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Louis Martin Custom Knives

Know Before You Carry

Knife Laws by State

Knife law in America is a patchwork: switchblades are now legal in 39 states, butterfly knives are banned in a handful, and concealed-carry blade limits range from none at all to 3 inches. This guide compares every state at a glance; click any state for the full picture, including local-ordinance traps like New York City, Philadelphia, and Seattle.

For the deeper story behind these rules, read our guide to knife laws in America, our breakdown of why butterfly knives are illegal in some states, and the rules for flying with a knife.

This is general information, not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026. Laws change and cities may add stricter rules; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying.

Legal Restricted Prohibited
State Switchblades Butterfly Knives Concealed Blade Limit Preemption
Alabama Legal Legal None statewide No
Alaska Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Arizona Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Arkansas Legal Legal None statewide No
California Restricted Restricted No statewide limit, but cities add rules (Los Angeles bans openly carrying blades 3 inches or longer in public). No
Colorado Legal Legal 3.5 inches concealed No
Connecticut Restricted Restricted 4 inches carried No
Delaware Legal Restricted 3.75 inches for the concealed pocket-knife exemption No
Florida Legal Legal About 4 inches for the pocketknife exemption No
Georgia Legal Legal 12 inches without a license Yes
Hawaii Legal Legal None statewide No
Idaho Legal Legal 6 inches for the deadly-weapon definition Yes
Illinois Restricted Legal 3 inches in public buildings and similar locations No
Indiana Legal Legal None statewide No
Iowa Legal Legal None statewide No
Kansas Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Kentucky Legal Legal None statewide No
Louisiana Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Maine Legal Legal None statewide No
Maryland Restricted Restricted None statewide No
Massachusetts Legal Restricted None statewide No
Michigan Legal Legal None statewide No
Minnesota Prohibited Legal None statewide No
Mississippi Legal Legal None statewide No
Missouri Legal Legal 4 inches for the pocket-knife safe harbor No
Montana Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Nebraska Legal Legal 3.5 inches concealed No
Nevada Legal Legal None statewide No
New Hampshire Legal Legal None statewide Yes
New Jersey Prohibited Prohibited None statewide No
New Mexico Prohibited Prohibited None statewide No
New York Restricted Legal 4 inches in New York City No
North Carolina Legal Legal None statewide No
North Dakota Legal Legal 6 inches concealed without a license No
Ohio Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Oklahoma Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Oregon Restricted Restricted None statewide No
Pennsylvania Legal Legal None statewide No
Rhode Island Restricted Restricted 3 inches concealed No
South Carolina Legal Legal None statewide No
South Dakota Legal Legal None statewide No
Tennessee Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Texas Legal Legal 5.5 inches for location-restricted status Yes
Utah Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Vermont Legal Legal None statewide No
Virginia Legal Restricted None statewide No
Washington Prohibited Legal None statewide No
West Virginia Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Wisconsin Legal Legal None statewide Yes
Wyoming Legal Legal None statewide Yes

The Strictest States

Own and carry with care in New Jersey, New Mexico, Minnesota, Delaware, Washington, California, New York. These states keep full switchblade bans, broad concealed-weapon statutes, or aggressive local enforcement.

The Most Knife-Friendly States

Near-total freedom in New Hampshire, Arizona, Ohio, Texas, Alabama, Kansas, Wisconsin, Tennessee. Most pair legal automatics with statewide preemption, so one set of rules covers you everywhere in the state.

Knife Law Basics

What state has the strictest knife laws?
New Jersey is widely considered the strictest: switchblades and balisongs are prohibited without a narrowly-read lawful purpose, and even possession has been prosecuted. New Mexico, Minnesota, Delaware, and Washington also keep full switchblade bans, and California and New York layer heavy carry restrictions on top of ownership rules.
Are switchblades legal in all 50 states?
No. Switchblades are fully legal in 39 states, restricted in 7, and still prohibited in 4 (including New Jersey, New Mexico, Minnesota, Delaware, and Washington). Federal law separately restricts shipping automatics across state lines.
What is knife law preemption?
Preemption means the state law is the only knife law: cities and counties cannot pass stricter local ordinances. In preemption states one set of rules covers you statewide; without it, cities like Denver or Seattle can (and do) add their own restrictions.
Can you travel between states with a knife?
Yes, but the destination and every state you pass through each apply their own law, and there is no national reciprocity for knives. Check each state page before a road trip, and see our guide to flying with knives for TSA rules.

Carry Legal, Carry Hand-Forged

Every Louis Martin blade is forged and finished in our own shop and shipped from New York with free US shipping. Browse pocket knives and everyday carry pieces that stay on the right side of the strictest states, or the full collection if your state gives you room to roam.