US Knife Laws By State 2023: What You Need to Know

Knives are common tools used in everyday life, and their laws vary from state to state in the United States. The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) provides detailed information about knife laws in each state, and KnifeUp also provides a comprehensive guide to knife laws in all 50 states.

While owning a knife is not illegal, each state has specific regulations regarding the types of knives that people can carry. Some states may require a permit or license for certain types of knives, while others may have restrictions on blade length or other factors.

Additionally, there are restrictions on carrying knives in public areas such as schools and government buildings. Understanding the laws in your state is important for staying compliant with the law and keeping yourself and others safe.

Federal Knife Laws in the US

The federal government defines a switchblade as any knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife.

The sale, manufacture, and transportation of switchblades across state lines are restricted by federal law. However, there are some exceptions for switchblade knives that are used for legitimate purposes, such as for use by military personnel and law enforcement.

US Knife Laws By State

Alabama

In Alabama, it’s illegal to carry a knife in a public place that is concealed on your person or in your vehicle, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Knives with blades that are longer than five inches are considered to be illegal.

Alaska

Alaska has some of the most permissive knife laws in the US. In Alaska, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others.

Arizona

In Arizona, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, it’s illegal to carry a knife in a public place that is concealed on your person, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

California

In California, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than two and a half inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Colorado

In Colorado, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three and a half inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than four inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Delaware

In Delaware, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Florida

In Florida, it’s illegal to carry a knife in a public place that is concealed on your person, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Georgia

In Georgia, it’s illegal to carry a knife in a public place that is concealed on your person, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Hawaii

In Hawaii, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Idaho

In Idaho, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Idaho.

Illinois

In Illinois, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Indiana

In Indiana, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Indiana.

Iowa

In Iowa, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than five inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Kansas

In Kansas, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Kansas.

Kentucky

In Kentucky, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Kentucky.

Louisiana

In Louisiana, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Louisiana.

Maine

In Maine, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Maine.

Maryland

In Maryland, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than two and a half inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Michigan

In Michigan, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Michigan.

Minnesota

In Minnesota, it’s illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches in public, unless you have a valid permit to carry it. Additionally, it’s illegal to carry a knife that is designed for concealed carry, such as a switchblade or a knife with a blade that opens automatically.

Mississippi

In Mississippi, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Mississippi.

Missouri

In Missouri, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Missouri.

Montana

In Montana, it’s legal to carry any type of knife in public, as long as it’s not used with the intention of causing harm to others. There are no restrictions on blade length in Montana.

The Full List of Knife Laws by State in 2023

State Required Age For PossessionStatewide PreemptionRestricted KnivesConcealed CarrySchoolsMajor Cities w/ Knife OrdinancesCritical Dimensions
AlabamaNoneNoNone.Not permitted for Bowie knivesNot permitted on school propertyMontgomery – 3-inch blade limitNone.
AlaskaNoneYesNone for people over 21.Allowed with restrictions for those under 21.Not allowed on school grounds without special permission.None.None.
ArizonaNoneYesNone.Allowed with restrictions for those under 21.Not allowed on school grounds or at polling places on election days.None.None.
ArkansasNoneNoNone.Not restricted, unless there is unlawful intent.Not allowed in publicly-owned buildings or facilities.None.3 inches or longer blade length if there is intent to use unlawfully.
CaliforniaNoneNoMultiple. See state info.Unlawful unless a folding pocket knife.Not ever allowed on school property.Multiple.2 inches or more – length of a legal switchblade.
ColoradoNoneLimitation on local ordinances when traveling.Ballistic knife.Not allowed with a blade over 3 1/2 inches. Further restrictions apply relating to location.Not allowed on school grounds.Denver, Boulder3 1/2 inches
ConnecticutNoneNoNone.Allowed.Not allowed on school grounds.None.1 1/2 inch maximum for automatic knives and 4 inches for all others.
DelawareNoneNo“Undetectable knives.” Explained in the state section.Restricted.Not allowed on school grounds or recreational zones.None.3 inches.
District of ColumbiaNoneN/ASwitchblades.Restricted.N/ASwitchblades are banned in the District.3 inches
Florida18NoBallistic knives.Common pocket knife allowed, but others are prohibited unless licensed.Not allowed on school grounds.Multiple.None.
GeorgiaNoneYesNone, but blades over 12 inches have some restrictions.Allowed.Having a blade greater than two inches on school grounds is prohibited.None.12 inches
HawaiiNoneNoSwitchblades and butterfly knives.Allowed.Not allowed on school grounds.None.None.
Idaho18YesNone, but blades over 6 inches have some restrictions.Allowed with restrictions on minors, non-citizens, felons, and the mentally ill.Blades less than 2 1/2 inches may be carried on school grounds (K-12) and school buses.None.Blades exceeding 6 inches have some restrictions.
IllinoisNoneNoSwitchblades and ballistic knives.Allowed.Not allowed on school grounds.ChicagoNone.
IndianaNoneYesBallistic knives and “Chinese throwing stars.”Allowed.Knives cannot be on school property if intended as a weapon.IndianapolisNone.
IowaNoneNoBallistic knives, daggers, razors, stilettos, and switchblades.Items on the “dangerous weapon list” cannot be concealed.Not allowed on school grounds, including areas within 1000 feet of the school.None.Blades exceeding 5 inches are considered dangerous weapons.
KansasNoneYesNone.Allowed.Restrictions for carrying at schools, jails, and juvenile correction facilities apply.None.None.
Kentucky21NoNone.Allowed. Restrictions only apply to those under 21.Not allowed on school grounds.None.None.
LouisianaNoneNoNone.Allowed.Not allowed on school grounds, school grounds, or school functions.Baton Rouge, New Orleans, ShreveportNone.
MaineNoneNoBowie knives, dirks, stilettos, and more.Restrictions on certain knives.Not allowed on school grounds. More restrictions may apply per district.None.None.
Maryland18, but more restrictions apply.NoNone.Allowed for folding knives that are not switchblades or spring-activated.Not allowed on school grounds.BaltimoreNone.
MassachusettsNoneNoStilettos, daggers, double-edged knives, ballistic knives, and automatic knives.Allowed restrictions on the types of knives.Not allowed on school grounds, from elementary to university campuses.Boston, SalemMaximum blade length 1 1/2 inches for automatic knives.
MichiganNoneNoNone.Restrictions on certain knives.Not allowed on school grounds.Detroit and LansingNone.
MinnesotaNoneNoAllowed unless a switchblade.Not allowed on school grounds.Duluth, Minneapolis, St. PaulNone.
Mississippi18YesAllowed restrictions on the types of knives.Not allowed on school grounds.None.None.
MissouriNoneNoNone.Restrictions apply based on the state’s definition of a knife.Not allowed on school grounds.None.A pocketknife with a blade 4 inches or less can be carried concealed.
MontanaNoneYesNone.Allowed.A blade 4 inches or longer, a sword, or straight razors are prohibited.None.None.
NebraskaNoneNoNone.Allowed restrictions on the types of knives.Not allowed on school grounds.Lincoln and OmahaBlades up to 3 1/2 inches can be concealed.
NevadaNoneNoNone.Allowed unless a machete.Edged tools are not allowed on school grounds.Carson City, Las Vegas, Clark County, and RenoNone.
New HampshireNoneYesNone.Allowed.Not allowed on school grounds.None.None.
New JerseyNoneNoGravity knives, automatic knives, dirks, daggers, stilettos, and ballistic knives have restrictions.Allowed.Not allowed in any part of buildings or grounds of any educational students.CamdenBlades sold to minors up to 10 inches are permitted.
New MexicoNoneYesSwitchblades, including gravity and butterfly knives, are prohibited.Restricted, even prohibited.Not allowed on school grounds.None.None.
New York16NoSwitchblades, ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, and cane words.Restricted.Not allowed on school grounds.Several.New York City – under 4-inch blade length.
North Carolina18, for bowie knives and dirks.NoBallistic knives.Restrictions apply based on the type of knife.Not allowed on school grounds.None.None.
North DakotaNoneNo“Dangerous knives” as in switchblade or gravity knives, machetes, scimitars, stilettos, swords, daggers, or knives with a blade over 5 inches.Allowed.Not allowed on school grounds and certain public events/gatherings.Bismark, Fargo, and Grand ForksKnives with a blade longer than five inches are considered a dangerous weapons.
OhioNoneYesBallistic knives.Allowed.Not permitted on school property or courthouses.None.None.
OklahomaNoneYesNone.Allowed.Allowed with limitations.None.None.
OregonNoneNoNone.Restrictions are based on the type of knife.Not allowed on school grounds.None.None.
PennsylvaniaNoneNoAutomatic knives.Allowed.Not allowed on school grounds.Philadelphia and PittsburghNone.
Rhode IslandRestrictions on selling to minors.NoNone.Blades longer than 3 inches and certain types of knives have restrictions.Not allowed on school grounds.None.3-inch maximum for blades carried in a concealed manner or transferred to a minor.
South CarolinaNoneYesNone.Allowed.2-inch maximum on knives on primary and secondary school property.Charleston, Columbia, and GreenvilleNone.
South DakotaNoneNoNone.Allowed.Not allowed on school property.Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Sturgis, DeadwoodNone.
TennesseeNoneYesNone.Allowed.Not allowed on school property.None.None.
Texas5 1/2 inch blade maximum under specific conditions of locations.YesAny with a blade longer than 5 1/2 inches (relating to minors).Allowed.Not allowed on any premises related to educational institutions with exceptions.None.5 1/2 blade has restrictions depending on location.
UtahNoneYesNone.Allowed.Not allowed on the property of any kind of educational institution.None.None.
VermontOnly a guardian or parent can furnish a minor (under 16) with a knife.YesSwitchblades or automatic knives with a 3-inch blade.Allowed.Not allowed on school property.None.Automatic knives may not have blades that exceed 3 inches.
Virginia18, penalty on who provides a knife.NoBallistic knives.Restrictions are based on the type of knife.Knives with folding metal blades of fewer than 3 inches are allowed.None.A folding pocket knife has a maximum length of 3 inches.
WashingtonLocation specifications, but no restriction on general possession.NoSpring blade knives, daggers, dirks.Restrictions apply.Not allowed on school property.Seattle, Tacoma, VancouverNone.
West Virginia18, unless married or otherwise emancipated.YesNone.No restriction on concealed carry or possession for those over 21.Not allowed on school grounds.None.3 1/2 inches in relation to any dagger, dirk, poniard, or stiletto.
Wisconsin18, possession is prohibited.YesNone.Allowed.Not allowed on school grounds.None.None.
Wyoming21, it is an offense to carry concealed weapons unless of age.YesNone.Allowed.Nothing mentioned.None.None.

American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI)

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a leading organization promoting the responsible use and carrying of knives. AKTI works to educate knife owners about knife laws in their states and provides legislative information to assist in understanding local and federal knife laws.

They are committed to advancing the rights of knife owners, advocating for safe and responsible knife use, and providing educational resources to increase public understanding of the importance of knives in daily life. AKTI also works with knife makers, manufacturers, dealers, distributors, and other industry professionals to ensure safe and lawful practices in the knife industry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, knife laws in the United States can vary greatly from state to state. It is important to be aware of the specific laws in your state before carrying or using a knife. Additionally, it is important to be familiar with federal laws that may apply.

The American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI) is a great resource for up-to-date information on knife laws throughout the United States. Knowing and understanding the laws will help to ensure that you are not breaking any laws and can enjoy the many benefits of owning a knife responsibly.

Leave a Comment