Reviewed September 2026

Arkansas Knife Laws

In Arkansas, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Legal to carry unless there is intent to unlawfully employ the knife against a person. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives are legal; the old carry restrictions were repealed in 2011.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Legal to carry unless there is intent to unlawfully employ the knife against a person.

Local Ordinances

Arkansas has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Intent language replaced the old 3.5 inch rule in 2011.

Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: Ark. Code Ann. §§5-73-120, 5-1-102(4)

Arkansas only criminalizes carrying a knife with a blade of three inches or longer when there is a purpose to unlawfully employ it as a weapon against a person, and violation of §5-73-120 is a Class A misdemeanor (up to one year and $2,500). Riggins v. State, 703 S.W.2d 463 (1986) recognized the statute's "journey" exception for travelers. There is no statewide preemption, so local jurisdictions may add restrictions.

Arkansas Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Arkansas?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Arkansas. Automatic knives are legal; the old carry restrictions were repealed in 2011. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Arkansas?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Arkansas. Butterfly knives are legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Arkansas?

Generally yes, within limits: Legal to carry unless there is intent to unlawfully employ the knife against a person. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Arkansas?

Arkansas has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Intent language replaced the old 3.5 inch rule in 2011.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Arkansas

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Arkansas. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, or read our guide to the best knives in Arkansas, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.