Knife Laws by State

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 located here.  Knife laws vary by state, please verify your local laws ahead of time! 

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. Florida

9. Georgia

10. Idaho

11. Illinois (effective Aug. 11, 2017 with valid Firearms Owner’s Identification Card FOID)

12. Indiana

13. Iowa

14. Kansas (since 2013)

15. Kentucky (only with weapons license)

16. Louisiana (effective August 1, 2018)

17. Maine (effective October 15, 2015)

18. Massachusetts (maximum 1-1/2″ blade length limitation)

19. Michigan (effective October 10, 2017 – out-the-front, double edged automatics still prohibited)

20. Mississippi

21. Missouri (since 2012)

22. Montana (maximum 1-1/2″ blade length limitation – removed 2019)

23. Nebraska

24. Nevada (effective July 1, 2015 – 2″ blade length limitation removed)

25. New Hampshire (since 2010)

26. North Carolina (concealed carry not recommended – see North Carolina Knife Laws)

27. North Dakota (maximum 5″ blade length limitation)

28. Oklahoma (effective November 1, 2015)

29. Oregon

30. Rhode Island

31. South Carolina

32. South Dakota

33. Tennessee

34. Texas

35. Utah

36. Vermont (less than 3″ blade length limitation)

37. Washington (manufacture allowed, limited possession to law enforcement and emergency personnel)

38. West Virginia (must be 21 years of age)

39. Wisconsin (effective February, 2016)

40. Wyoming