Q: In which states are auto-open knives allowed for non-law enforcement citizens?
A: We understand the importance of knowing the regulations concerning auto-open knives. Below is a list of states where auto-open knives are permitted for non-law enforcement citizens, along with specific restrictions or considerations for each state:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California (blade length limitation of less than 2 inches)
- Colorado (effective from approximately Aug. 9, 2017; concealed carry a maximum length of 3-1/2 inches)
- Connecticut (maximum blade length limitation of 1-1/2 inches)
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois (effective Aug. 11, 2017, with valid Firearms Owner’s Identification Card FOID)
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas (since 2013)
- Kentucky (only with weapons license)
- Louisiana (effective August 1, 2018)
- Maine (effective October 15, 2015)
- Maryland (can legally possess if not concealed)
- Massachusetts (maximum blade length limitation of 1-1/2 inches)
- Michigan (effective October 10, 2017 – out-the-front, double-edged automatics still prohibited)
- Mississippi
- Missouri (since 2012)
- Montana (maximum blade length limitation of 1-1/2 inches – removed in 2019)
- Nebraska
- Nevada (effective July 1, 2015 – 2-inch blade length limitation removed)
- New Hampshire (since 2010)
- New York (exception for hunting, trapping, and fishing – see New York Knife Laws)
- North Carolina (concealed carry not recommended – see North Carolina Knife Laws)
- North Dakota (maximum blade length limitation of 5 inches)
- Ohio (may possess but not manufacture or sell – see Ohio Knife Laws)
- Oklahoma (effective November 1, 2015)
- Oregon
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont (blade length limitation of less than 3 inches)
- Washington (manufacture allowed, limited possession to law enforcement and emergency personnel – see Washington Knife Laws)
- West Virginia (must be 21 years of age)
- Wisconsin (effective February 2016)
- Wyoming
We're here to help you navigate these regulations. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your understanding of these laws is important to us, and we're committed to assisting you every step of the way. Please feel free to contact us if you need more information.
Data courtesy of American Knife & Tool Institute