Knife Regulations Across the United States

Knife laws vary widely across different states, with some having lenient regulations and others imposing strict restrictions on possession, types of knives, and blade lengths. Below is a breakdown of key aspects of knife laws across the United States.

General Trends

• No Universal Rules: There is no single set of knife laws applicable to all 50 states.

• Focus on Carrying: Many states regulate the carrying of knives in public rather than banning ownership outright.

• Blade Length Restrictions: Some states limit the maximum blade length allowed for public carry, while others have no such restrictions.

• Prohibited Knife Types: Certain knives, such as switchblades and gravity knives, are prohibited or restricted in some states.

State-by-State Breakdown

a. Alabama to Arkansas

• Alabama: Relatively lenient; most knives, including hunting knives, are allowed. Switchblades are prohibited.

• Arkansas: Knife-friendly; open carry of most knives, including folding and fixed blades, is allowed.

b. California to Georgia

• California: Strict; switchblades with blades over 2 inches are illegal. Folding knives are generally permissible.

• Georgia: Lenient; most knives are allowed. Concealed carry requires a permit for knives over 12 inches.

c. Hawaii to Maryland

• Hawaii: Strict; switchblades and butterfly knives are prohibited. Concealed carry of dirks and daggers is illegal.

• Maryland: Mixed regulations; Baltimore has stricter local laws. Folding knives are generally allowed, but carrying a concealed fixed blade is prohibited.

d. Massachusetts to New Jersey

• Massachusetts: Strict; carrying knives with blades longer than 1.5 inches in public without a valid reason is prohibited.

• New Jersey: Strict; bans carrying gravity knives, switchblades, and daggers without a lawful purpose.

e. New Mexico to South Dakota

• New Mexico: Lenient; allows open carry of most knives. Concealed carry of large knives requires a permit.

• South Dakota: Knife-friendly; allows most knives, including hunting knives, with few restrictions.

f. Tennessee to Wyoming

• Tennessee to Wyoming: (Details not provided in the original text)

This summary provides an overview of key knife laws in various states. Always check local laws and regulations for specific details, as some cities may have additional restrictions.