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 Possession | Statewide Preemption | Restricted Knives | Concealed Carry | Schools | Major Cities w/ Knife Ordinances | Critical Dimensions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | None | No | None. | Not permitted for Bowie knives | Not permitted on school property | Montgomery – 3-inch blade limit | None. |
| Alaska | None | Yes | None for people over 21. | Allowed with restrictions for those under 21. | Not allowed on school grounds without special permission. | None. | None. |
| Arizona | None | Yes | None. | Allowed with restrictions for those under 21. | Not allowed on school grounds or at polling places on election days. | None. | None. |
| Arkansas | None | No | None. | 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. |
| California | None | No | Multiple. 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. |
| Colorado | None | Limitation 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, Boulder | 3 1/2 inches |
| Connecticut | None | No | None. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | 1 1/2 inch maximum for automatic knives and 4 inches for all others. |
| Delaware | None | No | “Undetectable knives.” Explained in the state section. | Restricted. | Not allowed on school grounds or recreational zones. | None. | 3 inches. |
| District of Columbia | None | N/A | Switchblades. | Restricted. | N/A | Switchblades are banned in the District. | 3 inches |
| Florida | 18 | No | Ballistic knives. | Common pocket knife allowed, but others are prohibited unless licensed. | Not allowed on school grounds. | Multiple. | None. |
| Georgia | None | Yes | None, but blades over 12 inches have some restrictions. | Allowed. | Having a blade greater than two inches on school grounds is prohibited. | None. | 12 inches |
| Hawaii | None | No | Switchblades and butterfly knives. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | None. |
| Idaho | 18 | Yes | None, 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. |
| Illinois | None | No | Switchblades and ballistic knives. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school grounds. | Chicago | None. |
| Indiana | None | Yes | Ballistic knives and “Chinese throwing stars.” | Allowed. | Knives cannot be on school property if intended as a weapon. | Indianapolis | None. |
| Iowa | None | No | Ballistic 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. |
| Kansas | None | Yes | None. | Allowed. | Restrictions for carrying at schools, jails, and juvenile correction facilities apply. | None. | None. |
| Kentucky | 21 | No | None. | Allowed. Restrictions only apply to those under 21. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | None. |
| Louisiana | None | No | None. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school grounds, school grounds, or school functions. | Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport | None. |
| Maine | None | No | Bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, and more. | Restrictions on certain knives. | Not allowed on school grounds. More restrictions may apply per district. | None. | None. |
| Maryland | 18, but more restrictions apply. | No | None. | Allowed for folding knives that are not switchblades or spring-activated. | Not allowed on school grounds. | Baltimore | None. |
| Massachusetts | None | No | Stilettos, 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, Salem | Maximum blade length 1 1/2 inches for automatic knives. |
| Michigan | None | No | None. | Restrictions on certain knives. | Not allowed on school grounds. | Detroit and Lansing | None. |
| Minnesota | None | No | Allowed unless a switchblade. | Not allowed on school grounds. | Duluth, Minneapolis, St. Paul | None. | |
| Mississippi | 18 | Yes | Allowed restrictions on the types of knives. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | None. | |
| Missouri | None | No | None. | 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. |
| Montana | None | Yes | None. | Allowed. | A blade 4 inches or longer, a sword, or straight razors are prohibited. | None. | None. |
| Nebraska | None | No | None. | Allowed restrictions on the types of knives. | Not allowed on school grounds. | Lincoln and Omaha | Blades up to 3 1/2 inches can be concealed. |
| Nevada | None | No | None. | Allowed unless a machete. | Edged tools are not allowed on school grounds. | Carson City, Las Vegas, Clark County, and Reno | None. |
| New Hampshire | None | Yes | None. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | None. |
| New Jersey | None | No | Gravity 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. | Camden | Blades sold to minors up to 10 inches are permitted. |
| New Mexico | None | Yes | Switchblades, including gravity and butterfly knives, are prohibited. | Restricted, even prohibited. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | None. |
| New York | 16 | No | Switchblades, ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, and cane words. | Restricted. | Not allowed on school grounds. | Several. | New York City – under 4-inch blade length. |
| North Carolina | 18, for bowie knives and dirks. | No | Ballistic knives. | Restrictions apply based on the type of knife. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | None. |
| North Dakota | None | No | “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 Forks | Knives with a blade longer than five inches are considered a dangerous weapons. |
| Ohio | None | Yes | Ballistic knives. | Allowed. | Not permitted on school property or courthouses. | None. | None. |
| Oklahoma | None | Yes | None. | Allowed. | Allowed with limitations. | None. | None. |
| Oregon | None | No | None. | Restrictions are based on the type of knife. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | None. |
| Pennsylvania | None | No | Automatic knives. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school grounds. | Philadelphia and Pittsburgh | None. |
| Rhode Island | Restrictions on selling to minors. | No | None. | 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 Carolina | None | Yes | None. | Allowed. | 2-inch maximum on knives on primary and secondary school property. | Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville | None. |
| South Dakota | None | No | None. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school property. | Rapid City, Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Sturgis, Deadwood | None. |
| Tennessee | None | Yes | None. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school property. | None. | None. |
| Texas | 5 1/2 inch blade maximum under specific conditions of locations. | Yes | Any 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. |
| Utah | None | Yes | None. | Allowed. | Not allowed on the property of any kind of educational institution. | None. | None. |
| Vermont | Only a guardian or parent can furnish a minor (under 16) with a knife. | Yes | Switchblades 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. |
| Virginia | 18, penalty on who provides a knife. | No | Ballistic 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. |
| Washington | Location specifications, but no restriction on general possession. | No | Spring blade knives, daggers, dirks. | Restrictions apply. | Not allowed on school property. | Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver | None. |
| West Virginia | 18, unless married or otherwise emancipated. | Yes | None. | 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. |
| Wisconsin | 18, possession is prohibited. | Yes | None. | Allowed. | Not allowed on school grounds. | None. | None. |
| Wyoming | 21, it is an offense to carry concealed weapons unless of age. | Yes | None. | 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.