Are Switchblades Illegal? Know the Law Before You Carry

Switchblades — automatic knives that spring open at the push of a button—sit at a sharp intersection of utility, style and contention. You’ve probably wondered: are switchblades illegal? The short answer is: it depends. While the federal Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 bars the interstate sale and transport of these knives, state and local jurisdictions have written their own rules, creating a patchwork of switchblade legality across the country [1], [2].

Before you buy, carry or even display one, it’s crucial to understand US switchblade laws and switchblade knife restrictions in your area. In this guide, we’ll unpack the origins of federal restrictions, map out representative state-by-state variations, spotlight key exceptions for military personnel, collectors and antiques, and debunk common myths. Whether you’re a seasoned blade aficionado or simply curious about knife law, this overview will equip you with the insights you need to navigate switchblade regulations with confidence.

[1] Switchblade Knife Act of 1958, 15 U.S.C. §1241.
[2] Knife Rights Foundation, “State Knife Law Chart,” KnifeRights.

Are Switchblades Illegal In The US?

When you ask, “Are switchblades illegal in the US?”, the quick riposte is: it’s not as black-and-white as you might think. Federally, the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 makes it unlawful to import, manufacture, sell or deliver switchblades in interstate commerce—basically, moving them from one state to another is a no-go. That said, the Act doesn’t criminalize mere ownership or carry within a single state.

So, federally speaking, you can own a switchblade, but only if you bought it in the same state where you live, and you can’t ship it across state lines. Sound convoluted? You’re not alone. This patchwork approach means that two people living thirty miles apart can have completely different switchblade legality.

• Interstate commerce ban: No selling, giving or transporting switchblades across state borders.
• In-state ownership: Generally permissible under federal law—so long as your state doesn’t forbid it.
• Definition matters: To qualify as a switchblade, a knife must open automatically by release of a button, spring, or gravity—slide-action autos that deploy via a thumb slide also count.

Have you ever wondered why Congress singled out switchblades? Back in the 1950s, sensationalized crime stories painted them as “youth weapons,” and lawmakers responded with sweeping curbs—even though many other auto-opening knives remained untouched[4].

In practice, then, federal US switchblade laws set the baseline: no interstate deals, but possession and carry hinge on where you live. Next up, we’ll dive into how state statutes layer on their own bans and allowances.

The Federal Switchblade Act

The Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 represents the federal government’s first—and to date, primary—effort to curb the spread of automatic-opening knives in America. Prompted by sensationalized media reports of “youth gangs” wielding spring-loaded blades, Congress made it unlawful to import, manufacture, sell or deliver switchblades in interstate commerce. In practice, this means you cannot ship a switchblade across state lines or buy one from an out-of-state vendor, even if both parties are legally permitted to own them at home.

Under Title 15, Section 1241 of the U.S. Code, a “switchblade knife” is defined very specifically:

• Automatic Deployment: The blade must open automatically by release of a button, spring or similar mechanism.
• Trigger Mechanism: Slide-action (thumb-activated) knives that spring open also fall under the ban.
• Interstate Focus: Ownership, possession or carry within a single state is not addressed—federal law stops at the border.

Why focus on commerce rather than ownership? To put it bluntly, lawmakers sought the simplest legal hook: restrict the trade and hope local jurisdictions would handle possession issues. That said, the Act does carve out a few narrow exceptions:

• Antique Knives: Blades manufactured before 1958 are exempt, provided they’re genuine collectibles.
• Military & Law Enforcement: Federal agencies and authorized personnel may import and use switchblades for official duties.

Taken together, the Federal Switchblade Act sets the baseline for all US switchblade laws. It doesn’t paint with a broad criminal brush—rather, it weaves a commerce-centric net designed to limit distribution. That said, with every passing decade, both advocates and critics argue the ban has outlived its usefulness—sparking ongoing calls for reform in Washington and beyond.

See more: State Laws.

Commercial Sale and Transportation

When it comes to buying, selling or moving a switchblade, the federal law draws a clear line at state borders. Under the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958, any “sale, delivery or possession” of an automatic-opening knife in interstate commerce is expressly forbidden—meaning you can’t legally ship a switchblade from one state to another, even if both have identical knife laws.

Importing these knives from abroad is equally restricted. The U.S. Customs regulations at 19 CFR Part 12 declare that any switchblade not covered by a specific federal exemption must be seized and forfeited upon entry into the country.

Mailing switchblades through the United States Postal Service is generally off-limits for civilians. Publication 52 of the Domestic Mail Manual classifies automatic-opening knives as nonmailable, with one narrow carve-out: they may be sent only to certain federal, state or local government supply and procurement officers acting in an official capacity.

That said, private carriers like FedEx and UPS fall outside the Postal Service’s jurisdiction. There’s no federal prohibition against shipping switchblades via common carriers, and many online retailers leverage this loophole to deliver knives nationwide—though they often require proof of licensing or special credentials to avoid any confusion with postal regulations.

Still, ship at your own risk: anyone caught transporting a switchblade in violation of federal statutes faces criminal penalties—fines or up to one year in prison—and the knife itself can be confiscated.

Switchblade Legality By State

Ever tried tracing switchblade rules on a map only to find a jigsaw puzzle of oddball exceptions and surprising loopholes? That’s exactly what you get when you look at switchblade legality by state. From coast to heartland, some jurisdictions treat automatic knives like any other folding blade—no questions asked—while others slam the door shut with blanket bans or strict age and length limits. You might be fine carrying your prized auto‐opener in one county but face real trouble just down the road. Keep in mind: this rundown is here to guide your research, not replace professional legal advice.

Disclaimer: This is not legal advice!

Image Credit: akti.org

Alabama

Alabama does not prohibit switchblades. There is no statewide ban on the possession, sale, or open carry of automatic knives, and concealed carry of switchblades is likewise permitted: Section 13A-11-50 restricts only firearms (pistols and similar) for concealed carry. No minimum age or blade-length limits apply to civilian owners, though federal interstate commerce bans still apply. Municipalities may impose local blade-length or location rules, so be sure to check city ordinances. Switchblades remain “deadly weapons” per Code § 13A-1-2, meaning carrying one with intent to harm on school grounds is a Class C felony under § 13A-11-72.

Reference
Alabama Code Title 13A. Criminal Code § 13A-11-50 (2024), FindLaw.

Alaska

Alaska is about as switchblade-friendly as it gets. State law places no outright ban on owning, selling, or openly carrying an automatic knife. The two big cautions are age-related:

1. Sales to minors. It’s a class-A misdemeanor to sell or transfer a switchblade (or gravity knife) to anyone under 18 without written parental consent [law.justia.com].
2. Concealed carry. A person under 21 who tucks a switchblade out of sight commits “weapons misconduct in the fifth degree”; adults 21 + may conceal-carry, but must disclose the weapon if a peace officer makes contact [Findlaw].

Outside of those limits—and the usual school-zone and courthouse prohibitions—Alaska treats switchblades like any other “deadly weapon.” Open carry is unrestricted, making the Last Frontier a welcoming place for auto-knife enthusiasts

Arizona

Arizona  ranks among the most permissive states for switchblade owners. Thanks to 2011’s SB 1108, state law preempts local ordinances, so anyone 21 or older may own, openly carry, or conceal an automatic knife—no blade-length or design limits apply. If you’re under 21, you can possess a switchblade but may not conceal-carry one classified as a “deadly weapon” on your person without risk of misdemeanor charges.

That said, general weapons restrictions still stand: switchblades are prohibited in schools, polling places, airports, hydroelectric or nuclear facilities, and the grounds of organized public events. Always disclose your knife to law enforcement upon request, and remember private property owners can set their own rules on carry. [en.wikipedia.org]

Arkansas

As of 2013, Arkansas  fully legalized the possession and carry of switchblades. Act 746 removed automatic knives from the list of “prohibited weapons” under state law, meaning residents can own, sell, and carry switchblades—whether openly or concealed—without restriction [13].

There are no blade-length limits and no age-specific bans at the state level. However, intent still matters: carrying any knife “with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ it as a weapon against a person” can result in criminal charges under § 5-73-120. Schools, courthouses, and certain government buildings remain weapon-free zones, so automatic knives are generally barred there.

Reference
Arkansas Code § 5-73-120 (as amended by Act 746 of 2013), Arkansas General Assembly.

Are Switchblades Illegal In California?

California treats switchblades with blade lengths of two inches or more as illegal weapons. Under Penal Code § 17235, a “switchblade knife” is defined as a pocket-knife–style blade at least two inches long that automatically opens by spring, button, gravity, or similar mechanism—explicitly excluding one-handed thumb-pressure openings with a detent or stud [shouselaw.com]. Meanwhile, Penal Code § 21510 makes it a misdemeanor—punishable by up to six months in county jail or a $1,000 fine—to possess, carry (openly or concealed), sell, or transfer such knives within state lines [shouselaw.com].

Narrow exceptions apply for genuine antiques manufactured before 1958 and for military or law-enforcement personnel acting in their official capacity. Note also that switchblades are strictly banned in weapons-free zones like public schools (PC 626.10) and state/local government buildings (PC 171b). Always verify any additional local ordinances before buying, transporting, or carrying an automatic knife in California.

Colorado

In 2017 the Colorado legislature passed SB 17-008, striking switchblades (and gravity knives) from the state’s “illegal weapon” list in C.R.S. 18-12-101. From 9 August 2017 forward, residents may buy, own, sell, and openly carry an automatic knife anywhere in the state. [leg.colorado.gov]

Concealment is another story. C.R.S. 18-12-105 makes it a Class 1 misdemeanor to knowingly carry any knife concealed on your person; prosecutions usually focus on blades longer than 3 ½ inches. [shouselaw.comshouselaw.com]

Colorado does not enjoy full knife-law pre-emption, so cities can still craft tighter rules. Denver, for example, continues to outlaw “automatic knives” outright under Ordinance § 38-119. [akti.org] By contrast, Colorado Springs repealed its local switchblade ban in 2018, aligning with state law. [kniferights.org]

Practical takeaway: open carry is broadly legal statewide, but concealed carry triggers the 3.5-inch limit, and Denver’s city limits remain a no-go zone for automatics. Always review local ordinances before you clip a switchblade into your pocket.

Connecticut

If you’re a fan of long-bladed autos, Connecticut  isn’t your playground. Conn. Gen. Stat. § 53-206 flat-out prohibits carrying or transporting a switchblade (or gravity knife) with a blade longer than 1½ inches—do it and you’re looking at a Class D misdemeanor. Blades at or under that cutoff count as ordinary pocketknives, so you can slip a tiny automatic into your pocket without breaking state law, provided you steer clear of obvious weapon-free zones like schools and courthouses. The same statute also bans selling or transferring any switchblade that tops the 1½-inch mark, and Connecticut offers no statewide pre-emption, meaning towns can layer on their own restrictions. Bottom line: measure twice, carry once.

Reference
Connecticut General Statutes § 53-206 (2024).

Delaware

Delaware is one of the few states that still outright bans switchblades. Under 11 Del. C. § 1446, a person is guilty of unlawfully dealing with a switchblade knife simply by possessing, selling, offering for sale, or even displaying a knife whose blade “is released by a spring mechanism or by gravity.” Violation is an unclassified misdemeanor, and the statute contains no blade-length threshold or age carve-outs—any automatic knife is covered.

Because mere possession is criminalized, a concealed-carry permit does not rescue you; the knife itself is contraband. Delaware also lacks statewide knife-law pre-emption, but nearly all municipalities mirror the state ban, so local variances are rare. Bottom line: if your knife snaps open at the push of a button or flick of the wrist, leave it outside Delaware’s borders.

Reference
11 Delaware Code § 1446 (2024) — “Unlawfully dealing with a switchblade knife; unclassified misdemeanor.” [law.justia.com]

District of Columbia

Step off the Metro with a button-flicking blade in your pocket and you’re already on the wrong side of local law. Under D.C. Code § 22-4514(a), simply possessing, offering, or displaying a “switchblade knife” is a crime—no blade-length wiggle room, no friendly concealed-carry loophole. Violation can cost you up to one year behind bars or a $2,500 fine. The only people who get a pass are on-duty military, law-enforcement, and a handful of federal employees acting in an official role. Everyone else should treat auto-openers as contraband the moment they cross into the District.

District of Columbia Code § 22-4514 (2024).

Are Switchblades Illegal In Florida?

Florida keeps things surprisingly relaxed for auto-knife fans. There’s no statewide ban on owning, buying, or openly carrying a switchblade; the only knife Florida forbids outright is the spring-loaded “ballistic knife” (Fla. Stat. § 790.225). In other words, your button-activated pocket rocket is perfectly legal so long as it isn’t designed to shoot the blade like a projectile.

Concealed carry used to require a Concealed Weapons License, but HB 543 (effective 1 July 2023) rewrote Fla. Stat. § 790.01: anyone 21 or older who can lawfully possess a weapon may now tuck a switchblade out of sight without a permit. The usual caveats still apply—no knives in schools, courthouses, or posted “weapon-free” zones—and brandishing a blade in a threatening way can still earn you a criminal charge. Measure twice, clip once, and you’ll stay on the right side of the Sunshine State’s knife laws.

Are Switchblades Illegal In Georgia?

Georgia treats switchblades much like any other pocketknife. Under O.C.G.A. § 16-11-125.1, a “knife” (for weapons-carry purposes) is defined as a blade longer than 12 inches; anything shorter—including most automatic folders—slides under that threshold and can be carried openly or concealed with no permit at all. If your auto-opener tops the 12-inch mark, you’ll need a Georgia Weapons Carry License (WCL) to tote it in public, whether it’s in your waistband or clipped to your pack.

State pre-emption arrived in 2012: O.C.G.A. § 16-11-136 bars counties and municipalities from enacting knife rules “more restrictively than” state law, except inside courthouses or secured government buildings. Standard weapon-free zones—schools, jails, nuclear sites, etc.—still apply, but otherwise the Peach State is wide-open territory for switchblade enthusiasts: keep the blade under a foot and you’re free to buy, sell, or carry without extra paperwork.

References
Georgia Code § 16-11-125.1 (2024) — definition of “knife” (> 12 in. blade) and license requirement.
Georgia Code § 16-11-136 (2024) — statewide pre-emption of local knife ordinances.

Hawaii

Hawaii flipped its knife laws in May 2024. Governor Josh Green signed HB 2342 (Act 21), repealing the long-standing bans on manufacturing, selling, transferring, possessing, or transporting switchblades, butterfly knives, gravity knives, and more. Today, you may own, buy, sell, ship, and openly carry an automatic knife anywhere in the islands.

The catch: slip that blade out of sight and you’re committing a misdemeanor. Under the revamped Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 134-52 & 134-53, carrying a switchblade or butterfly knife concealed on your person (or in a bag you’re holding) can still earn up to a year in jail. Using, or even brandishing, an auto-opener while committing another crime elevates the charge to a class C felony. A narrow defense exists if you possessed the knife only in your own home.

Takeaway: Hawaii now welcomes open carry and simple possession of switchblades, but concealed carry remains off-limits. Keep that button-flicker visible—or leave it at home—to stay legal in the Aloha State. [data.capitol.hawaii.gov] [kniferights.org]

Idaho

Idaho is now one of the most knife-friendly states in the country. Switchblades are fully legal to own, buy, sell and openly carry. Thanks to HB 620, which took effect July 1 2024, the state also pre-empts all local knife ordinances, so cities and counties can’t spring surprise bans on you [kniferights.org].

For carry, Idaho’s “constitutional carry” rules apply to deadly weapons, not just guns. Any U.S. citizen 18 or older who may lawfully possess a weapon may carry it concealed, without a license, statewide; knives with blades ≤ 6 inches aren’t even classified as “deadly weapons” [idahosheriffs.org]. Selling or gifting any switchblade (or other “deadly weapon”) to a minor under 18 still requires written parental consent, and schools, courthouses and similar secured zones remain off-limits [atf.gov].

Bottom line: in the Gem State you can flick your auto-opener with confidence—just keep it out of prohibited locations and away from unsupervised minors.

Illinois

Illinois reversed course on automatic knives with Public Act 102-0255 (HB 3660), which took effect 1 January 2022. By deleting “switchblade knife” from 720 ILCS 5/24-1, the legislature made it legal for adults to buy, own, sell, and carry—openly or concealed—any automatic knife statewide. No Firearm Owner’s ID (FOID) card or Concealed Carry License is required.

A couple of caveats remain. Ballistic knives (those that fire the blade) are still prohibited weapons, and selling any knife to someone under 18 without a parent’s written OK is a Class A misdemeanor (720 ILCS 5/24-2). Illinois also lacks full knife-law pre-emption; home-rule cities may pass stricter rules. Chicago Municipal Code § 8-24-020, for instance, continues to outlaw possession or sale of switchblades within city limits. So while most of the Prairie State now embraces autos, you’ll want to double-check local ordinances before snapping one open downtown.

Indiana

Indiana  knife law is refreshingly simple: switchblades are perfectly legal to buy, sell, or carry—openly or tucked in a pocket. The one line you can’t cross is the ballistic knife ban; Indiana Code 35-47-5-2 makes it a Class B misdemeanor to possess any blade that fires from the handle like a projectile [law.justia.com]. Beyond that, there are no blade-length caps, no permit hurdles, and no concealed-carry drama.

Statewide pre-emption means cities can’t spring stricter rules, so Indianapolis and Gary must follow the same playbook as small-town Bloomington [Akti]. Do keep auto-openers off school property (IC 35-47-5-2.5) and away from obviously prohibited zones, but otherwise Indiana is open territory for switchblade enthusiasts.

Iowa

If you like automatic knives, the Hawkeye State is a study in contrasts. Iowa law does not ban switchblades outright—they’re simply listed as “dangerous weapons” under § 702.7, right alongside daggers, stilettos and big Bowie blades. Owning one, buying one, or wearing it on your belt in plain view is perfectly lawful. [law.justia.com]

Where things tighten up is concealed carry. Iowa’s “carrying weapons” statute, § 724.4, makes it a crime to tuck a dangerous weapon—including a switchblade—out of sight on your person or in a purse/pack unless you fit an exception (own-property, hunting/fishing, peace-officer status, or holding a valid Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons). Penalties jump from a serious misdemeanor (blade ≤ 5 in.) to an aggravated misdemeanor (> 5 in.) if you’re caught hiding a knife. [McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C.]

One hard red line remains: ballistic knives—the kind that shoot the blade—are classified as “offensive weapons” under § 724.1 and are flat-out illegal to possess. [ravencresttactical.com]

Bottom line: open carry of switchblades is fine statewide, but slip that auto-opener into a pocket without a permit and you could face charges. Always double-check local ordinances before clipping a knife inside your waistband on the way to the county fair.

Kansas

Kansas went from one of the stricter states to a blades-wide-open haven in a single legislative swing. House Bill 2033 (effective July 1, 2013) wiped switchblades and gravity knives out of the “criminal use of weapons” list and—just as important—pre-empted every city or county from writing its own knife rules. That means Wichita, Lawrence, and tiny one-stoplight towns all follow the same playbook: you may buy, sell, own, and carry an automatic knife, open or concealed, with no blade-length cap and no permit required. [kslegislature.gov] [Akti]

A few hard lines remain. Ballistic knives are still treated as firearms; bringing any blade onto K-12 school property, secure government buildings, or posted “weapon-free” zones is a quick way to earn criminal-use charges. Selling a switchblade to someone under 18 without written parental consent is also a misdemeanor. Outside those obvious no-go areas, though, the Sunflower State is about as switchblade-friendly as it gets—clip it, pocket it, or drop it into your gear bag, and you’re good to go from Cimarron to Kansas City.

Kentucky

In the Bluegrass State no knife is banned—switchblades, balisongs, even ballistic knives are all lawful to own and buy. Under KRS 500.080(4) any blade other than an “ordinary pocket or hunting knife” is classed as a “deadly weapon,” but that matters only for carry rules. Since the legislature passed SB 150 in 2019, anyone 21 or older who can legally possess a firearm may carry a deadly weapon—knife included— openly or concealed without a permit; under-21s must stick to open carry. [KSP App]

Kentucky has no statewide knife-law pre-emption, so cities could layer on restrictions, though few have bothered so far. Usual no-go zones still apply—schools, secure government buildings, and any private property that posts a weapons ban. In short: clip that auto-opener with confidence, but double-check local rules before you stroll into Louisville’s city hall.

Louisiana

Bayou State lawmakers have chipped away at every switchblade restriction over the last few sessions. First, Act 264 of 2018 (SB 194) deleted “switchblade knife” from the list of contraband weapons in La. R.S. 14:95, making simple possession, sale, and open carry of an automatic knife legal statewide. Four years later, Act 157 of 2022 (HB 463) finished the job by striking the last clause that barred concealed carry, so an adult who can lawfully possess a weapon may now tuck a switchblade in a pocket without a permit.

Louisiana  also adopted full knife-law pre-emption with Act 332 of 2019 (HB 195), preventing parishes or municipalities from enacting stricter rules. Standard no-go zones remain—K-12 campuses, courthouses, and posted “weapon-free” areas—and ballistic knives (those that fire the blade) are still prohibited. Otherwise, from Shreveport to the Atchafalaya Basin, you’re free to flick that auto-opener open or conceal it out of sight.

References
– Act 264 (2018), “An Act to amend and reenact R.S. 14:95”
– Act 157 (2022), “An Act to amend R.S. 14:95(A)(6)”
– Act 332 (2019), “An Act relative to statewide knife pre-emption.”

Maine

Maine scrapped its switchblade ban a decade ago. Governor Paul LePage signed LD 264 on 17 April 2015; the law repealed Title 17-A, § 1055 and took effect 15 October 2015. Since then anyone who may legally possess a knife may buy, sell, own, and carry—openly or concealed—automatic, gravity, and balisong knives statewide. [legislature.maine.gov] [Akti]

There is no blade-length cap, no permit requirement, and no automatic-knife carve-outs in Maine’s weapons statutes. Standard weapon-free zones still apply (K-12 schools, courthouses, secured areas, etc.), and Maine has no statewide knife pre-emption, so municipalities could add local rules—though, to date, none of the major cities have done so.

Takeaway: The Pine Tree State is auto-friendly—feel free to pack that button-flicker, but mind the usual sensitive locations and watch for any posted local restrictions.

Maryland

Maryland’s rules look odd at first glance: you can own and openly carry a switchblade, yet you can’t legally sell, barter, or even “display for sale” one. That quirk comes from Criminal Law § 4-105, which still treats the transfer of an automatic knife—or a ballistic “shooting knife”—as a misdemeanor. Possession, however, is fine, so long as you keep the blade in view. [American Knife and Tool Institute]

Concealment is where most people trip up. Under § 4-101, carrying a “dangerous weapon” (a category that expressly includes switchblades) concealed on your person or in a vehicle is illegal unless you hold a Maryland Wear & Carry handgun permit—rare but doable—or can prove a narrow “reasonable precaution against apprehended danger” defense. Manual folding “penknives” are exempt; autos are not.

State pre-emption? None. Cities may pile on their own rules, and Baltimore still bans automatic knives outright. Bottom line: feel free to clip a switchblade on your belt anywhere outside school zones and other weapon-free areas, but don’t tuck it out of sight, don’t try to sell it, and double-check local ordinances before heading downtown.

Massachusetts

The Bay State’s decades-old switchblade ban was struck down on August 27 2024, when the Supreme Judicial Court held that automatic knives are “bearable arms” protected by the Second Amendment (Commonwealth v. Canjura). From that date, adults may possess and carry—openly or concealed—automatic knives of any length statewide. [Reuters] [BLADE Magazine]

Important wrinkles remain:

• The statutes prohibiting manufacture and retail sale of switchblades were not repealed, so in-state dealers still face risk under G.L. c. 269, § 10(b).
• Double-edged blades (dirks, daggers) are still barred for carry.
• Massachusetts has no knife-law pre-emption; cities may enact stricter local rules.

Bottom line: you can legally own and carry a switchblade in Massachusetts, but buying one from a local shop—or walking through Boston with a double-edged auto—could still land you in trouble.

Michigan

Michigan flipped its stance on autos with Public Act 96 of 2017 (SB 245), which deleted the “switchblade” prohibition from MCL 750.226a. Since October 2017 any adult who may lawfully possess a knife may buy, own, sell, and carry—openly or concealed—automatic folders of any blade length. The only outright ban that remains is on ballistic knives (blades that shoot from the handle) under MCL 750.224a.

Concealed-carry pitfalls still lurk in MCL 750.227: tucking away a double-edged knife (dirk, dagger, stiletto) is a felony, so make sure your auto-opener is single-edged and folding. Michigan lacks knife-law pre-emption, meaning cities like Detroit or Grand Rapids could add their own restrictions—always scan local ordinances before clipping a switchblade inside city limits.

Reference
Michigan Public Act 96 (2017) amending MCL 750.226a; MCL 750.224a & 750.227 current through 2024.

Minnesota

Switchblades are illegal in Minnesota. The North Star State still bans automatic knives outright. Minn. Stat. § 609.66, subd. 1(4) makes it a misdemeanor to manufacture, transfer, or possess any “switch blade knife opening automatically,” and a conviction in a school, park, or public-housing zone can be bumped to a gross misdemeanor. Open-versus-concealed carry is irrelevant—the knife itself is contraband. Manual folders and spring-assist models remain legal, but OTF and side-opening autos are off-limits. In September 2024 Knife Rights filed a federal lawsuit (Knife Rights v. Ellison) challenging the ban on Second-Amendment grounds, yet the statute remains in force while that case winds its way through court. [arechigo-stokka.com] [kniferights.org]

Mississippi

Mississippi says yes to switchblades—mostly. The state places no limits on ownership or open carry: you can buy, sell, or wear an automatic knife on your hip with zero blade-length caps. Trouble starts when you tuck it out of sight. Miss. Code § 97-37-1 makes it a misdemeanor to carry a switchblade concealed unless you’re on your own property, inside a vehicle, or actively hunting, fishing, or headed to (or from) another bona-fide weapon-related sport [Justia Law].

A few extra guardrails:

• Minors & booze. Selling, giving, or lending any “deadly weapon” (switchblade included) to someone under 18—or to an intoxicated person—can cost you up to a year in county jail under § 97-37-13.
• Local quirks. Mississippi’s firearms pre-emption statute doesn’t cover knives, so cities may layer on restrictions. Check municipal codes—especially around schools, government buildings, and posted “weapon-free” zones—before you flick your auto-opener downtown.

Bottom line: open carry your switchblade with confidence from Biloxi beaches to the Delta backroads, but slip it into a pocket without a statutory exception and you risk a misdemeanor charge.

Missouri

Missouri rolled out the red carpet for autos a while ago. HB 1460/SB 489 (2012) deleted the switchblade ban from RSMo § 571.020 and, at the same stroke, added knife pre-emption in RSMo § 21.750—so towns can’t spring tougher rules on you. Three years later, SB 656 (2017) ushered in “constitutional carry,” letting any adult 19 or older (18 for active-duty military) who may lawfully possess a firearm carry a switchblade openly or concealed without a permit.

Only two red lines remain:

• Ballistic knives—blades designed to shoot from the handle—are still contraband under § 571.020.1(6).
• Standard weapon-free zones stay in force: K-12 schools, courthouses, secure government buildings, and any private premises that post “No Weapons.”

Bottom line: from Kansas City to the Bootheel you can buy, sell, tote, or pocket an automatic knife with no blade-length cap and no paperwork—just keep it out of schools and leave the projectile knives at home.

Montana

Montana tossed its spring-blade ban overboard in 2017. HB 251, signed by Governor Steve Bullock, repealed former MCA § 45-8-333, freeing residents to buy, sell, own, and carry—openly or concealed—automatic knives of any length statewide [20]. Two years later the legislature doubled down with HB 155 (2019), a knife-law pre-emption bill that bars counties and municipalities from enacting stricter rules, so Missoula, Billings, and tiny Cooke City all play by the same script.

Caveats are few: K-12 schools, courthouses, and other posted “no weapons” zones remain off-limits, and brandishing a blade “with intent to provoke” can still bring a disorderly-conduct charge. But for everyday carry—from Glacier’s high country to downtown Bozeman—you can flick that switchblade open without worrying about state or local law.

References
Montana House Bill 251 (2017) repealing MCA § 45-8-333 (automatic-knife ban).
Montana House Bill 155 (2019) creating statewide knife-law pre-emption.

Nebraska

Nebraska still treats switchblades as outright contraband. Neb. Rev. Stat. § 28-1205(1)(b) makes it a Class I misdemeanor to manufacture, sell, lend, or even possess any knife whose blade “opens automatically by mechanical action, gravity, or inertia”—a definition broad enough to cover side-openers, OTF autos, and gravity knives. There’s no blade-length exception, collector carve-out, or licensing loophole; even a Nebraska Concealed Handgun Permit (or the state’s new permit-less carry for firearms under LB 77, 2023) cannot legalize an auto-opener.

Because the knife itself is banned, open-versus-concealed carry never comes into play. Nebraska also lacks statewide knife pre-emption, so Omaha and Lincoln retain tighter rules—such as Omaha’s 3.5-inch limit on all concealed knives. Bottom line: if your blade snaps open by spring or inertia, leave it outside the Cornhusker State or risk a misdemeanor charge.

Nevada

Nevada quietly flipped the script on autos a decade ago. With SB 176 (2015) lawmakers struck “switchblade knife” from NRS 202.350, so adults may now buy, own, sell, and carry—openly or concealed—automatic knives of any length statewide [22]. There’s no permit hurdle, no blade-length ceiling, and the change applied everywhere from Reno to the Strip.

Caveats? A few. Ballistic knives (those that fire the blade) remain contraband under the same statute, and double-edged dirks or daggers are still illegal to carry concealed without a lawful purpose. Nevada also offers no knife-law pre-emption, so counties could, in theory, add local limits—always glance at municipal codes before clipping an auto into your pocket on Fremont Street. Finally, standard weapon-free zones stay in force: K-12 campuses (NRS 202.265), secure government buildings, and posted “no weapons” venues.

Bottom line: in the Silver State you can flick your switchblade open with confidence—just skip the projectile blades, respect sensitive locations, and double-check city ordinances if you stray off the beaten path.

Reference
Nevada Senate Bill 176 (2015) amending NRS 202.350; current statute accessed May 2025.

New Hampshire

If any state lives up to its motto—“Live Free or Die”—it’s New Hampshire. With the passage of HB 1665 (ch. 379, eff. Jan 1 2011) lawmakers repealed the last vestige of RSA 159’s old “switch-knife” ban, making it lawful for adults to buy, sell, own, and carry—openly or concealed—automatic knives of any length.

Two big points keep the Granite State especially blade-friendly:

• Statewide pre-emption. RSA 159:26 bars cities and towns from regulating knives more strictly than state law, so Manchester and Portsmouth must follow the same rules as tiny Pittsburg.
• No permit, no length cap. New Hampshire issues pistol/revolver licenses for reciprocity, but knives aren’t covered—there’s simply no licensing scheme or blade-length limit.

The usual red zones still apply—K-12 campuses (RSA 193-D:1), courthouses, and posted “no weapons” venues—but outside those, you can flick a switchblade without a second thought, whether it’s a two-inch side-opener or a monster OTF you picked up at the Freeport knife show.

New Jersey

The Garden State puts switchblades in the same box as silencers and sawed-off shotguns: outright contraband. Under N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(e) it is a fourth-degree crime—punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine—to possess, manufacture, transport, sell, or even give away a “switchblade knife” or gravity knife, regardless of blade length or whether it’s carried openly or concealed. A narrow safe-harbor exists only for on-duty military and law-enforcement personnel; civilian collectors get no pass. Selling or shipping one is an additional felony under § 2C:39-9(d).

New Jersey offers no knife-law pre-emption, so municipalities may layer on their own penalties (though most simply echo the state ban). A handgun carry permit—recently made shall-issue after Bruen—does not legalize an automatic knife, and the oft-cited “lawful purpose” defense in § 2C:39-3(e) applies to ordinary tools, not to switchblades. Bottom line: leave any button- or gravity-operated blade outside the state or risk a felony rap.

New Mexico

The Land of Enchantment still treats switchblades as straight-up contraband. N.M. Stat. Ann. § 30-7-8 makes it a petty misdemeanor to manufacture, sell, give, or even possess “any knife which has a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device.” There’s no blade-length loophole and no carve-out for concealed-carry license holders—the knife itself is illegal the moment it crosses the state line.

Limited exceptions exist for law-enforcement officers and active-duty military acting in the line of duty, but collectors, hunters, and everyday carriers get no relief. New Mexico also offers zero knife-law pre-emption, so cities like Albuquerque are free to tack on extra penalties (most simply mirror the state ban).

Bottom line: if your blade pops open at the push of a button or flick of a spring, leave it at home before heading to New Mexico—or risk a misdemeanor citation and confiscation on the spot.

New York

New York continues to treat switchblades as “per se” contraband. Under Penal Law §§ 265.01 & 265.10, it is a fourth-degree felony to possess, transport, sell, lend, or give any knife that opens automatically by button, spring, or other device—unless you fall into a narrow exemption list in § 265.20 (active-duty military, police/peace officers, licensed hunters, trappers, or anglers while actually hunting or fishing). For everyone else, mere possession—open or concealed—can mean up to 18 months in state prison.

New York has no knife-law pre-emption, so local rules stack on. New York City, for instance, caps all carried blades at under four inches and aggressively enforces its transit-system weapons ban. Gravity-knife restrictions were repealed in 2019, but the switchblade ban remains firmly in place. In short: unless you’re covered by an exemption, leave the push-button folder outside the Empire State. [American Knife and Tool Institute]

North Carolina

In the Tar Heel State you can own, buy, sell, and wear a switchblade in plain view with no blade-length ceiling. The snag is concealment. G.S. 14-269(a) makes it a misdemeanor to “carry concealed … any bowie knife, dirk, dagger … or other deadly weapon of like kind,” wording the courts have long read to cover automatic knives. The lone carve-out is when you are on your own premises; a North Carolina handgun permit does not authorize concealed knives. [Findlaw]

Other red zones round out the picture: schools (G.S. 14-269.2), the State Capitol and courthouses (G.S. 14-269.4), and fee-paid events that serve alcohol (G.S. 14-269.3) all forbid switchblades, open or concealed. North Carolina offers no knife-law pre-emption, so cities may add restrictions—Charlotte echoes the concealment ban, while some coastal towns cap blade length for any carried knife. A 2025 bill (HB 439) proposes a permit path for concealed blades, but as of May 2025 it’s still winding through committee. Bottom line: open carry your auto-opener anywhere outside weapon-free zones, but slip it into a pocket and you risk a misdemeanor charge.

North Dakota

Switchblades are legal to buy, own, and wear in plain view anywhere in North Dakota. They are, however, listed as a “dangerous weapon” in N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-01-01(1)—the statute names “any switchblade or gravity knife” regardless of blade length. Because of that label, concealed carry still requires a North Dakota Class 1 or Class 2 Concealed Weapon License (or a recognized out-of-state equivalent) under § 62.1-04-02; the state’s “constitutional carry” provision applies only to firearms, not to knives. [North Dakota Legislative Branch]

Open carry is otherwise unrestricted, but switchblades are banned in the usual sensitive spots—schools, liquor-licensed bars, and other defined “public gatherings.” The legislature has not adopted knife-law pre-emption, so cities may add rules (Omaha-style 3.5-inch limits in Fargo parks, for example). Bottom line: display your auto-opener openly without fear, but slip it into a pocket only if you hold—or qualify for—a North Dakota concealed weapon license.

Are Switchblades Illegal In Ohio?

Ohio scrapped its half-century-old auto-knife ban on April 12 2021, when Senate Bill 140 deleted switchblades, spring-blades, and gravity knives from R.C. 2923.20 (unlawful manufacture or sale). From that date anyone 18 + may buy, sell, own, and carry an automatic knife—openly or concealed—anywhere in the state. SB 140 also folded knives into Ohio’s existing firearms pre-emption statute (R.C. 9.68), wiping out local bans once enforced in cities like Cleveland and Toledo.

Concealed-carry caveat: Ohio still bars carrying a “deadly weapon” concealed “with intent to use it as a weapon” (R.C. 2923.12). An auto-opener clipped in your pocket for everyday utility is lawful; tuck it with self-defense in mind and you could face a first-degree misdemeanor. Ballistic knives—the kind that fire the blade—remain contraband under R.C. 2923.20(A)(6).

Sensitive-place rules haven’t changed: switchblades are prohibited in K-12 schools (R.C. 2923.122), courthouses, and posted “no weapons” zones. But everywhere else—from Cincinnati’s riverfront to a Lake Erie charter dock—you’re free to flick that button and watch the blade snap open.

Oklahoma

The Sooner State ditched every switchblade restriction a decade ago. Governor Mary Fallin signed HB 1911 on April 29 2015, repealing the switchblade-carry ban, and HB 1460 the next week, adding knife-law pre-emption to Oklahoma’s firearms pre-emption statute; both took effect November 1 2015. From that day forward, any adult who may lawfully possess a knife may buy, sell, own, and carry an automatic knife—openly or concealed—anywhere in Oklahoma, with no blade-length cap and no permit required. [Knife Rights]

Because statewide pre-emption is on the books, Tulsa and Oklahoma City can’t spring stricter rules (schools remain free to regulate knives on their grounds). Sensitive places—K-12 campuses, courthouses, and posted “no-weapons” venues—are still off-limits, but everywhere else you’re free to flick that OTF open without a second thought.

Oregon

Oregon will let you buy, own, or clip a switchblade to your belt without a second look—but tuck it out of sight and you’re breaking state law. ORS 166.240 bars carrying concealed “any knife that has a blade which projects or swings into position by force of a spring or by centrifugal force,” language that squarely covers side-opening autos, OTFs, and classic gravity knives. Open carry, on the other hand, is perfectly legal statewide, and there’s no blade-length ceiling or permit requirement for ownership or open display.

The state has no knife-law pre-emption, so cities can (and do) add local twists. Portland, for instance, makes it a misdemeanor to possess a switchblade in a public place or transit vehicle (City Code 14A.60.020), while Salem and a handful of coastal towns restrict autos on school grounds and in public parks. Standard sensitive-place bans—K-12 campuses (ORS 166.370), courthouses, and posted “no weapons” venues—still apply.

Bottom line: in the Beaver State you’re free to own and open-carry an automatic knife from Pendleton to Coos Bay, but slide it into a pocket only at home or risk a concealed-weapon charge (and double-check city ordinances before cruising through downtown Portland).

Are Switchblades Illegal In Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania wiped its century-old auto-knife ban off the books on January 2 2023, when Act 157 of 2022 (HB 1929) removed “switchblade” from the state’s list of “offensive weapons” in 18 Pa.C.S. § 908. From that date any adult who may lawfully possess a knife may buy, sell, own, and carry—openly or concealed—automatic knives of any length, with no permit required.

Two cautions remain. Ballistic knives (those that fire the blade) are still prohibited weapons under the same statute, and Pennsylvania offers no statewide knife-law pre-emption. Cities can—and do—layer on their own rules: Philadelphia Code § 10-820 bars carrying any cutting weapon with a blade over three inches on public streets, so your auto-opener must stay home or stay small inside city limits. Standard sensitive-place bans—K-12 schools (24 P.S. § 13-1317.2), courthouses, and posted “no weapons” venues—also apply.

Bottom line: anywhere outside local hot spots like Philadelphia, you can pocket your switchblade without paperwork; just steer clear of ballistic knives and keep it out of schools and courthouses.

Reference
Pennsylvania Act 157 of 2022 (HB 1929) amending 18 Pa.C.S. § 908 (effective 2 Jan 2023).

Rhode Island

Thinking of packing a button-flicking blade on your next trip to Newport? Bad idea. Under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-42(a), a knife that shoots open by spring or button is contraband from tip to tang. Make it, sell it, buy it, tuck it in your tackle box—any of those moves can earn you a misdemeanor, a four-figure fine, and up to a year trying the chow at the ACI.

There’s no “under-three-inches is fine” loophole, no weekend-hunter exception, no collector grace note. If you’re not in uniform—military or sworn law-enforcement—you’re out of luck. And because Rhode Island never passed knife-law pre-emption, towns can pile on their own penalties; Providence already mirrors the state ban. Toss in the usual red zones (schools, courthouses, posted “no weapons” venues) and the takeaway is simple: if your blade pops open by itself, leave it on the workbench before you cross the Pawtucket line.

South Carolina

Carolina bladesmiths—and anyone who loves an automatic folder—can relax: South Carolina has no state-level ban on switchblades. Owning, buying, selling, and openly carrying an auto-opener is perfectly lawful, and there’s no blade-length ceiling.

The only wrinkle used to be concealment. For years, S.C. Code § 16-23-460 made it a misdemeanor to hide a “dirk, slingshot, metal knuckles … or other deadly weapon” without a Concealed Weapons Permit. That changed on March 7 2024, when Governor Henry McMaster signed H.3594—South Carolina’s new permit-less carry law. The overhaul rewrote § 16-23-460 so that any adult 18 or older who may lawfully possess a weapon may now carry it concealed—knife or firearm—without a permit.

Key cautions:

• Sensitive places remain off-limits. Switchblades are barred in K-12 schools (§ 16-23-420), courthouses, the Statehouse complex, and any private property that posts “NO CONCEALED WEAPONS.”
• Pre-emption? Not quite. The state still lets cities regulate knives “while on the streets or in public buildings.” Most haven’t—Charleston scrapped its festival blade cap in 2021—but always glance at local ordinances before clipping an auto in downtown Columbia.
• Ballistic knives (the shoot-the-blade variety) are still treated as firearms under § 16-23-460 and remain illegal to possess.

Bottom line: from the Blue Ridge foothills to Myrtle Beach you can buy, flick open, and even pocket a switchblade without paperwork—just steer clear of schools, courthouses, and any posted weapon-free zones, and double-check city rules if you’re headed to a special event.

South Dakota

South Dakota is one of the easiest states in the nation for automatic-knife fans. There is no state statute that bans or restricts switchblades—or any other style of knife. Open carry is unrestricted, and concealed carry is likewise legal so long as you’re not hiding the blade “with intent to do bodily harm.” State law imposes no blade-length caps, no permit requirement, and no sales limitations. [American Knife and Tool Institute]

Because the legislature has not adopted knife-law pre-emption, individual cities can tack on local rules. Rapid City and Sioux Falls, for example, still treat a concealed knife with a blade over 3 inches as a violation, and several towns bar concealed “dangerous weapons” outright. Schools, courthouses, and other posted “weapon-free” zones remain off-limits statewide.

Bottom line: from Deadwood to Yankton you can buy, pocket, and flick a switchblade without paperwork—just check municipal codes before slipping it into your jeans downtown, and keep it out of obvious sensitive locations.

Tennessee

Everything really is bigger in Texas — including its green light for automatic knives. Legislators yanked “switchblade” out of the prohibited-weapons list back in 2013 (HB 1862), and two years later HB 905 slammed the door on city-level knife bans, so Houston and Pecos play by the same rules. Today you can buy, sell, own, and carry—openly or concealed—any switchblade, no permit, no paperwork, no fuss.

The only wrinkle is blade length. Under Penal Code § 46.02 a knife over 5½ inches becomes a “location-restricted” knife. You may still stroll around with a six-inch OTF on your belt, but you can’t take it into schools, polling places, bars that make most of their money from booze, sporting events, jails, or the secure side of airports. Those zones will earn you a Class C or Class A misdemeanor, depending on the spot.

Ballistic knives (the shoot-the-blade kind) remain illegal contraband under § 46.05, and standard sensitive-place rules stick: courts, racetracks, and posted “30.06/30.07” private premises can give any knife the boot.

Bottom line: from Dallas skyscrapers to Big Bend backroads you’re free to flick that auto-opener—just check the ruler if the blade tops 5½ inches and keep it out of the barred locations.

Utah

Utah takes a hands-off approach to knives—automatic or otherwise. State law never banned switchblades, and today anyone who can legally possess a weapon may buy, sell, own and carry a switchblade, open or concealed, with no blade-length ceiling and no permit. The catch-alls to remember are:

• Prohibited persons. Under Utah Code § 76-10-503, felons, drug offenders and a few other restricted categories may not possess any “dangerous weapon,” which includes automatic knives.
• Sensitive places. Knives longer than 2½ inches—or any blade deemed a “dangerous weapon”—are barred from K-12 school property (§ 76-10-505.5), and secure zones such as courthouses, airports and posted government buildings remain off-limits.
• Statewide pre-emption. Since HB 183 (2013) amended § 76-10-500, cities and counties are forbidden to enact knife ordinances more restrictive than state law, so Salt Lake City and St. George follow the same rules as the tiniest desert township.

In practice, that means you can slip an OTF into your pocket for a hike in Zion or a stroll down Main Street without worrying about length limits or local bans—just steer clear of schools, secure facilities and the usual “no weapons” signs.

Vermont

Vermont’s switchblade rule is a quirky relic: it doesn’t outlaw every auto-opening knife—only the bigger ones. 13 V.S.A. § 4014 makes it a misdemeanor to sell, offer for sale, or even possess a switchblade (or “spring-blade”) knife whose blade is three inches or longer. Drop below that length and the statute no longer applies, which means a 2.9-inch side-opener is legal to own and carry, while a 3-inch model isn’t. Penalties top out at 90 days in jail or a $300 fine.

There’s no separate concealed-carry provision for knives in Vermont; the overarching rule is simply “don’t carry with intent to injure.” The state offers no knife-law pre-emption, so towns can layer on restrictions—Burlington, for instance, caps blade length inside city buildings. Standard red zones remain in force (K-12 schools, courthouses, posted “no weapons” venues).

Bottom line: in the Green Mountain State you can legally pocket a sub-three-inch switchblade, but the moment the blade hits that three-inch mark the knife becomes contraband. Measure twice before you clip it on your belt.

Virginia

Virginia‘s old prohibition on switchblade commerce disappeared on July 1 2022 when HB 889 / SB 758 repealed the language in Va. Code § 18.2-311 that had made it a crime to “sell, barter, give or furnish” an automatic knife. Since that date any adult who may legally own a blade may buy, sell, possess and open-carry a switchblade of any length anywhere in the Commonwealth.

Two cautions remain:

• Concealed carry is murky. Va. Code § 18.2-308(A) still bars carrying concealed a “dirk, bowie knife, ballistic knife … or any weapon of like kind.” Because “weapon of like kind” has never been defined in court, most attorneys recommend treating an auto-opener as off-limits for pocket carry unless you have a very clear lawful-utility reason—or simply keep it visible on the belt.
• No statewide pre-emption. Cities and counties may enact stricter knife rules. Arlington bans blades over 3 inches in its parks; Alexandria forbids any knife on school or courthouse grounds even after hours. Always check local codes before clipping an auto inside city limits.

Bottom line: open-carrying a switchblade is now perfectly legal from the Blue Ridge to the Tidewater, and you can buy or sell them freely—but keep it out of your pocket (and out of weapon-free zones) unless Virginia lawmakers eventually clean up the concealed-carry language.

Washington

Headed for the Evergreen State with a button-flicking blade in your pocket? Better think twice. Washington law still labels these knives—officially “spring-blade knives”—as off-limits for regular folks. RCW 9.41.250(1)(a) makes it a gross misdemeanor to own, sell, trade, or even stash any knife that snaps open by spring, gravity, or a wrist-flick. Get caught and you could face almost a year behind bars plus a hefty fine.

There is, however, a tiny carve-out. Firefighters, law-enforcement officers, and active-duty military can carry autos on the job, and in-state makers may build or ship them—but only under contract to those agencies (RCW 9.41.251). Everyone else—collectors, tradespeople, anglers—remains out of luck for now. Lawmakers float repeal bills every session, yet none have made it past the finish line.

To make matters trickier, Washington has no statewide knife pre-emption. Cities can layer on their own rules, and several do. Seattle, for example, already frowns on blades over three inches in many public places, and a recent ordinance bans any knife on light-rail and bus platforms. Add the usual no-go zones—schools, courthouses, secure government offices—and the takeaway is clear: if your knife pops open at the touch of a button or a flick of the wrist, keep it outside Washington or be ready to surrender it on sight.

West Virginia

West Virginia is now one of the most switchblade-friendly spots east of the Mississippi.

• Ownership & open carry – All automatic knives are perfectly legal to buy, sell and wear in plain view. West Virginia wiped out its last local knife rules when statewide pre-emption took effect on May 31 2020, so Charleston and Wheeling must follow the same playbook as every small holler town. American Knife and Tool Institute
• Concealed carry – Since the 2016 “constitutional carry” overhaul, anyone 21 or older who is not a prohibited person may tuck a deadly weapon—switchblades included—out of sight without a permit. Folks aged 18-20 need a provisional CHL, and anyone younger than 18 is barred entirely unless emancipated. West Virginia Code
• Key definitions – State law still defines a switchblade as “a spring-operated blade opened by a button or catch in the handle,” but that wording lives in the definitions section only; there’s no stand-alone ban. West Virginia Code
• Red zones & minors – All knives are off-limits on K-12 campuses, inside courthouses and other posted secure facilities. Minors (under 18 and not married/emancipated) may not carry deadly weapons, open or concealed.

Bottom line: From Morgantown to Matewan you’re free to flick a switchblade open on your belt, and—if you’re 21 +—slide it into a pocket, too. Just keep it away from schools, courthouses, and any posted “no weapons” signs.

Wisconsin

Wisconsin blew the dust off its knife laws in 2016 with Act 149, trashing the old switchblade ban (§ 941.24) and adding statewide knife pre-emption (§ 66.0409). Since then:

• Buy, sell, own, open-carry – Any adult who may lawfully possess a firearm can own, trade, or wear an automatic knife in plain view. No blade-length ceiling, no sales permit, no local surprises—Milwaukee and Madison have to play by the same rules as Waupaca.
• Concealed carry – Here’s the twist that trips people up. § 941.23 only criminalizes concealed knives for people already barred from possessing firearms (felons, certain misdemeanants, etc.). If you’re not a prohibited person, you may slip your auto-opener into a pocket without a Wisconsin Concealed Weapon License. A CWL is optional, not mandatory, for law-abiding adults.
• Still off-limits – Ballistic knives (the shoot-the-blade kind) remain contraband under separate statutes, and every knife is banned in K-12 schools (§ 948.61), courthouses, the secure side of airports, and any posted “no weapons” venue.

Bottom line: Whether you clip that OTF to your belt or tuck it in your jeans, Wisconsin law treats it the same—so long as you aren’t on the prohibited-person list and you stay out of the usual red-zone locations.

Wyoming

No drama here— Wyoming treats knives the same way it treats just about everything else: with a light touch. A series of reforms (topped off by HB 155 in 2017) wiped out the last vestiges of the old “deadly-weapon” language and added statewide knife-law pre-emption. That means Laramie, Cheyenne, and the smallest Wind River hamlet all play by identical rules:

• Own, buy, sell, carry: Any adult who may lawfully possess a weapon can own, trade, and carry a switchblade—openly or concealed—with zero blade-length caps and no permit.
• No local surprises: Counties and municipalities are barred from passing knife ordinances stricter than state law, so you won’t stumble into a hidden blade ban at the city-limits sign.
• Obvious red zones: All knives (autos included) stay off K-12 school property (Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104), out of secure court­rooms, and outside posted “no weapons” venues.
• Projectile blades: Wyoming law still treats ballistic knives—the kind that launch the blade—as contraband. Stick to side-openers or OTF autos and you’re fine.

Bottom line: From Jackson Hole’s boardwalks to the high plains around Gillette, you’re free to flick that switchblade without paperwork—just keep it out of schools, courthouses, and anywhere a “No Weapons” sign says otherwise.

Video Credit: Blade HQ

Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

Switchblade laws in the United States form a true legal patchwork—an ever-shifting mosaic that mixes federal commerce limits with wildly different state and local rules. In some places (think Arizona or Texas) an automatic knife is treated no differently from a pocket multitool; in others (Washington, New Jersey) it’s still contraband on sight. Most states now allow simple possession, yet concealed-carry or blade-length quirks linger, and a handful of jurisdictions cling to outright bans. That means the old advice still stands: always confirm the statute that governs the spot where your boots will touch down next.

Key Takeaways

• Federal baseline: The 1958 Switchblade Knife Act only blocks interstate commerce; it does not ban personal ownership within a single state.
• State variability: Dozens of states have repealed their bans, but a few still outlaw autos or restrict blade length and concealed carry.
• Local landmines: When pre-emption is absent, counties and cities can add extra layers—Philadelphia, Denver, and Seattle all do.
• Sensitive places: Schools, courthouses, airports, and posted “no-weapons” venues remain common no-go zones even in permissive states.
• Best practice: Measure the blade, know the local code, and keep proof of any permit handy—especially if you plan to carry concealed.

Staying on the right side of the law isn’t hard once you know the rules; it just takes a quick statute check before you snap that blade open. Safe travels—and happy, lawful flipping.

Author: Braide Honest | Connect with me on LinkedIn

References: 

State Laws Regarding Automatic Knives AKTI

U.S. Code at the Office of Law Revision Counsel.

Some U.S. states have laws restricting or prohibiting automatic knives or switchblades wikipedia.org 

What is an OTF knife?