of knife.

It is illegal to conceal carry:

• Gravity knives or switchblades
• Machetes
• Scimitars, backswords, or sabers
• Stilettos
• Swords
• Dirks or daggers
• Any knife with a blade 5 inches or longer
• It is legal to open carry any type of knife

35. Ohio Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Ohio?

• Switchblade or gravity knife
• Balisong, or butterfly knife as well as Balisong trainers
• Ballistic knife
• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Bowie knife
• Stiletto

What is illegal to own in Ohio?

Nothing. It is legal to own any type of knife in Ohio.

36. Oklahoma Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Oklahoma?

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Bowie knife
• Switchblade or gravity knife
• Cane sword
• Balisong, or butterfly knife as well as Balisong trainers
• Stiletto

What is illegal to own in Oklahoma?

It is not illegal to own any kind of knife in Oklahoma.

The following are illegal to conceal or open carry:

• Dagger
• Bowie knife
• Dirk knife
• Switchblade knife
• Spring-assisted knife
• Sword cane
• A knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other devices in the handle of the knife
• Any “offensive weapon”

As the no-carry law states it is illegal to carry a weapon, “upon or about” the person, Oklahoma’s no carry law extends to items carried in a vehicle, not just on a person.

37. Oregon Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Oregon?

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Bowie knife
• Switchblade or other automatic knives
• Ballistic knife
• Gravity knife
• Balisong, or butterfly knife and Balisong trainer
• Stiletto

What is illegal to own in Oregon?

Oregon law does not restrict the ownership of any type of knife for those who have not been convicted of a felony. As a matter of fact, in 1984 in State v. Delgado, the Supreme Court of Oregon found that former Oregon statute § 166.510(1) was unconstitutional because it prohibited the mere possession and mere carrying of a weapon. The Court believed restricting the possession and open carrying of weapons for non-felons was a violation of a person’s right to bear arms under the 2nd Amendment to the Constitution.

38. Pennsylvania Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Pennsylvania?

• Bowie knife
• Balisong or butterfly knife
• Penknife
• Concealed knife, such as in a lipstick or belt buckle
• Any kind of hunting knife

What is illegal to own in Pennsylvania?

• Dagger
• Automatic knife
• Sword cane
• Any implement for the infliction of bodily injury, which serves no “common lawful purpose”

39. Rhode Island Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Rhode Island?

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto
• Sword cane
• Concealed knife, such as in a belt buckle or lipstick
• Bowie knife
• Balisong or butterfly knife
• Switchblade

What is illegal to own in Rhode Island?

It is not illegal to own any type of knife in Rhode Island, so long as you do not intend to use it unlawfully against another.

It is illegal to conceal carry the following:

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto
• Sword cane
• Bowie knife
• Any knife with a blade more than 3 inches in length

It is legal to open carry any type of knife in Rhode Island.

40. South Carolina Knife Laws

What is legal to own in South Carolina?

• Switchblade
• Balisong, or butterfly, knife
• Bowie knife
• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto
• A disguised knife, such as in a lipstick or belt buckle

What is illegal to own in South Carolina?

• It is legal to own any type of knife in South Carolina.

Restrictions on Carry:

It is legal to conceal carry the following:

• Dirk
• Switchblade knife
• Balisong, or butterfly knife
• Bowie knife
• Stiletto

41. South Dakota Knife Laws

What is legal to own in South Dakota?

• Switchblade or any type of automatic knife
• Ballistic knife
• Balisong or butterfly knife
• Bowie knife
• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto
• Sword cane
• Disguised knives, such as in a belt buckle or lipstick

What is illegal to own in South Dakota?

It is not illegal to own any type of knife in South Dakota.

In 2006, the legislature repealed the only law prohibiting ownership of any type of knife. The former statute, 22-14-19, made it illegal for a person to own, possess or sell a ballistic knife.

Restrictions on carry:

Any knife may be carried openly or concealed.

South Dakota’s statutes discuss dangerous weapons and carrying concealed weapons, however, neither of the statutes applies to knives, as its definition of “concealed” is “any firearm totally hidden from view.”

42. Tennessee Knife Laws

SB 1771 by *Bell, Summerville, Green. (HB 1883 by *Dennis, Faison, Holt.)

Weapons – As enacted, makes lawful the sale, transfer, ownership, possession and transportation of switchblade knives and knives with a blade length in excess of four inches; increases from $3,000 to $6,000 the maximum fine for possessing a switchblade knife with the intent to employ it during the commission of a dangerous felony. – Amends TCA Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Fiscal Summary
Increase State Expenditures – $5,000/Incarceration* Increase Local Revenue – Not Significant Decrease Local Expenditures – Not Significant

Bill Summary
This bill makes multiple changes to the laws governing switchblade knives, as follows:

(1) This bill removes switchblade knives from the list of weapons that it is an offense for an individual to intentionally or knowingly possess, manufacture, transport, repair or sell;
(2) Bill removes the offense of knowingly or intentionally selling, loaning, or making a gift of a switchblade knife to a minor;
(3) This bill removes the offense of a person carrying a knife with a blade exceeding four inches with the intent to go armed;
(4) Under present law, it is a Class E felony to possess any deadly weapon (other than a firearm) with the intent to employ it during the commission of, attempt to commit, or escape from any offense not defined as a dangerous offense. Under this bill, if the weapon is a switchblade knife, the maximum fine for the Class E felony will be increased from $3,000 to $6,000;
(5) This bill makes it an offense for a person to employ a switchblade knife during the commission of, attempt to commit, or escape from a dangerous offense. This offense will be a Class D felony; and
(6) This bill authorizes individuals to purchase and have shipped directly to the individual’s home a switchblade knife.

ON MARCH 3, 2014, THE SENATE ADOPTED AMENDMENT #1 AND PASSED SENATE BILL 1771, AS AMENDED.

AMENDMENT #1 removes the provision of the bill that would have made it a Class D felony offense for a person to employ a switchblade knife during the commission of, attempt to commit or escape from a dangerous offense.

Read more…

43. Texas Knife Laws

What is legal to carry in Texas?

Texas HB 1935 signed into law there will be no restrictions on the carry of knives except with blades over 5 1/2 inches effective on September 1, 2017.

What is illegal to carry in Texas?

Knife blades longer than 5 1/2 inches

State law preempts all local laws.

44. Utah Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Utah?

• Balisong or butterfly knife
• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto
• Bowie knife
• Automatic or gravity knife
• Disguised knives, such as a lipstick or belt buckle

What is illegal to own in Utah?

Utah law creates two categories of people who may not own certain weapons, defined as “dangerous weapons”.

A category I restricted person is someone who:

• Has been convicted of a violent felony under Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203.5
• Is on probation or parole for any felony
• Is on parole from a facility is under contract with the Division of Juvenile Justice Services, that provides 24-hour supervision and confinement for youth offenders who have been committed to the division for custody and rehabilitation
• Has been adjudicated delinquent, within the last 10 years, for an offense that if committed by an adult would have been a violent felony under Utah Code Ann. § 76-3-203.5
• Is illegally or unlawfully in the United States

45. Vermont Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Vermont?

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto
• Bowie knife
• Disguised knives, such as a lipstick or belt buckle
• Throwing stars or knives

What is illegal to own in Vermont?

It is illegal to own a switchblade with a blade measuring 3 inches or longer.

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is illegal to carry openly or concealed a dangerous or deadly weapon with the intent of using it to harm another.
• It is illegal to carry openly or concealed a dangerous or deadly weapon onto school or government property.

Vermont law does not place any other restrictions on the carrying of knives. In 1903, in State v. Rosenthal, Vermont’s Supreme Court said that under the general laws, a person may carry a dangerous or deadly weapon, openly or concealed, unless he did it with the intent or avowed purpose of injuring another.

46. Virginia Knife Laws

What’s legal in Virginia?

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Bowie knife
• Switchblade
• Ballistic knife
• Throwing stars or other throwing knives
• Stiletto
• Balisong, or butterfly knife

Restrictions on Carry:

It is illegal to conceal carry:

• Dirk
• Bowie knife
• Switchblade knife
• Machete
• Ballistic knife
• Throwing stars or oriental darts
• Any knife similar to one of the above-listed knives

Read more about the Code of Virginia § 18.2-311 and § 18.2-307.1. You can also read up on their laws on concealed carry for knives and firearms.

47. Washington Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Washington?

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Bowie knife
• Stiletto
• Disguised knives, such as a lipstick or belt buckle
• Throwing stars

What is illegal to own in Washington?

It is illegal to own a switchblade or other spring blade knife in the state of Washington.

Restrictions on Carry:

• It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk.
• It is illegal to conceal carry a dagger.
• To conceal carry any dangerous weapon is illegal.
• It is illegal to open or conceal carry any weapon into a courtroom.

It is also illegal to carry or display a dagger, sword, knife, or other cutting or stabbing instrument in a manner or under circumstances that would cause alarm or show an intent to intimidate another. In 1994, in State v. Spencer, the Supreme Court of Washington held that there must be a sufficient basis for the alarm, such that a reasonable person would be alarmed. Also in 1994, the Court held, in State v. Byrd, that because the display of a weapon in a manner that caused reasonable fear or alarm could be done without intent, a violation of the statute did not require intent. This means one does not have to intend to cause alarm or fear in order to be guilty of a crime under the statute.

48. West Virginia Knife Laws

What is legal to own in West Virginia?

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto
• Switchblade
• Balisong or butterfly knife
• Bowie knife
• Ballistic knife

What is illegal to own in West Virginia?

West Virginia law does not prohibit the ownership of any type of knife.

Restrictions on Carry:

It is illegal to conceal carry the following:

• Dirk, dagger, or other stabbing knives with a blade over 3 ½ inches
• Switchblade, or any automatic knife
• Gravity knife
• Balisong, or butterfly knife
• Any instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds
• Any “deadly weapon”

49. Wisconsin Knife Laws

Legal to own and carry in Wisconsin:

Any kind of knife.

Restrictions on Carry

It is illegal to carry a knife concealed or otherwise if a person has a criminal or malicious intent to harm others.

50. Wyoming Knife Laws

What is legal to own in Wyoming?

• Switchblade
• Balisong or butterfly knife
• Bowie knife
• Dirk, dagger, poniard, or other stabbing knives
• Stiletto
• Gravity knife

What is illegal to own in Wyoming?

Wyoming law does not prohibit the ownership of any type of knife.

Restrictions on Carry:

It is illegal to conceal carry a deadly weapon in Wyoming.

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We all know knives are important tools, but carrying or owning a knife comes with a great responsibility. We have to be aware of the laws and adhere to them to avoid penalties or even worst — incarceration — a predicament you don’t want to be in for sure. Learn more about knife laws here.

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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 18, 2018, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.