KNIFE LAWS

The following states do NOT prohibit auto-open (also referred to as automatic, switchblade or switch knife) for non-law enforcement citizens.  Check State Knife Laws for specific details on possession, carry, manufacturer or sale as some restrictions may apply in a specific state.  See the list below for blade length restrictions. Data is compiled by the nonprofit association, American Knife and Tool Institute.

This content is posted for educational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Please refer to your state's knife laws for the most up-to-date information.

    1. Alabama*
    2. Alaska
    3. Arizona*
    4. Arkansas*
    5. California (less than 2″ blade length limitation)
    6. Colorado (effective approximately Aug. 9, 2017; concealed carry maximum length 3-1/2″)
    7. Connecticut (maximum 1-1/2″ blade length limitation)
    8. Delaware
    9. District of Columbia – Washington, D.C. – unlawful
    10. Florida*
    11. Georgia*
    12. Hawaii (effective May 2024, allowed but no concealed carry)
    13. Idaho*
    14. Illinois (effective Aug. 11, 2017, with valid Firearms Owner’s Identification Card FOID)
    15. Indiana
    16. Iowa*
    17. Kansas (since 2013)
    18. Kentucky (if at least 21 years old)*
    19. Louisiana (effective August 1, 2018)
    20. Maine (effective October 15, 2015)
    21. Maryland – (can legally possess if not concealed)
    22. Massachusetts (effective August 27, 2024, all restrictions removed per Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling)
    23. Michigan (effective October 10, 2017)
    24. Minnesota (forbidden)
    25. Mississippi*
    26. Missouri (since 2012)
    27. Montana (maximum 1-1/2″ blade length limitation – removed 2019)
    28. Nebraska*
    29. Nevada (effective July 1, 2015 – 2″ blade length limitation removed)
    30. New Hampshire (since 2010)
    31. New Jersey (possession, but commerce and manufacturing unlawful)
    32. New Mexico (not allowed outside one’s real property)
    33. New York – (exception for hunting, trapping, and fishing – see New York Knife Laws)
    34. North Carolina  (concealed carry not recommended – see North Carolina Knife Laws)
    35. North Dakota (maximum 5″ blade length limitation)
    36. Ohio (effective April 12, 2021 – see Ohio Knife Laws)
    37. Oklahoma (effective November 1, 2015)
    38. Oregon (repealed 1985)
    39. Pennsylvania (effective January 2, 2023)
    40. Rhode Island*
    41. South Carolina*
    42. South Dakota (repealed 1975)
    43. Tennessee*
    44. Texas (since 2013)
    45. Utah*
    46. Vermont
    47. Virginia (effective July 1, 2023)
    48. Washington (manufacture allowed, limited possession to law enforcement and emergency personnel – see Washington Knife Laws)
    49. West Virginia (must be 21 years of age)
    50. Wisconsin (effective February 2016)
    51. Wyoming*

    *These states never enacted “switchblade” restrictions.