New York City ordinance requires knives to be concealed when carried in public. Except for New York City's knife length restriction against blades that are 4 or more inches, New York State does not restrict knife blade lengths.Knives disguised as other objects are also prohibited under California law.Any switchblade knife with a blade that is two inches in length or more cannot be carried or possessed in a vehicle or in public.A fixed blade knife (also called a dirk or dagger) should be carried openly in a sheath from the waist under California law.Generally, the longer a knife's blade (e.g., more than 2 or 3 inches), the more likely a state will consider the knife illegal or subject to restriction. Most states regard short-blade pocket knives as legal. State Knife LawsĪre knives legal? States in the U.S.

This article provides an overview of knife laws in the United States. Illegal knife use may subject you to a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on what type of knife you used, where you used the knife, and how you used the knife. As a result, many people glamorize knives and fail to recognize their potential for danger. Knives also have a long history of use in gang violence. In popular media, knives are often depicted as flashy weapons brandished by villains.

Although knives are popular as collectibles, tools, and self-defense weapons, carrying a knife or owning certain types of knives may be illegal under state or federal law. Whether you own a Swiss Army pocket knife, a Bowie hunting knife, a stiletto switchblade, a dagger, or a butterfly knife, knife owners are often subject to federal, state, and local laws.

California knife laws