Out-The-Front (OTF) knives have captured the attention of knife enthusiasts and collectors for their unique design and functionality. But if you're considering owning or carrying an OTF knife, it's crucial to understand the complex landscape of state laws that govern them. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive state-by-state guide to the legality of OTF knives in the United States.
Federal Overview
At the federal level, OTF knives fall under the category of switchblade knives, which are defined as knives with blades that open automatically by applying pressure to a button or device in the handle. The federal law governing switchblade knives is the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958. Here's a summary of the federal regulations:
- Possession: Federal law does not prohibit the possession of OTF knives. However, knives with spring-assisted opening mechanisms are typically not considered switchblades under federal law.
- Sale: Federal law generally permits the sale of OTF knives.
- Carry Laws: Federal law does not specifically regulate the carry of knives, leaving this aspect primarily to state laws.
It's essential to keep in mind that while federal law sets a baseline, it does not preempt state laws. Each state has the authority to enact its own knife regulations, which can be more restrictive or lenient than federal law.
State-Specific Laws
The legal status of OTF knives varies significantly from one state to another. Below, we provide an overview of the legal status of OTF knives in each state, covering possession, sale, carry laws, and whether the state has preemption status:
States Where OTF Knives Are Legal
- Alabama: Legal for individuals aged 18 and older. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. However, Alabama does not have state preemption.
- Alaska: Legal for individuals aged 21 or older. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Alaska has state preemption.
- Arizona: Legal for all adults. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Arizona has state preemption.
- Arkansas: Legal for individuals aged 18 and older. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Arkansas does not have state preemption.
- Florida: Legal for individuals aged 18 and older. Sale and concealed carry are generally permitted, except to concealed carry permit holders. Florida does not have state preemption.
- Georgia: Legal if blade length is under 12 inches (2 inches on school grounds). Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Georgia has state preemption.
- Idaho: Legal, with blade length restrictions on school property. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Idaho has state preemption.
- Indiana: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Indiana has state preemption.
- Kansas: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Kansas has state preemption.
- Kentucky: Legal for individuals aged 21 and older. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Kentucky's state preemption applies to firearms only.
- Louisiana: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Louisiana does not have state preemption.
- Mississippi: Legal, with exceptions. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Mississippi has state preemption.
- Missouri: Legal, with blade length restrictions for concealed carry. Sale and open carry are generally permitted. Missouri does not have state preemption.
- Montana: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Montana has state preemption.
- Nebraska: Legal, with blade length restrictions for concealed carry. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Nebraska does not have state preemption.
- Nevada: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Nevada does not have state preemption.
- New Hampshire: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. New Hampshire has state preemption.
- North Carolina: Legal. Sale and open carry are generally permitted. Concealed carry is less clear and can vary.
- North Dakota: Legal, with restrictions on concealed carry. Sale and open carry are generally permitted. North Dakota does not have state preemption.
- Ohio: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Ohio has state preemption.
- Oklahoma: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Oklahoma has state preemption.
- Oregon: Legal, with restrictions on concealed carry. Sale and open carry are generally permitted. Oregon has state preemption.
- Pennsylvania: Legal, with exceptions. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Pennsylvania does not have state preemption.
- South Carolina: Legal, with exceptions. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. South Carolina's state preemption applies to firearms only.
- South Dakota: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. South Dakota does not have state preemption.
- Tennessee: Legal, with exceptions. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Tennessee has state preemption.
- Texas: Legal, with exceptions. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Texas has state preemption.
- Utah: Legal, with restrictions for convicted felons. Sale and open carry are generally permitted. Utah has state preemption.
- Vermont: Legal, with blade length restrictions. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Vermont has state preemption.
- Virginia: Legal, with exceptions. Sale and open carry are generally permitted. Concealed carry is restricted in certain circumstances. Virginia does not have state preemption.
- West Virginia: Legal, with restrictions for individuals under 21. Sale and open carry are generally permitted. West Virginia has state preemption.
- Wisconsin: Legal, with restrictions for prohibited individuals. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Wisconsin has state preemption.
- Wyoming: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Wyoming has state preemption.
States with Restricted OTF Knife Laws
- California: OTF knives are illegal unless the blade length is under 2 inches. Sale is legal for blades under 2 inches, and open or concealed carry is permitted with such knives. California does not have state preemption.
- Colorado: Legal with restrictions. Sale and open carry are generally permitted, with blade length limitations. Concealed carry is limited to specific situations, such as for hunting or lawful protection in privately owned vehicles. Colorado's preemption law primarily applies to firearms.
- Connecticut: Legal. Sale and open or concealed carry are generally permitted. Connecticut does not have state preemption.
- Illinois: Legal with exceptions. Sale is limited to Illinois FOID card owners. Open or concealed carry is generally legal at the state level, but numerous cities and localities have knife ordinances.
I've additionally generated a table providing information on what is permitted or prohibited by state. It's important to note that prior to making a purchase, you should remain mindful of state, federal, and local laws applicable in your area.
LegalUnclear, generally interpreted as illegalNO
| possesion | sale | carry laws | state preemption | |
| Alabama | Legal for people aged 18 and older | legal | legal to carry openly or concealed | NO |
| Alaska | legal for people aged 21 or older | legal for people aged 18 and older minors need written permission | legal to carry openly of concealed for people aged 21 and older | YES |
| Arizona | legal | legal | legal to carry openly of concealed for people aged 21 and older | YES |
| Arkansas | legal | legal 18 years or older | legal to carry openly or concealed | NO |
| California | Illegal unless under 2 inches | legal if blade length under 2 inches | legal to carry openly or concealed with a blade length under 2 inches | NO |
| Colorado | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed if the blae length is under 3.5" | Limited. In practice, the state's preemption law only applies when transporting a "weapon" in a privately owned vehicle "for hunting or lawful protection." (CRS 18-12-105.6). |
| Connecticut | Legal | Legal | legal to carry openly or concealed | NO |
| Delaware | illegal | illegal | illegal | NO |
| District of Columbia (D.C.) | illegal | illegal | illegal | N/A |
| Florida | Legal | Legal 18 Years or Older | illegal, except to concealed carry permit holders | NO |
| Georgia | Legal if blade length is under 12 inches (2 inches on school grounds) | legal | legal to carry openly or concealed | YES |
| Hawaii | illegal | illegal | illegal | NO |
| Idaho | Legal (blade length must be under 2.5 inches on school property) | legal 18 years or older | illegal except to concealed carry permit holders | YES |
| Illinois | Illegal, Except to illinois FOID card owners | Illegal, except to sellers with an Illinois FOID card | Legal to carry openly or concealed at the state level. However, numerous cities and localities have knife ordinances. | NO |
| Indiana | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | YES |
| Iowa | Legal | Legal | Illegal without a permit if the knife meets the definition of a "dangerous weapon;" legal otherwise | Although Iowa has a preemption statute (724.28), it only applies to firearms. Cities and counties may enact knife ordinances. |
| Kansas | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | YES |
| Kentucky | Legal | Legal | legal to carry openly or concealed for people aged 21 and older | Kentucky's preemption statute (KRS 65.870) applies to firearms only. Cities and localities may enact knife ordinances |
| Louisiana | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | NO |
| Maine | Legal | Legal | Open carry is legal if not carried "in a threatening manner," concealed carry is illegal except when hunting, fishing, or trapping | NO |
| maryland | Legal | Illegal | Open carry is legal without "intent or purpose of injuring an individual" unlawfully (carrying for self-defense is unlawful). Concealed carry is illegal. | NO |
| Massachusetts | Legal if blade length is 1.5 inches or less | Illegal | Legal to carry openly or concealed (including vehicle carry) if blade length is 1.5 inches or less | NO |
| Michigan | Legal | Legal | legal to carry opened and concealed | NO |
| Minnesota | Illegal | Illegal | Illegal | NO |
| Mississippi | legal except to minors, intoxicated individuals (MS code97-37-13) and Felons (MS Code 97-37-5) | Legal except to minors and intoxicated individuals | Illegal, except inside one's own property, place of business, vehicle, or while engaged in a "legitimate weapon-related activity" | YES |
| Missouri | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly, legal to carry concealed if blade length is 4 inches or less (no blade length restriction for valid concealed carry permit holders) except where restricted by MO Statute 571.107 | NO |
| Montana | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | YES |
| Nebraska | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed, legal to carry concealed if the blade length is 3.5 inches or less | NO |
| Nevada | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | NO |
| New Hampshire | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | YES |
| New Jersey | Legal with restirction | Illegal | Theoretically legal to carry openly or concealed; however, this is contingent on the knife's intended purpose being considered lawful. | NO |
| New Mexico | Illegal | Illegal | Illegal | YES |
| New York | Illegal except for select members of law enforcement, military, and government, and to licensed hunters, anglers, and trappers. | Illegal except for select members of law enforcement, military, and government, and to licensed hunters, anglers, and trappers. | Illegal | NO |
| North Carolina | Legal | |||
| North Dakota | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly, illegal to carry concealed except to concealed carry permit holders | NO |
| Ohio | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | YES |
| Oklahoma | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | YES |
| Oregon | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly, Illegal to carry concealed | YES |
| Pennsylvania | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed unless the person carrying it has "intent to employ it criminally" (PACS 907) | NO |
| Rhode Island | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly, concealed carry is legal if the blade length is 3 inches or less. | NO |
| South Carolina | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed, except while committing a crime, or with the intention to do so | Yes. However, several cities, including Charleston, Greenville, and Columbia, have knife ordinances in place implemented before the adoption of a statewide preemption law. Local law enforcement may continue enforcing these ordinances, despite being inconsistent with state legislation. |
| South Dakota | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed | NO |
| Tennessee | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed, Except on school Grounds | YES |
| Texas | Legal | Legal. Location-restricted knives can only be sold to people over the age of 18. | Legal to carry openly or concealed, except at select places if carrying is a "location-restricted knife" | YES |
| Utah | Legal | Legal, except to convicted felons | Legal, except to convicted felons | YES |
| Vermont | Legal if blade length under 3 inches | Legal if blade length under 3 inches to people aged 16 or more. | Legal to carry openly or concealed | YES |
| Virginia | Legal | Legal | Illegal, except at home, one's own place of business, or another exemption listed under 18.2-308© | NO |
| Washington | Illegal | Illegal | Illegal | NO |
| West Virginia | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly. Concealed carry legal only to individuals aged 21 or older. Persons under 21 but over 18 may legally conceal-carry with a West Virginia Provisional Concealed Handgun License. | YES |
| Wisconsin | Legal | Legal | Legal to carry openly or concealed, except to individuals prohibited from possessing firearms | YES |
| Wyoming | Legal | Legal | Legal | YES |