Switchblade Legal Chart by State as of 2006

[shootist16]

I question leaving this thread as a "Sticky" when the initial post has been shot so full of holes. I am afraid that somebody or some somebodies are going to be misled by that post into illegally carrying a switchblade knife and wind up in deep trouble. It would seem to me that the responsible thing for BladeForums to do would be to remove its imprimatur from that post by removing its "sticky" status.

I agree and done.

 

[ArkansasGunsmith]

Below are the laws regarding switchblades for each state. The source is the November 1998 issue of Tactical Knives. Be sure and check with the state governments to get the latest information. (If you know of changes/newer/more detailed info please add it... Just did this to try to make it easier than someone searching the forums for multiple states)

State Possession Legal? = 1.
Carry Legal? = 2.

Alabama
1. Y
2. Y3

Alaska
1.N
2.N

Arizona
1. Y
2. Y

Arkansas
1.Y
2. Y2

California
1. Y
2. N

Colorado
1. N
2. N

Connecticut
1. N
2. N

Delaware
1. N
2. Y3,4

Florida
1. Y
2. Y

Georgia
1. Y
2. N

Hawaii
1. N
2. N

Idaho
1. Y
2. Y3

Illinois
1. N
2. N

Indiana
1. N
2. N

Iowa
1. Y
2. Y

Kansas
1. N
2. N

Kentucky
1. Y
2. Y3

Louisiana
1. N
2. N

Maine
1. N
2. N

Maryland
1. Y
2. Y3

Massachusetts
1. N
2. N

Michigan
1. N
2. N

Minnesota
1. Y1
2. N

Mississippi
1. Y
2. N

Missouri
1. Y1
2. N

Montana
1. Y1
2. N

Nebraska
1. Y
2. Y3

Nevada
1. N
2. N

NewHampshire
1. N
2. N

NewJersey
1. N
2. N

NewMexico
1. N
2. N

NewYork
1. N
2. N

NorthCarolina
1. Y
2. Y3

NorthDakota
1. Y
2. Y3

Ohio
1. Y
2. Y

Oklahoma
1. Y
2. N

Oregon
1. Y
2. Y3

Pennsylvania
1. Y1
2. N

Rhode Island
1. Y
2. N

South Carolina
1. Y
2. N

South Dakota
1. Y
2. Y

Tennessee
1. N
2. N

Texas
1. Y1
2. N

Utah
1. Y
2. Y3

Vermont
1. N
2. N

Virginia
1. Y
2. Y3,4

Washington
1. N
2. N

West Virginia
1. Y
2. Y3,4

Wisconsin
2. N
1. N

Wyoming
1. Y
2. N

1Possession banned, but exception made for collectors and/orpossession as curios or antiques
2Carry allowed if blade is under 3.5 inches
3Carry allowed if not concealed
4Concealed Carry allowed with permit or license

In Arkansas, there are no restrictions on switchblade blade length, or any other knife, at the state level. Arkansas has removed restrictions on automatic knives, making them legal to own and carry, whether openly or concealed. However, there are restrictions on where you can carry a knife, including schools and courthouses. Additionally, carrying a knife with the intent to use it as a weapon against another person can lead to criminal charges

 

[BootKnifeFan]

Here in Massachusetts, the Canjura case involving a felony arrest in Boston for illegal carry of a switchblade resulted in not only the defendant being found not guilty but the whole Massachusetts ban on automatic knife carry, since the law was passed in the late 1950s, was overturned! Completely legal to carry one in public now, but local blade length ordinances and the ban on double-edged knife carry remain in effect. Never saw that one coming; especially in this ultra-liberal hoplophobic state! For once, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court got it right!

 

[thebrain]

This needs updates, Michigan repealed the auto ban but there is confusion about OTF knives.

 

[RocketFoot]

There is a free ap on Android/Apple called "Knife Rights LegalBlade" that covers all of this and seems to be kept up to date.

 

[SharpBits]

Knife Rights is on top of it all. Plus, Critter & Knife Rights have successfully fought to protect our rights.

 

[mauser9]

Of all places cesspool Ma. lifted the ban a year ago. Bout time. Now ya can buy em and walk around with one. Still got the some of the worst gun laws though.

 

[Locutus D'Borg]

California is not accurate. You can carry a switchblade or OTF if the blade is 2" or smaller. Knifecenter and other knife sellers advertise such small auto's as California-legal.

 

[SharpBits]

The original post is from 2006, so of course it is out of date. See Knife Rights for up to date information.

 

[BootKnifeFan]

Of all places cesspool Ma. lifted the ban a year ago. Bout time. Now ya can buy em and walk around with one. Still got the some of the worst gun laws though.

I signed the petition to put the new Chapter 135 gun law repeal question on the 2026 ballot at Patriot Firearms in Ipswich last year. Hopefully, enough like-minded voters get out there and help take back our 2A rights.

 

[mauser9]

I signed the petition to put the new Chapter 135 gun law repeal question on the 2026 ballot at Patriot Firearms in Ipswich last year. Hopefully, enough like-minded voters get out there and help take back our 2A rights.

Thanks for reply Bootknife. Yeah I signed and we had the signatures but that gov. signed some BS legislation that blocked for this year. Gotta wait till Nov. 2026 and live with the BS. Gun Owner Action League spoke at my club in June. Only change in our favor was the law that made a semi auto rifle legal for a person with an F.I.D card until it expires then one must obtain a License to Carry according to spokesman Greene. Hopefully we can overturn this law. This state is for the birds!