Jonah Patel
Knife laws vary across different states in the US. While some states allow individuals to carry knives that are either concealed or open, other states have stricter laws that prohibit the possession or carrying of knives. The definition of carry also differs across states, with some states defining it as being held on one's person, while others include knives within a vehicle or within reach. The length of the blade is also a factor in determining whether a knife can be carried concealed or not. In some states, knives with blades longer than a certain length cannot be carried openly, while in other states, the same knife must be carried openly. Additionally, there are certain locations in the US where it is always illegal to carry a knife, such as schools, courts, and government buildings.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Knife length restrictions
Knife laws vary across different states and cities in the US. While federal law only prevents switchblades and ballistic knives from being transported or sold on federal land or property, state laws determine what knives can be carried and where they can be carried.
Alaska
There are no restrictions on the type or size of the knife, and you can carry it concealed or open.
Alabama
There are no restrictions on the type of knife, and residents and visitors may own knives including dirks, pocket knives, daggers, and switchblades.
Arkansas
There are no length restrictions for open or concealed carry knives at the state level, though there are some age and location restrictions.
Arizona
There are no specific length restrictions for open or concealed carry knives, and they also have a statewide preemption that prevents local governments from imposing more restrictive prohibitions.
California
Automatic knives that exceed 2 inches in length are not permissible in any location open to the public, including in vehicles.
Colorado
There are no restrictions on the blade length of open carry knives, though concealed carry is restricted to 3.5 inches.
Delaware
Any knives that are spring-loaded or released by gravity are banned.
Illinois
Switchblades are legal if you have a FOID card.
Indiana
There are no restrictions on blade length for concealed carry.
Iowa
Concealed carry prohibits daggers, stilettos, balisong knives, any disguised knives, and any knife with a blade over 5 inches.
Kansas
All knives are legal to own and carry, both openly and concealed, except for ballistic knives and throwing stars. There are no blade length restrictions.
Kentucky
All types of knives are legal to own, including balisong, switchblades, and disguised knives. You can openly carry any knife, and concealed carry allows ordinary pocket or hunting knives.
Louisiana
Concealed carry of switchblades or any automatic knife is illegal.
Maine
It is illegal to carry concealed daggers, stilettos, or any knife designed primarily as a weapon against humans.
Maryland
Carrying concealed daggers, bowie knives, switchblades, and gravity knives is prohibited.
Massachusetts
There are very few limitations on what you can own, including balisong knives, butterfly knives, switchblades, automatic knives, daggers, stilettos, push knives, knives with brass knuckles, disguised knives, large knives (Bowie knives), and throwing knives.
Michigan
Concealed carry is heavily restricted, and only hunting knives and switchblades (spring-assisted knives) that are “adapted and carried as such” are allowed.
Minnesota
There are no restrictions on the type or size of the knife, and you can carry it concealed or open.
Missouri
The law restricts the concealment of knives to pocket knives with folding blades less than four inches long; you cannot conceal all other knives on your person or in your vehicle.
Montana
There are no limits on blade length for carrying knives, but it is illegal to bring a knife with a blade 4 inches or longer onto school property.
Nebraska
Concealing a knife with a blade over 3.5 inches is illegal.
Nevada
Concealed carry is illegal for daggers, machetes, and knives considered dangerous or deadly weapons, but open carry is legal for all knives.
New York
New York City is perhaps the most difficult place in the US to carry a concealed knife of any kind without fear of legal trouble.
Pennsylvania
It is illegal to carry a knife concealed if it is considered a "prohibited offensive weapon" without a lawful purpose. There are no statewide restrictions on blade length for concealed carry.
Rhode Island
It is illegal to conceal carry a knife with a blade exceeding three inches or any knife intended for stabbing, such as a dagger, stiletto, or sword cane.
South Carolina
It is legal to carry a knife openly or concealed, provided the knife is not used with the intent to commit a crime or in the furtherance of a crime.
South Dakota
There are no state laws regulating knife ownership or carry, and residents can carry any type of knife, either openly or concealed.
Tennessee
There are no restrictions on the type of knife, and residents can carry knives either concealed or open.
Texas
There are no restrictions on the possession of a knife, and you can carry any type of knife openly or concealed. However, Texas state knife laws limit the overall knife length to 5.5 inches in certain locations (schools, polling places, sporting events, bars, amusement parks, etc.).
Utah
Residents and visitors may possess and carry any type of knife in the state.
Constitutional Carry: Kentucky Governor's Fight Against Gun Rights
You may want to see also
State-specific laws
In New York City, knives must be carried concealed, and the local laws are interpreted very broadly. Knife Rights, an advocacy group, recommends that knives are never carried clipped to pockets, even with a deep-pocket-carry clip, or one may be arrested. Los Angeles has similar laws, but there is no limit for concealed folders. California law permits carrying knives of any blade size openly, and most knives can be concealed except for illegal types like switchblades over 2 inches. In Colorado, you can openly carry most knives, but concealing a knife with a blade over 3.5 inches is illegal, except for hunting and fishing knives.
Tennessee state law permits its citizens to own almost any type of knife, and there are no restrictions on sale or possession. A person can carry a knife either concealed or open, and the law focuses on the intention to commit a crime. Texas has similar laws, with no restriction on the possession of a knife, and open or concealed carry of smaller knives is generally allowed. Utah also permits residents and visitors to possess and carry any type of knife in the state.
In North Carolina, it is legal to own most types of knives but illegal to conceal carry a Bowie knife, dirk, dagger, or butcher knife. Open carry for these knives is legal. North Dakota has similar laws, with no restrictions on ownership, but certain knives cannot be carried concealed, including gravity knives, switchblades, dirks, daggers, stilettos, and any knife with a blade over 5 inches. In Ohio, concealed carrying a knife considered a deadly weapon may be illegal, but open carry of any knife is generally permitted.
Some states, like Alaska, do not prohibit the possession or carrying of knives by persons aged 21 and above. There are some limitations on concealed blades but not on common types, like a pocket knife. However, it is illegal to carry a knife on school grounds without permission. Arizona has similar laws, with no restrictions on the type or size of the knife, and one can carry it concealed or open.
On the other hand, Minnesota law classifies knives as dangerous weapons, so it is illegal to manufacture, sell, or own a knife, especially automatic switchblades. Mississippi, however, does not ban any kind of knife, and possession of a knife in a vehicle does not constitute a concealed carry. Arkansas law prohibits carrying a knife with the intent to unlawfully use it as a weapon against another person.
It is important to note that there are locations in the U.S. where it is always illegal to carry a knife, including schools, courts, and government buildings. Knives are also prohibited on planes and military bases, except for military personnel.
Constitutional Carry in Georgia: Is It Legal?
You may want to see also
Open carry laws
In Tennessee, state law permits its citizens to own almost any type of knife, and there are no restrictions on sale or possession. Tennessee residents can carry knives either concealed or open. Texas also has similar laws, where there are no restrictions on the possession of a knife, and residents and visitors have the right to bear arms such as knives. Utah law permits residents and visitors to possess and carry any type of knife in the state.
In Los Angeles, the code states that "no person shall wear or carry in plain view any knife or dagger upon any public street or public place or in any place open to the public." This means that carrying a knife with a blade of 3 inches or longer is not allowed in public places. However, the interpretation of this law can vary, and a pocket clip or a low-carry pocket clip may not be considered plain view.
It is important to note that some locations in the US have stricter laws or completely prohibit carrying knives. For example, it is illegal to carry knives in schools, courts, and government buildings, and on military bases (except for military personnel). Additionally, individual jurisdictions or municipalities may have more restrictive rules than state laws, so it is essential to be aware of the specific laws in your area.
Oklahoma's Constitutional Carry: Honored in Texas?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Concealed carry laws
Knife laws vary widely across the United States, and the interpretation of these laws is often left up to the arresting officer. In some states, certain knives, such as switchblades, ballistic knives, or knives over a certain blade length, are prohibited altogether. Other states have more lenient laws, allowing citizens to own and carry almost any type of knife, with or without a permit.
Some states, such as California, permit the open carry of fixed-blade knives (dirks/daggers) as long as they are in a sheath and not "substantially concealed". However, the concealed carry of certain knives, such as dirks and daggers, may be prohibited. For example, in Los Angeles, the code states, "no person shall wear or carry in plain view any knife or dagger upon any public street or public place or in any place open to the public." On the other hand, states like Tennessee and Texas have no restrictions on the possession or carry of knives, and residents can choose to carry them openly or concealed.
The definition of "carry" also varies by state. Some states define "carry" as being held on one's person, while others include knives within a vehicle or within reach. In some places, knives in someone's vehicle are considered concealed, depending on their visibility and accessibility within the vehicle. Additionally, certain locations, such as schools, courts, and government buildings, have restrictions on carrying knives, regardless of the state's general knife laws.
The interpretation of whether a knife is considered "concealed" or "openly carried" can also vary. For example, a knife clipped to a pocket may be considered concealed carry by one police officer, while another may view it as open carry if part of the knife is visible. This interpretation can significantly impact whether an individual is in violation of the law, as some knives must be carried openly, while others must be carried concealed.
It is important to note that knife laws are subject to change, and individuals should always refer to the most up-to-date information for their specific state and municipality. While this provides an overview of concealed carry laws for knives, it is not an exhaustive list, and local laws should always be consulted before carrying a knife.
Mississippi's Guide to Constitution Carry Confidence
You may want to see also
Federal laws
Federal knife laws primarily apply to individuals traveling between states or internationally. If you live in one of the 50 states, federal law will apply to you if you are traveling from one state to another or if you are entering federal property, such as a military base. Federal laws also apply if you reside in a federal district, such as Washington D.C.
The length of the blade is also a factor in federal laws. Typically, longer-bladed weapons are not allowed to be carried as they are often more threatening and commonly used to cause injury. Shorter-bladed knives, such as pocket knives or multi-tools, are generally allowed to be carried by persons over the age of majority in that state.
It is important to note that state laws regarding the legality of carrying a knife will be more specific than general federal carry laws. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your specific state's laws before carrying a knife. These laws can vary significantly, with some states having more lenient laws and others having stricter regulations.
Constitutional Carry: Legal or Not?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Concealed carry is when a weapon is carried on one's person and kept out of sight.
Open carry is when a weapon is carried in plain sight of another person(s). In some states, this means the weapon must be fully visible, while in others, it only needs to be partially visible.
Yes, knives are prohibited in certain locations, including schools, courts, and government buildings. They are also not allowed on planes or military bases (except for military personnel).
The definition of a "deadly weapon" varies by state. In some states, a knife may be considered a deadly weapon if it is used as a weapon, while in others, it is not presumed to be a deadly weapon unless it meets certain criteria.
The only federal law regarding knives is the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 and its 2009 amendment. This law applies to individuals traveling between states or internationally. Additionally, federal laws dictate that only pocket knives with blades less than 2.5 inches are allowed in federal facilities.
