All Comparison Tables
Knife Carry Laws by State
Federal & State Law Editorial TeamLast reviewed: April 2026
Whether open and concealed carry of knives is generally permitted, and any maximum blade length restrictions for concealed carry.
50 States2 data columnsLast updated: February 2025
Click any column header to sort ascending or descending. Click again to reverse, and a third time to reset.
| Open Carry | Concealed Carry | Blade Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Legal | Restricted (bowie) | No limit |
| Legal | Legal (21+) | No limit |
| Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Restricted | Folders only | No fixed conceal |
| Legal | Restricted | 3.5" (concealed) |
| Restricted | Restricted | 4" |
| Legal | Restricted | 3" (concealed) |
| Restricted | Folders <4" | 4" (concealed) |
| Legal | Legal (12") | 12" |
| Restricted | Banned (most) | Switchblade banned |
| Legal | Legal (18+) | No limit |
| Legal | Restricted | 3" (concealed) |
| Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Legal | Restricted | 5" (concealed) |
| Legal | Legal (2013) | No limit |
| Legal | Legal (21+) | No limit |
| Legal | Restricted | Switchblade legal |
| Legal | Legal (2015) | No limit |
| Restricted | Restricted | Penknife OK |
| Restricted | Restricted | Auto banned |
| Legal | Folders only | Auto banned |
| Legal | Restricted | No fixed limit |
| Legal | Restricted (bowie) | No limit |
| Legal | Legal | 4" (concealed) |
| Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Legal | Restricted | 3.5" (concealed) |
| Legal | Restricted | No fixed limit |
| Legal | Legal (2010) | No limit |
| Restricted | Restricted | 5" |
| Legal | Restricted | Switchblade banned |
| Restricted | Restricted | 4" |
| Legal | Restricted | Ordinary pocket knife |
| Legal | Legal (with permit) | 5" |
| Legal | Legal (2021) | No limit |
| Legal | Legal (2016) | No limit |
| Legal | Folders only | Auto restricted |
| Legal | Restricted | Auto banned |
| Restricted | Restricted | 3" |
| Legal | Restricted | 2" (concealed) |
| Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Legal | Legal (2014) | No limit |
| Legal (5.5"+ restr) | Legal | 5.5" location restr |
| Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Legal | Restricted | 3" auto |
| Legal | Restricted | 3" (concealed) |
| Legal | Folders only | Fixed banned conceal |
| Legal | Legal (21+) | No limit |
| Legal | Legal (2016) | No limit |
| Legal | Legal | No limit |
| Restricted | Restricted | Switchblade banned |
Knife laws are heavily preempted to local ordinances in many states. Schools, courthouses, federal buildings, and airports impose stricter rules everywhere.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.