Knife Laws and Regulations of All 50 States 2022

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Knife laws vary from state to state, which can be confusing when you want to know what you can buy, own, and carry in different states. We are here to help sort through the confusion.

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys. What follows is not legal advice. We have researched the laws of each state to the best of our ability, but laws are complex and are always changing. This is not intended to be an exhaustive study. Instead, it is intended to be a general reference.

This post is made possible in part by Knife Country USA.
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Knife Laws in the 50 States

You can fight for your country at 18 with just about any type of knife, rifle, or grenade, but be careful on American soil! Your great grandfather may have been permitted to fight in World War 1 with a knife with brass knuckles attached, but please do not keep them as a family heirloom. That is illegal!

In many states, it is the intent of carrying the knife that is illegal. You also need to know that many localities within a state pass their own knife laws that may vary drastically from what the state law entails. If you carry a knife concealed, it may be worthwhile to consider CCW insurance. It’s not just for guns.

For the sake of brevity throughout the article, understand that typically a balisong and a butterfly knife are considered the same thing. Disguised knives typically refer to knives that are hidden in belt buckles, pens, lipstick cases, canes, and the like. I have noticed that what is defined as a switchblade or dagger can have an incredibly wide scope of meaning, so that is something to be aware of. Many times, the laws surrounding knives are incredibly vague.

So, without further ado, here are the knife laws of the various 50 states…

Alabama Knife Laws

Balisongs/butterfly knives are legal. Switchblades, gravity knives, automatic/assisted opening are legal. Stilettos, dirks, and toothpick knives are legal. All folding knives are legal. Bowies are legal if open carried. Bowies are legally concealed if you are on your own property. Double sided knives of all size are legal. Out the front knives are legal. If the knife fits in your pocket, it is legal.

Concealed bowies and concealed bowie-like knives are illegal. A concealed machete could be illegal. Selling bowies to those under 18 is illegal. Weapons on school property will land one into legal trouble. Some local laws also apply, such as in Montgomery.

Learn about Alabama preppers generally.

Alaska Knife Laws

No illegal knives as of 2013. Illegal to sell switchblades and gravity knives to those under 18 unless you have the written permission of the minor’s guardian. You can manufacture them though. You cannot conceal a deadly weapon under the age of 21 for any reason, and knives are considered deadly weapons, unless it’s a “common pocketknife.”

If a cop asks to see what you are carrying, you have to show them. If a cop stops you, you have to tell them you have one. K-12 children cannot carry a knife to school. You cannot have a knife in your car in a k-12 parking lot without principal approval. You cannot talk to somebody who has a restraining order against you while you carry a non-pocketknife. (Source)

Learn about Alaska preppers generally.

Arizona Knife Laws

There are no illegal pocketknives here. Knives of any length are legal. Anyone over 21 can carry knives concealed. It is illegal to not inform a police officer who stops you that you are carrying a concealed knife that is not a pocketknife. Under 21 it is illegal to conceal a non-pocket knife. It’s illegal to bring a deadly weapon to schools, polling places, nuclear power facilities, or hydroelectric power facilities. You cannot sell or transfer a “deadly weapon” to a prohibited person. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Learn about Arizona preppers generally.

Arkansas Knife Laws

Balisongs are legal. Switchblades, automatic knives, gravity knives are legal. Dirks, stilettos, and other stabbing knives are legal. Bowies and other large knives are legal. Knives of all sizes are legal. Concealment is not an issue. Giving a “deadly weapon” to a minor or incarcerated person is illegal. No knives at Capitol grounds, the Arkansas Justice Building, schools, or some public buildings. Some local restrictions may also apply. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Learn about Arkansas preppers generally.

California Knife Laws

Bowies are legal. No restrictions on sizes of large knives. Open carry is legal. Carrying concealed is legal for most knives. Cane knives, lipstick knives, belt knives, pen knives, and other misleading knives are illegal. Undetectable knives (such as ones that will not set off metal detectors) are illegal. Ballistic knives are illegal. Switchblades with a blade over 2” long are illegal. Daggers and dirks are illegal to conceal carry, and the definition for what consists of a dirk is rather broad, leaving the jury to decide one’s fate. Any fixed blade knife can be a dirk or dagger under California law. Any folding or retractable knife with a locking mechanism is also defined as a dirk or dagger. Balisongs are considered switchblades. You can open carry a dagger. Balisongs are considered switchblades. You can open carry a dagger.

Boxcutters are illegal in airports, and knives with blades over 4” are illegal in state/local buildings or meetings. The only time you can have a blade longer than 2.5” on college property is to prepare food. Local laws may apply. California knife law is so complex and convoluted it almost appears as if one can be arrested for any type of knife. (Source)

Learn about California preppers generally.

Colorado Knife Laws

Ballistic knives are illegal to carry (actually, 1+ years in prison and a felony). Dirks, daggers, push knives, stilettos, bowies, large blades, disguised knives, balisongs, butterfly knives, gravity knives, and switchblades are legal. Any knife with a blade over 3.5” is illegal to conceal carry. It is not illegal to conceal carry a knife on your own property. It is not illegal to carry a concealed knife if you are driving. Hunting and fishing knives larger than 3.5” can be carried concealed. City laws may be different however, and there are several them. Boulder County makes it illegal to carry any knife concealed.

It is illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than 3.5” to schools, colleges, or seminaries. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Learn about Colorado preppers generally.

Connecticut Knife Laws

All knives are legal to own. Balisongs, automatic knives, gravity knives, switchblades, dirks, stilettos, daggers, push knives, disguised knives, bowie knives, large knives are all legal. You can own and keep all blades at home, but if you carry a stiletto, blade longer than 4”, switchblade over 1.5”, or automatic knife over 1.5”, you are doing something illegal. Knives with no other real purpose than stabbing cannot be carried if they’re over 1.5”.

Fishermen, hunters, and trappers can carry whatever blade they like provided it is used specifically for those purposes. Deadly weapons are illegal at schools or school-sponsored activities. Breaching Connecticut knife laws can land you 3-5 years in jail, which is rather draconian, so be aware. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Delaware Knife Laws

Balisongs, bowies, large knives, disguised knives, throwing knives, stilettos, dirks, and daggers are legal. Throwing stars, switchblades, gravity knives, knives with brass knuckles, and knives with a point tip that will not set off metal detectors are illegal. Concealed carrying blades over 3” is illegal. Non-illegal knives can be open carried. Only concealed carry has restrictions. Having a knife in your car counts as being concealed. It is up to the courts to determine what is a balisong and what is not. They may consider it a switchblade, but you cannot be sure. WW I trench knives are illegal. There may be local laws in Delaware as well.

Any knife is considered a deadly weapon if it is not an “ordinary pocketknife.” Ordinary pocketknives are considered as folders with blades less than 3”. (Source)

Learn about Delaware preppers generally.

Florida Knife Laws

Balisongs, belt knives, disguised knives, bowie knives, large knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, undetectable knives are all legal. Ballistic knives are illegal. You can own, sell, or buy any knife other than ballistic knives. You can open carry any knife. Box cutters, work knives, and multi-tools are legal to conceal carry. Concealed carry of any knife with a blade over 4” is not allowed without a permit. Concealed weapons without a permit are illegal.

Common pocketknives are typically ok, but the court gets to determine what a common pocketknife is. In prior cases, a 4” folder open in a purse was considered a concealed deadly weapon, as was a 3” pocketknife with serrations/notched grip/hilt guard and locking mechanism. Knives in vehicles are not considered concealed if the knife and sheath are visible from the outside.

Selling or providing a knife to a minor other than a common pocketknife is illegal. It’s illegal to carry knives at schools, polling places, court facilities, professional sports events, and some other locations. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Georgia Knife Laws

Butterfly knives, bowie knives, large knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, disguised knives, push knives, stilettos, switchblades, dirks, daggers, spring powered ballistic knives, and undetectable knives are legal. You can own any knife you want, but there are limits on what you can carry. You cannot carry open or concealed any knife larger than 12” without a permit. After you have the permit, there are no restrictions.

Knives with metal knuckles could get you into trouble. There’s a 2” blade limitation on school grounds or at a school function. Knives that are weapons cannot be carried into court, government buildings, polling locations, nuclear power facilities, prisons, or asylums. Churches are restricted locations unless the citizen has a license and has been granted permission by the church administration. (Source 1) (Source 2)

Learn about Georgia preppers generally.

Hawaii Knife Laws

You can own bowie knives, large knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, disguised knives, undetectable knives, dirks, daggers, and stilettos. Butterfly knives are illegal. Switchblades are illegal. If a knife is considered a dangerous weapon, it cannot be carried either concealed or open. There are no knives that can only be carried one way or the other. You can conceal carry any knife you wish as long as it is not a dirk, dagger, or similar blade. Tactical knives and bowie knives are not dangerous weapons unless you use them in such a manner. Dirks or daggers in a car are illegal. No weapons on school grounds. (Source)

Idaho Knife Laws

Balisongs, switchblades, automatic knives, quick release knives, bowie knives, large knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, stilettos, dirks, stabbing knives, disguised knives, spring powered ballistic knives, and pocketknives of any size are legal. You need parental consent if under 18 to own a bowie or dirk. You cannot possess a bowie or dirk if you are under 12 unless your parents are with you. You can open carry any knife.

Any blade larger than 2.5” carried open or concealed to school is illegal, and pocketknives are the only form legal. It is illegal without a permit to conceal carry any dirk, bowie, or dagger with a blade longer than 4”. You cannot conceal carry a knife while intoxicated even if you do have a permit. Having a knife in your car that is not visible from outside could be considered a concealed knife. You cannot sell dirks, daggers, and bowies to people under 18. (Source)

Learn about Idaho preppers generally.

Illinois Knife Laws

Balisongs, disguised knives, throwing knives, bowie knives, and other large knives are legal. Throwing stars, ballistic knives are illegal. Switchblades and other automatic knives are illegal unless you carry a valid Firearms Owners Identification card. You can carry any knife provided it is not restricted. Knives with metal knuckles such as WW1 trench knives may be illegal. Local laws may apply.

You can get in serious legal trouble for being inside one of the following locations or within 1000 feet of them (even if on a road or sidewalk) of a public housing agency, public park, courthouse, school, a public transportation agency, courthouse, any area school busses stop that is owned, leased, or contracted by the school. (Source)

Learn about Illinois preppers generally.

Indiana Knife Laws

Balisongs, bowies, dirks, daggers, stilettos, assisted knives, disguised knives, switchblades, and automatic knives are legal. Ballistic knives and throwing stars are illegal to possess, manufacture, or sell. There are no limits to concealed or open carry provided you do not bring a knife to school. No knife of any length is legal within a school unless left in your car or approved by the school. (Source 1) (Source 2) (Source 3)

Iowa Knife Laws

Balisongs, switchblades, automatic knives, dirks, daggers, stilettos, stabbing knives, bowie knives, large knives, and disguised knives are all legal. Ballistic knives are illegal. It is legal to open carry any knife. It is illegal to conceal carry a switchblade, dagger, stiletto, a blade greater than 5”, a balisong, or disguised knives. Conceal carrying of a blade greater than 8” can land you in even bigger legal trouble

Balisongs are considered fighting knives with no utility uses (despite their original creation in the Philippines being a utilitarian knife), so even if it is under 5” it can still count as a dangerous weapon. Disguised knives can be owned but must be left at home. Carrying them out of your house is considered concealed carrying and is illegal. Concealed carry of any “dangerous weapon” is illegal unless one has a license. Being within 1000’ of a school with a weapon is illegal. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Learn about Iowa preppers generally.

Kansas Knife Laws

It is legal to own bowies, large knives, dirks, daggers, stilettos, stabbing knives, disguised knives, switchblades, automatic knives, gravity knives, and undetectable knives. It is illegal to own ballistic knives and throwing stars. It is legal to either open carry or conceal carry all knives that are legal to own. WW1 trench knives, or other knives with metal knuckles may be illegal. Don’t carry a knife to a school or jail. Felons don’t seem to be able to possess any knife whatsoever but this is a little confusing. (Source 1) (Source 2) (Source 3) (Source 4)

Learn about Kansas preppers generally.

Kentucky Knife Laws

It is legal to own ballistic knives, balisongs, switchblades, automatic knives, dirks, daggers, stilettos, stabbing knives, disguised knives, undetectable knives, large knives, and bowie knives. There are no banned knife types. It is legal to open carry any knife. You can conceal carry any ordinary pocketknife or hunting knife. KRS 500.080 recently overturned making concealed carrying other knives illegal.

Concealed carry of deadly weapons is now legal as of June 27, 2019. You can carry any knife, concealed or not if you are 21. Under 21, and you can carry an ordinary hunting/pocketknife – though this has not necessarily been defined. Don’t take a knife to school. Some local laws may apply. (Source 1) (Source 2)

Louisiana Knife Laws

Balisongs, dirks, daggers, stilettos, slim knives, disguised knives, undetectable knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, bowie knives, large knives, switchblades, and automatic knives are all legal. Concealed carrying of any automatic knife is illegal. Any other knife is legal for open or concealed carry. No knives at schools, on school busses, at school functions, or at vocational schools. Some local laws apply. (Source 1) (Source 2) (Source 3) (Source 4) (Source 5)

Maine Knife Laws

It is legal to own bowies, large knives, dirks, stilettos, daggers, slim knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, disguised knives, switchblades, automatic knives, and balisongs. It is legal to carry any knife in the open. Concealed carry of dirks, bowies, stilettos, switchblades, or other dangerous or deadly weapons is illegal. What these dangerous weapons are is vague. It is legal to conceal carry hunting, fishing, and trapping knives. There are specific county and city laws that come into play in Maine as well. Don’t carry knives into court. (Source)

Maryland Knife Laws

It is legal to own balisongs, dirks, daggers, stilettos, slim knives, ballistic knives, disguised knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, undetectable knives, bowie knives, and other large knives. There are no limitations on what type of knife you can own in Maryland. You cannot conceal carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife, or bowie. You cannot open carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife, or bowie knife with the intention of hurting somebody. You can open or conceal carry any sized pocketknife you wish.

It is illegal to bring a knife to school. Selling switchblades or ballistic knives is illegal. Gravity knives are considered switchblades in Maryland. There are county laws that come into play as well. Carrying a knife to deter an aggressor is illegal. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3)

Massachusetts Knife Laws

Balisongs, switchblades, automatic knives, ballistic knives, dirks, daggers, stilettos, push knives, knives with brass knuckles, disguised knives, bowie knives, large knives, throwing stars, and throwing knives are all legal to own. There is no knife ban. It is illegal to carry, open or concealed, switchblades, dirks, daggers, stilettos, ballistic knives, double edge knives, and knuckle knives. Carrying anything perceived as dangerous is illegal while you are disturbing the peace or being arrested. Folders, Swiss army knives, and kitchen knives are legal to carry provided you do not behave in a manner that makes them dangerous.

Open and locked knives, stilettos, daggers, ballistic knives, switchblades with blades over 1.5”, double edged blades, and dirks can also not be legally placed in a car. Any folder with a lock and that can be drawn in the locked and open position is illegal to carry. Any form of sharp edge on the back side of a knife causes the blade to be considered as double sided. Bowie knives with sharpened clips are therefore considered double-sided blades and is thus illegal to carry open or otherwise.

Any knife with an automatic spring release and a blade over 1.5” is illegal to carry. If you have to give the blade a nudge to open, it’s not considered an automatic spring release, however. Knives with knuckles are illegal to carry. Disturbing the peace or being arrested with a dangerous weapon in your car can land you in serious hot water legally speaking as well. Folders that can be drawn from sheaths in the locked position are illegal.

Massachusetts law is confusing on what is considered a dangerous weapon. Making or selling dirks, switchblades, automatic spring release knives, ballistic knives, or a knife with a device which enables a locking blade to be drawn at the open position is illegal. You can buy them in different states, just not Massachusetts. Should you be pulled over and arrested on your way back from such a different state with one of these knives in your possession, you could land in serious legal trouble. Bringing knives to schools or school-related events is illegal. Local laws may apply.

You also need to check if your municipality has certain knife restriction ordinances (Boston and Salem do). (Source)

Michigan Knife Laws

Butterfly knives, dirks, daggers, stilettos, throwing knives, throwing stars, bowie knives, large knives, hidden knives, undetectable knives, switchblades, automatic knives, and gravity knives are all legal. All knives that are not banned are legally allowed to be open carried. You can conceal carry a hunting knife. Hunting knives are considered knives used to cut open and skin game. Conceal carrying dirks, stilettos, daggers, and other stabbing items is illegal. It is illegal to carry any automatic non-folding knife. It is illegal to carry a dangerous weapon with intent to harm. It is legal to carry an automatic or spring-assisted knife unless the blade deploys out of the front of the handle. Knives with no point can safely be conceal carried unless you have the intent to harm someone.

Double-edged blades are illegal. (Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Learn about Michigan preppers generally.

Minnesota Knife Laws

Balisongs, dirks, stilettos, daggers, stabbing knives, disguised knives, bowie knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, and all other knives are legal to own with the exception of switchblades, which are illegal to own. You can legally carry knives with utility purposes. Knives that can be used as weapons are legally permitted provided you do not have the intent to harm others. Either recklessly using a knife designed to be a weapon, or carrying a knife designed to be a weapon and having the intent to injure others is illegal. Knives with metal knuckles are illegal, though what is considered metal knuckles is still up for debate.

Perchance you carry concealed or open, and somebody sees/finds out about it and is scared, they can get the court to force you to place a deposit to ensure you won’t hurt someone. I am not sure what the amount of the deposit is. Bringing knives to schools or on school busses is banned. It is illegal to bring weapons to a court building or the state capitol buildings as well. Doing such is a felony with at least one year in prison penalty. Some local laws apply. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Mississippi Knife Laws

It is legal to own balisongs, dirks, daggers, stilettos, slim knives, disguised knives, undetectable knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, bowies, large knives, switchblades, gravity knives, and automatic knives. There is no knife type restriction for those over the age of 18, provided they have not been convicted of a felony. A minor or a convicted felon cannot own a bowie, dirk, butcher knife, or switchblade. It is illegal to conceal carry a bowie, dirk, butcher knife, switchblade, or automatic knife. You can conceal carry any knife in your vehicle if the knife is not on your person. You can carry any knife concealed if you are participating in a sports activity where such a knife is legitimately used (e.g. martial arts). You can open carry any knife unless you are a minor or a student on educational property.

Even a weapon that is only partially concealed is considered concealed in Mississippi. So, if the wind blows your shirt over the hilt of your knife, you are screwed. If you bend over to pick up a box, and your shirt goes over the hilt of a belt-worn blade, you are screwed.

A student in Mississippi on educational property cannot possess or carry any bowie, dirk, dagger, switchblade, or automatic knife whether they open or conceal carry. It is a misdemeanor to encourage or otherwise aid a minor to carry or possess such a knife on educational property. Educational property is school buildings, buses, campuses, recreational areas, or other property owned, used, or operated by any school board, school, college, university, or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution. The Oakley Youth Development Center is also considered as educational property. You cannot exhibit a knife in a rude, angry, or threatening manner (except in cases of self-defense). You cannot give illegal-to-carry-concealed knives to people who you know are currently intoxicated. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Missouri Knife Laws

Dirks, stilettos, slim knives, boot knives, daggers, balisongs, undetectable knives, throwing stars, throwing knives, throwing axes, bowies, large knives, and switchblades are all legal. One can legally carry a switchblade provided it does not go against federal prohibitions. You cannot conceal carry a knife in areas where firearms are restricted. This included courthouses, police stations, schools, and the like. You can conceal carry any folding pocketknife with a blade less than four inches. You may open carry any legal knife. You cannot conceal carry any other knife in Missouri other than a under 4” pocketknife on your person or in your vehicle in Missouri. Missouri concealed carry laws do not apply to some government employees, members of the military, hunters who are also legally carrying an exposed firearm or bow, or those peaceably and continuously traveling through the state.

Local laws may apply. Don’t carry within 25’ of a polling location, inside of a police station, in a courthouse, at any local government meeting, where alcohol is served, at a daycare without manager consent, on a riverboat without manager consent, in an amusement park, in a church without pastor consent, in a sports arena, in a hospital, or on private property where no weapons are allowed. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3), (Source 4)

Montana Knife Laws

Montana seems to have some of the best knife laws in the US. Why? Because they do not seem to have any. Montana seems to value freedom more than other states. Only firearms can be considered concealed weapons in Montana. You can legally own any knife in Montana. Nothing is illegal to own knife-wise. You can conceal carry any knife in Montana. Bringing knives to school with blades 4” or longer or swords is illegal. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Nebraska Knife Laws

Balisongs, bowies, dirks, daggers, stilettos, ballistic knives, disguised knives, switchblades, and automatic knives are all legal to own. It is illegal for convicted felons, fugitives, or those subject to a domestic violence protective order to even own a knife. It is legal to open carry any type of knife, but it is illegal to conceal carry any dirk, dagger, stiletto, or any other blade over 3.5” long. However, prior legal cases in Nebraska seem to have ignored the 3.5” law and have still found people guilty of illegally concealed carrying “dangerous instruments” for concealed carrying knives less than 3.5”. You cannot conceal carry any knife with a blade longer than 3.5” in your vehicle either. Once again however, prior court cases seem to make concealed carrying any type of blade, regardless of length, a legal liability to those doing such. Local laws may apply.

So really, in Nebraska you don’t really know if what you’re doing is illegal or not. If the judge is having a bad day, or the cop has decided that they just don’t like you, you could end up in some very serious legal trouble for falling within the limit of the law, but also not simultaneously. It seems to me that Nebraska knife law breeds victims. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Nevada Knife Laws

It is legal to own a dirk, dagger, stabbing knife, balisong, bowie, hunting knives, throwing knives, and throwing stars. It is illegal to own switchblades, and knives which are an integral part of a belt buckle. It is illegal to possess a dirk, dagger, or switchblade on school or childcare facility property or in a vehicle owned by such. It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk, dagger, machete, any knife made a part of a belt buckle, or any knife which could be considered a dangerous or deadly weapon. You can legally carry a pocketknife or open carry any knife which is legal to own. Steak knives are not considered dirks or daggers (thank goodness). Machetes cannot be concealed. Local restrictions may apply. Drawing a dirk, sword, knife, sword cane, or other deadly weapon and brandishing it in a rude, angry, or threatening manner in a situation that is not self-defense in the presence of 2+ people is illegal.

Any blade with a spring-blade, snap-blade or any other knife with the appearance of a pocketknife but with a blade 2” or longer that can be released automatically may be considered a switchblade. Disguised knives (such as those that look like pens), and knives held in containers have previously been designated as concealed carry. One must get a concealed carry permit from their sheriff or county in order to conceal carry any type of knife. The application for the permit must have a description of the weapon that is to be carried concealed. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3)

New Hampshire Knife Laws

You can legally own any type of knife provided you have not been convicted of a felony against the person or property of another or convicted of a felony drug related offense. Machetes are legal. I was not able to determine if there are limits on what you can carry, concealed or open, however. If you fall into the category of one who cannot possess certain types of knives in New Hampshire, then it is illegal for you to own a stiletto, dirk, dagger, switchblade, or any other type of knife considered to be a deadly weapon. Don’t take a knife into a courthouse. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3), (Source 4), (Source 5)

New Jersey Knife Laws

It is legal to own balisongs, disguised knives, bowies, throwing stars, throwing knives, and any purpose for which a person has an explainable lawful purpose for owning. It is illegal to own a weapon with the purpose of using it in an unlawful manner. Keep in mind that what is considered “unlawful” may be fluid.

A person convicted of certain crimes cannot own a gravity knife, switchblade, dirk, dagger, stiletto, or other dangerous knife. Certain mentally ill people cannot own a gravity knife, switchblade, dirk, dagger, stiletto, or other dangerous knife. Prior history of being convicted of aggravated assault, arson, burglary, escape, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery, aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault, bias intimidation, possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, manufacture or transport of a prohibited weapon, unlawful possession or sale of a controlled dangerous substance, or the endangering the welfare of a child prevents a person from owning certain types of knives.

A person cannot be convicted of unlawful possession of a knife if they are using it for hunting or fishing, the knife is legal and appropriate for such activities, and the person has a valid hunting or fishing license. When carrying such a knife, it must be locked in a box or the trunk of the vehicle in which it is being transported. One may be charged with possession of a dangerous weapon if there are circumstances which may lead to the belief that the knife is possessed for an illegal purpose.

Again, this may be a fluid definition, so I would be incredibly careful. A knife found in a vehicle will be presumed to be in possession of every occupant of the vehicle. This means you could get in trouble for riding in a car with somebody who has a knife that is illegal, even if you don’t know about it. The exceptions are if the knife is out of view of the occupants (when it will be deemed the possession of the owner of the vehicle), it is found on the person of one of the occupants, or the vehicle is a cab and the knife is found in the passenger compartment, in which case it will be deemed the possession of all of the passengers. If there are no passengers, it will be deemed to belong to the cab driver.

Knives with blades 5+ inches or of a total length of 10” are illegal to sell to minors. Local laws may apply. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3), (Source 4)

New Mexico Knife Laws

It is legal to own a bowie, throwing stars, throwing knives, dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, and stilettos. It is illegal to own switchblades or balisongs. Possession of a butterfly knife or switchblade is a petty misdemeanor. I suppose those knives are just too dangerous?

Carrying a concealed deadly weapon is permitted if it is being carried by a peace officer, is on the property of the person carrying it, or is in a private vehicle. It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk, poniard, dagger, bowie, switchblade, butterfly knife, butcher knife, or any weapon which can be used to cause dangerous wounds. Once again, “weapons which can cause dangerous wounds” could mean just about anything. Technically, you can cause dangerous wounds with a pencil or basic pocketknife. You can legally open carry any knife that is legal to own in New Mexico. Prior court cases have deemed that leaving a knife locked in your vehicle when you go to school can be viewed as carrying a concealed deadly weapon. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

New York Knife Laws

You can legally own a hunting knife, dirk, dagger, stiletto, or gravity knife. It is illegal to own a metal knuckle knife, ballistic knife, cane sword, throwing stars, or any knife adapted for use primarily as a weapon. You cannot own any knife if you are not a US citizen. NYC knife laws are different from the rest of the state. Any knife that can be opened with the flick of a wrist is illegal in NYC.

It is illegal to carry a dirk, dagger, or stiletto with the intent to harm somebody with it. You can open carry or conceal carry any type of legal knife in New York provided you do not have intent to harm somebody. Simple possession of a dirk, dagger, or stiletto carries the assumption that you intended to use it against somebody. It is legal to possess a switchblade or gravity knife while hunting, trapping, or fishing with a valid hunting and/or fishing license. When a gravity knife, switchblade, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife, dagger, dirk, or stiletto is found in a vehicle, it is assumed to be in the possession of all the occupants of the vehicle. This means you could land in prison for being in a vehicle with an illegal knife, even if you do so without any knowledge of the knife. If the vehicle is for hire (e.g. Lyft/Uber), then the driver is not assumed to be a possessor of such a knife. You can open carry or conceal carry any legal knife.

Cane swords are illegal. You cannot gift, sell, loan, or transfer an illegal knife to somebody. Weapons are not permitted at mass transit locations. Local laws apply. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

North Carolina Knife Laws

It is legal to own bowies, dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, switchblades, gravity knives, or disguised knives. It is illegal to sell or give a bowie or dirk to a minor. It is illegal to own spring-loaded projectile knives, ballistic knives, or any weapon similar to a projectile/ballistic knife. It is illegal to conceal carry a bowie, dirk, dagger, or butcher knife. You can legally conceal a pocketknife. What is considered a pocketknife may be open to interpretation. You can legally open carry any legal knife. Carrying any type of knife into a school campus, state property, or into a courthouse is illegal. Carrying any knife at a parade, funeral procession, picket line, or demonstration at a private health care facility is illegal. I suppose this is because bad guys don’t target those places, and there’s zero chance you could ever need a blade in any of those locations as well. Prior cases have found that open carrying a legal knife with the intent of terrorizing is illegal. (Source)

North Dakota Knife Laws

You can legally own any type of knife. It is illegal to conceal carry a gravity knife, switchblade, machete, scimitar, backsword, sabre, stiletto, sword, dirk, dagger, or any knife with a blade 5” or longer. (I personally find it interesting they felt the need to make conceal carrying a sword illegal. I suppose things are different in North Dakota.)

You can open carry any type of knife. Knives kept in vehicles where they are not discernible by ordinary observation are considered concealed carried. This is not the case if the weapon is locked in a trunk, carried in a holster where it is substantially visible, or carried in a manner while lawfully hunting, trapping, or target shooting. One must obtain a permit to conceal carry a dangerous weapon after showing that one has a valid reason for concealed carry of a weapon. (The idea that you must prove to the government that you have a “valid reason” to protect yourself and family is something I find rather disgusting.) In order to obtain such a permit, one must be at least 21, not considered by a court as mentally incompetent, qualified to purchase and possess a firearm under federal law, and never convicted of a felony, crime involving violence, offense involving the use of alcohol, narcotics, controlled substances, moral turpitude, or domestic violence. One must also complete a classroom course, pass an open book test, demonstrate familiarity with weapons, and complete a proficiency test to attain a permit as well.

Local laws may apply. You cannot carry a dangerous weapon at any public gathering. Government officials are seemingly exempt from this public gathering clause. Dangerous weapons are restricted where alcohol is served or bingo is played. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Ohio Knife Laws

It is legal to own a gravity knife, switchblade, balisong, balisong trainers, ballistic knives, dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, bowies, and stilettos. There are no illegal to own types of knives in Ohio other than ballistic knives.. It is illegal to conceal carry any deadly weapon. “Deadly weapon” may have an incredibly wide range of meaning, so be wary. Dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, switchblades, balisongs, gravity knives, and stilettos may be considered deadly weapons in Ohio. You may open carry any type of knife on your person or in your vehicle. You cannot carry a dangerous weapon in a school zone or courthouse.

Local laws apply. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Oklahoma Knife Laws

It is legal to own dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, bowies, switchblades, gravity knives, sword canes, balisongs, balisong trainers, and stilettos. There are no illegal-to-own knives in Oklahoma. It is illegal to conceal or open carry any offensive weapon. Offensive weapons can include machetes or tomahawks, but other than that the law is very vague as to what an offensive weapon is, so you can just about be found doing something illegal for possessing anything out in public that could conceivably hurt someone. Offensive weapons cannot be kept in a vehicle either.

One can carry knives for hunting, fishing, educational, or recreational purposes such as living history reenactments. First conviction of an unlawful carry of a weapon is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $100-$250, and up to 30 days in jail. Subsequent violations are a fine of $250-$500 and 30 days – 3 months in jail. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Oregon Knife Laws

It is legal to own dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, bowies, switchblades, automatic knives, ballistic knives, gravity knives, balisongs, balisong trainers, and stilettos. Oklahoma law changed in 2016 to allow Oklahomans the ability to carry daggers, bowie knives, dirk knives, and sword canes. It also repealed the former ban on switchblades. You can open carry any type of knife and conceal carry a pocketknife. You can legally conceal carry a switchblade.

Courthouses, schools, hospitals, government buildings, colleges, universities, and the grounds adjacent to these buildings are not areas you can have a weapon. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3)

Pennsylvania Knife Laws

It is legal to own bowies, balisongs, penknives, disguised knives, and any kind of hunting knife. The “curio exception” in PA states that you can technically own any knife you want, but you have to make a very good argument for your purpose in owning the knife, and that can be difficult to do.

You cannot sell or transfer a deadly weapon to a minor. Some local laws apply. It is legal to open or conceal carry any type of hunting knife, or any knife that does not open automatically and has a lawful purpose. You cannot carry any knife that is a prohibited offensive weapon, and you cannot carry any knife onto school grounds or courthouse buildings. Blades which are brought into position by a switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise are considered restricted knives. You can legally own just about any knife provided you can convince a police officer or judge that you own it for common lawful purposes, such as camping, hunting, or fishing. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3), (Source 4), (Source 5)

Rhode Island Knife Laws

It is legal to own a dirk, dagger, stabbing knife, stiletto, sword cane, disguised knife, bowie, balisong, or switchblade. It is not illegal to own any type of knife. It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk, dagger, stabbing knife, stiletto, sword cane, bowie, or any knife with a blade more than 3” in length. You can legally open carry any knife. A weapon does not need to be completely covered in order to be considered concealed. Violations of the concealed carry law can result in fines of $1,000-$3,000, confiscation of the weapon, and jail time of up to one year.

Selling a blade longer than 3” to a minor without written consent of the child’s guardian is illegal. Putting a dagger, dirk, stiletto, or bowie knife in a window for display purposes is illegal. So called “Kung Fu” weapons are illegal. You can legally be a “collector” of some illegal blades. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3), (Source 4)

South Carolina Knife Laws

It is legal to own a switchblade, balisong, bowie, dirk, dagger, stabbing knife, stiletto, or disguised knife. It is legal to own any type of knife in South Carolina. It is legal to conceal carry a dirk, switchblade, balisong, bowie, or stiletto. There are certain situations (such as committing a crime or furthering a crime) where conceal carrying a weapon is illegal.

Some local laws apply. Knives over 2” blade length cannot be carried at schools. (Source)

South Dakota Knife Laws

I am not sure it’s possible to beat South Dakota knife law. It is not illegal to own any type of knife in South Dakota. Any knife may be carried openly or concealed. Notice the discrepancy between South Dakota and North Dakota when it comes to freedom.

Don’t carry a knife in a public school, courthouse, or the capitol building. Local laws may apply. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3), (Source 4), (Source 5)

Tennessee Knife Laws

Tennessee has some rock-solid knife laws. It is legal to own any type of knife. Neither open nor concealed carry is illegal if you don’t have malicious intention. If you desire to inflict damage on somebody, then the law becomes very confusing. Don’t carry a knife on school or university grounds. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Texas Knife Laws

It is only illegal to carry a “location-restricted” knife to/near specific locations. Everything else goes. Carry restrictions do not apply to a person’s vehicle as long as the weapon is being carried for a lawful purpose.

Anyone over 18, can legally carry a knife less than 5.5” nearly anywhere. If you are under 18, you can only carry a knife with a blade over 5.5” under certain conditions, such as when accompanied by an adult, you’re at home, or you’re on your way home. Any adult can carry any blade over 5.5” provided they aren’t at a restricted locations. You can’t carry a blade over 5.5” to or at: schools or school transportation vehicles, polling places, courthouses, airports, racetracks, within 1000’ of an execution, sporting events, correctional facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, mental hospitals, amusement parks, churches, or other places of worship. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Utah Knife Laws

It is legal to own balisongs, dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, stilettos, bowies, automatic knives, gravity knives, and disguised knives. There are two categories of people who may not own “dangerous weapons”.

A category 1 restricted person has been convicted of a violent felony, is on probation/parole for a felony, is on parole from a facility under contract with the Division of Juvenile Justice Services, that provides 24-hour supervision and confinement for youth offenders, has been adjudicated delinquent within the last 10 years for an offense that would have been a violent felony if the person had been an adult, or is illegally in the US.

 A category 2 restricted person is someone who is a felon, has been adjudicated delinquent within the last seven years for an offense which would have qualified as a felony should the person have been an adult, is an unlawful user of a controlled substance, is in possession of a dangerous weapon knowingly and intentionally simultaneously in unlawful possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance, has been found not guilty for a felony by reason of insanity, has been found not guilty of a felony by being found mentally incompetent, has been committed to a mental institution, has been adjudicated mentally unfit, has been dishonorably discharged from the military, or has renounced US citizenship after having been a US citizen.

Category 1 people commit 3^rd degree felonies by possessing, arranging to purchase, or using a dangerous weapon other than a firearm. Category 2 people commit a class A misdemeanor by doing the same. If you do not fit into either of those categories, you may legally own any type of knife in Utah. Dangerous weapons are those which due to the manner of their use or intended use are capable of causing death or serious bodily injury. If you are not a category 1 or 2 person, you may conceal or open carry any type of knife, regardless of its being a dangerous weapon or not. (Source)

Vermont Knife Laws

It is legal to own dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, stilettos, bowies, disguised knives, throwing stars, or throwing knives. It is illegal to own switchblades with blades 3” or longer. It is illegal to open or conceal carry a dangerous/deadly weapon with the intent of using it to harm others, and it is illegal to carry any knife any way onto school or government property. Dangerous/deadly weapons are not defined. You can open or conceal carry any type of knife.

You cannot furnish a dangerous weapon to a minor under 16 unless you are the parent/guardian. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)

Virginia Knife Laws

It is legal to own a dirk, dagger, stabbing knife, bowie, switchblade, ballistic knife, throwing stars, throwing knives, stilettos, and balisongs. You can own any knife type. It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk, bowie, switchblade, machete, ballistic knife, throwing stars, oriental darts, or any knife of a like kind to these. Butterfly knives have been considered “like” a dirk, and thus illegal to conceal carry. Open carry of any knife is legal.

You cannot furnish a switchblade, bowie, or dirk to a minor. Schools, churches, courthouses, and airports may have restrictions. (Source 1), (Source 2)

Washington Knife Laws

It is legal to own dirks, daggers, stabbing knives, bowies, stilettos, disguised knives, and throwing stars. It is illegal to own a switchblade or other spring blade knife in Washington. It is illegal to conceal carry a dirk, dagger, or any dangerous weapon. You cannot carry at all into a courtroom.

It is illegal to carry a dagger, sword, knife, or other cutting/stabbing instrument in a manner which could be construed as causing alarm or with an intent of intimidation. You do not have to have intent of intimidation or causing alarm in order to be found guilty of having done such.

Restrictions exist for cannabis facilities, alcohol-serving establishments, jails, courthouses, or school busses. Local laws may apply. The wording of the law makes it appear as if any concealed carry of knives is illegal, stating that one who “furtively carries” a blade with the intent of concealing it has broken the law.

Spring blade knives are defined as those which open by springs, mechanical devices, or that are ejected by the force of gravity or centrifugal movement. Dangerous weapons are not defined. Conceal carry and display laws do not apply to those in their own homes, fixed place of business, or defending themselves. One’s land does not count as ‘in the home’, and therefore you can be found guilty of violating a carry or display statute while in a place such as your backyard. (Source)

West Virginia Knife Laws

You can own any type of knife in West Virginia. Unless you are prohibited from carrying a gun, are under 21, or are not a US citizen, you can carry almost anything in West Virginia. Conceal carry laws state that one may not carry about the person any dangerous weapon. Gravity blades, switchblades, dirks over 3.5”, poniards over 3.5”, stilettos over 3.5”, or just about any other type of knife could be considered a deadly weapon. Those carrying on their own premises or at the point of purchase, at their business, to or from their business, and certain government employees are exempt from conceal carry laws. One must obtain a license to conceal carry a deadly weapon. You can open carry any knife.

Minors cannot possess deadly weapons unless they are married or “emancipated”. If you are 18 but not 21, you cannot carry a deadly weapon without risking legal issues unless you have a provisional license for doing such. It is illegal to sell, lend, or transfer a deadly weapon to somebody prohibited from owning such. Don’t take a knife to school. (Source)

Learn about West Virginia preppers generally.

Wisconsin Knife Laws

I found Wisconsin law confusing. Knives are not considered dangerous weapons, and therefore do not fall under dangerous weapon laws. You should therefore be able to legally own anything. It is illegal to carry a concealed and dangerous weapon such as a knife (now it qualifies?) by anyone who is prohibited from owning a firearm. You cannot carry a knife to any school, athletic field, recreation area, or public building owned by the state.

You can conceal carry a knife (if you’re legally allowed to do so) without issue. Knives may be considered dangerous weapons and as such you may not be able to transfer them to minors. (Source 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Wyoming Knife Laws

I was personally surprised at the ridiculousness of Wyoming knife law. You can legally own any type of knife. It is illegal to conceal carry a “deadly weapon” in Wyoming (because the bad guys deserve to know that you have a weapon). Any device which is reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury is considered a deadly weapon. Motorized vehicles and animals can be considered deadly weapons as well under certain circumstances, so it is best not to conceal carry one of them either. Frying pans have been found as deadly weapons in prior court cases, so literally anything counts as a deadly weapon in Wyoming. You can legally open carry any type of knife.

You can legally open carry any type of knife. Don’t take a knife to the asylum, court, or jail. (Source 1), (Source 2), (Source 3), (Source 4), (Source 5)

Knife Laws in 50 States Summary and Updates

As you can see, knife law differs drastically from state to state. Unless you do not want to end up with jail time, a hefty fine, or a ruined reputation, it pays to know the law in your home state.

If you found something wrong, or something that has changed, please let us know in the comments section below. We will do our best to keep the information current.