Knife Laws Explained: 5 Features You Need to Know Before Buying or Carrying

Kulu Blades
Aug 23
2 min read

Knives are useful tools for everyday carry, outdoor adventures, and collecting. But depending on where you live, certain features can make a knife restricted or even illegal. Laws vary widely from state to state (and sometimes even city to city), so it’s important to understand the basics before making a purchase or carrying your blade in public.

Below are five key knife features that are often regulated in the U.S. and other regions.

1. Blade Length

One of the most common restrictions is how long the blade can be.

Many states set limits for concealed carry, often between 3–4 inches.
Some areas allow longer blades only for hunting, fishing, or kitchen use.
Exceeding the legal length—even with a folding knife—can lead to fines or confiscation.

Tip: Always check your local “maximum legal blade length” before carrying in public.

2. Automatic or Switchblade Opening

Switchblades (automatic knives that open with a button, spring, or pressure) are heavily regulated.

Some states outright ban their sale or carry, while others allow them with restrictions.
Assisted-open knives (where you manually start the opening and the spring finishes it) are often treated differently and may be legal where switchblades are not.

Rule of thumb: If it opens with a button or lever, double-check your local laws.

3. Fixed Blade vs. Folding Knife

The style of knife can matter:

Fixed blades (like hunting or survival knives) are sometimes considered weapons when carried outside of a specific purpose (camping, fishing, etc.).
Folding knives are more commonly allowed, but restrictions still apply if they lock open or are carried concealed.

Carrying openly vs. concealed often makes the difference in legality.

4. Double-Edged or Dagger Style Blades

Knives with two sharpened edges—such as daggers or dirks—are restricted in many places.

Often associated with combat use, they may be illegal to carry in public even if the blade length is within limits.
Collectors can usually own them, but carrying them is the issue.

If both sides of the blade are sharp, assume restrictions apply unless your laws say otherwise.

5. Disguised or Specialty Knives

Knives designed to look like something else—such as cane swords, belt buckle knives, lipstick knives, or push daggers—are banned in many areas.

Laws target items that are concealed or disguised as everyday objects.
Even if legal to buy online, they might not be legal to carry in your state.

If the knife is designed to be hidden in plain sight, it’s more likely to be restricted.

⚠️ Final Word: Always Check Local Laws

Knife laws can change quickly and are often different at the state, county, and city level. What’s legal in one state may be restricted across the border. Before purchasing or carrying, make sure to: