What knives are banned in the US?

Author: Prof. Jess Wolff  |  Last update: Monday, May 12, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About Knives Possession of switchblades, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, cane swords, and “Kung Fu stars” is prohibited. Some knives are not illegal, but become illegal based upon how they are used or possessed.

What kind of knives are illegal in the US?

Illegal knives: All knives with automatic-opening (switchblades), push daggers, gravity knives, disguised knives (belt-buckle knife, sword cane, etc.), knives with two-parted handles (butterfly knives), knives with ready access by the wearer (neck or belt knives, boot knives, etc.) are illegal to own or possess.

In what states are gravity knives illegal?

For example, the following states prohibit gravity knives: California, Delaware, Hawaii, Michigan, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. New York: Any knife that has a blade released from the handle or sheath by force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force, which, when released, can be locked in place.

Why are bowie knives illegal?

Bowie knives are generally legal to own in California, but there are some restrictions on carrying them in certain circumstances. California law prohibits carrying concealed dirks or daggers, and whether a Bowie knife falls under this category depends on its specific design and characteristics.

Can you carry a knife for self defense in the US?

Yes you can carry a pocket knife for self defense. The length of the blade can be a issue in some States.

WHAT KNIVES ARE BANNED IN THE US

What's the best knife for self-defense?

Best Self Defense Knives Breakdown
  • Best Value Knife. Kershaw Emerson CQC-7K. Amazon: $43.
  • Best Fixed Blade. Giantmouse GMF1. Giantmouse: $135.
  • Best Tactical Knife. CRKT Provoke. Amazon: $175.
  • Best Auto Knife. Benchmade Claymore. Benchmade: $260.
  • Best Overall Knife. Spyderco Para Military 2. Amazon: $200.

Can you legally carry a knife around?

Concealed carry of a knife is generally legal unless it's a dangerous weapon like a switchblade, and intent to use it unlawfully can make possession illegal.

Is a knife clipped in your pocket concealed?

In the above examples, a restricted knife would likely be concealed if carried within a pocket (which is how most of us carried pocket knives before the early 1980s when Sal Glesser, Spyderco, devised the pocket clip).

What is a dirk knife?

A dirk is a long-bladed thrusting dagger. Historically, it gained its name from the Highland dirk (Scottish Gaelic dearg) where it was a personal weapon of officers engaged in naval hand-to-hand combat during the Age of Sail as well as the personal sidearm of Highlanders.

What is the bowie number 1 knife?

Bowie No. 1 is a “guardless coffin” knife well-known among collectors as one of the most distinctive and desirable bowie knives in existence. The knife's characteristics are very similar to the Carrigan knife. While several guardless coffin knives exist, from a curatorial perspective, the Carrigan and Bowie No.

Which state has the loosest knife laws?

Cutting to the Chase: Georgia has a high regard for knife rights. It is one of the top states for knife freedom. One may carry open or concealed any knife with a blade under 5″. Sharp Tips: To carry open or concealed knives with a blade over 5″, one needs a carry license.

Can I carry a knife in my car?

Key Takeaways. Switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches are banned from carry. Folding knives, when folded, are legal to carry and can be concealed. Fixed blade knives must be carried openly in a sheath on the waist.

What states ban switchblades?

A few states, among them Delaware, Hawaii, New Jersey, New Mexico, and New York, prohibit sale, transfer, ownership or possession of automatic knives or switchblades as deadly or prohibited weapons, while others such as New Hampshire and Arizona have no restrictions on sale, ownership, possession, or carry (with some ...

What does OTF blade mean?

An OTF Knife, also known as an out-the-front knife, sliding knife, telescoping knife, or angel blade, is a pocketknife with a blade that opens and closes through a hole in one end of the handle.

Who makes zombie knives?

The first series of zombie-themed knives was released in 2011 by American knife company KA-BAR after a company official joked about "the need for knives capable of killing a zombie when firearms aren't available".

Is a machete illegal?

United States: In the U.S., laws regarding machetes can vary widely by state and even by city or county. In many places, it's legal to own a machete, but carrying it in public may be restricted, especially if it's concealed. Some states have specific blade length limitations.

What is a pirate knife?

Pirate knives included the dagger, which came in handy when fighting in tight spaces or faced with tasks such as cutting sail, rope, or food. Finally, there was the dirk, a smaller version of th... e dagger, which could also be used as a throwing weapon.

What is a cowboy knife?

Their simple design consists of a sturdy metal handle and a locking blade that gives them supreme utility, ensuring they can handle any task thrown their way. A cowboy knife is a symbol of reliability, ease of use, and toughness – qualities desirable to anyone looking for an everyday pocket knife.

What size knife is considered a concealed weapon?

This includes a “pocketknife” or “Swiss army knife,” box cutter, or “utility knife.” According to California Penal Code Section 17235, all folding knives are legal in the state and may be concealed as long as they are in the folded position. There is also no restriction on the blade length of a folding knife.

What makes a pocket knife illegal?

California Penal Code 21310 PC makes it a crime to carry a concealed fixed-blade knife, also called dirks or daggers. You may openly carry a fixed-blade knife provided that: the knife is contained within a sheath, and. the sheath is worn suspended from your waist.

Why should every man carry a pocket knife?

Usefulness in Everyday Tasks

Opening plastic food packaging, peeling fruit, slicing an apple, spreading condiments, or cutting a sandwich are all made simpler with a pocket knife. Men who spend time outdoors or working with their hands will find even more uses.

What is a switch knife?

A switchblade is a specialized type of folding knife designed for quickly deploying the blade with just the push of a button, switch or automated spring mechanism. This allows the blade to be ejected out the front of the handle instantly with one hand.

Why are gravity knives illegal?

Historically, gravity knives were classified as switchblades and were prohibited under California Penal Code Section 17235. This meant that the possession, sale, and manufacture of gravity knives were illegal in the state. However, recent legislative changes have modified the definition of illegal knives in California.

Are bayonets legal?

Yes. There is no prohibition in California law on having a bayonet on a rifle.

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