Knife laws in the United States are set at state level and are frequently tightened further by city or county ordinance. Before you buy, check the current law where you live and where you intend to carry.
We link directly to the American Knife & Tool Institute for each state. AKTI is a non-profit whose state summaries are researched by an attorney specialising in knife law and updated as legislation changes. We link rather than reproduce so that what you read is always current - a copied summary on our site would go stale the moment a law changed.
Check your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
What varies between states
- Blade length - many states cap the length you may carry, and the limit often differs for concealed versus open carry
- Automatic and assisted opening - switchblades and assist-open knives are restricted in some states and unrestricted in others
- Concealed carry - a knife that is legal to carry openly is not automatically legal concealed
- Place restrictions - schools, courthouses, government buildings, airports and licensed premises are commonly off limits regardless of the knife
- Local ordinances - cities and counties frequently impose tighter limits than the state, and state preemption laws do not exist everywhere
- Prior convictions - many states apply additional prohibitions to people with previous convictions
Buying from BV Goods
- You must be 18 or older to purchase any bladed product from us
- We ship to most of the United States. Restricted destinations are flagged during checkout
- You are responsible for confirming that an item is legal to own and carry where you live before ordering
- Some products carry a Proposition 65 warning, shown on the product page
California buyers
Products offered here are sold in compliance with California Penal Code Section 17235. California buyers are responsible for confirming local restrictions prior to purchase. Out-of-state wholesale orders may require a signed buyer acknowledgment.
Travelling with a knife
Laws apply where you are, not where you bought the knife. If you are driving between states, the strictest law along your route is the one that matters. Knives are not permitted in carry-on baggage on commercial flights - check them in hold luggage.
Further reading
- AKTI - State Knife Laws overview
- AKTI - Traveling With a Knife
- Your state legislature's website for the current statute text
- Your city or county code for local ordinances
This page is general information and a directory of sources. It is not legal advice. Laws change - verify current law before purchasing or carrying.