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Louis Martin Custom Knives

Reviewed September 2026

Georgia Knife Laws

In Georgia, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Knives with blades over 12 inches require a weapons carry license to carry. The blade limit to know: 12 inches without a license.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives are legal.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Knives with blades over 12 inches require a weapons carry license to carry.

Local Ordinances

Georgia has statewide preemption: cities and counties cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state. Preemption since 2012; the 12-inch line is among the most generous in the country.

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: O.C.G.A. §§16-11-136, 16-11-127.1

Georgia only regulates knives with blades over 12 inches, one of the most generous thresholds in the country, and §16-11-136 preempts local ordinances for statewide uniformity. Carrying a restricted knife without a weapons license is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 and one year, while carrying a blade of two inches or more in a school safety zone under §16-11-127.1 is a felony for unlicensed carriers. The statutory knife definition requires a design "for the purpose of offense and defense," which arguably leaves long kitchen and agricultural blades outside the law.

Georgia Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Georgia?
Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Georgia. Automatic knives are legal. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.
Are butterfly knives legal in Georgia?
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Georgia. Butterfly knives are legal.
Is it legal to carry a knife in Georgia?
Generally yes, within limits: Knives with blades over 12 inches require a weapons carry license to carry. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.
What size knife can you legally carry in Georgia?
The limit to know is 12 inches without a license. Preemption since 2012; the 12-inch line is among the most generous in the country.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Georgia

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