There are many different laws regarding pocket knives, and it’s important to know which ones apply to you. This can help you avoid the legal consequences of a knife-related offense.
Some states outlaw certain types of knives, including switchblades and automatic knives. Other knives are allowed, as long as they don’t harm anyone else.
Nevada
Nevada has no statewide knife laws, which means that each individual county can make their own rules. For example, Clark County does not allow citizens to conceal carry any type of knife longer than three inches on their person.
This law makes it illegal to own or possess any type of knife unless you have a permit. If you are caught carrying a concealed knife without a permit, you could be charged with a gross misdemeanor that carries a maximum of 364 days in jail and $2,000 in fines.
Knives in your car are generally considered concealed, unless they are locked in a trunk or the holster is not visible by ordinary observation. In addition, people with criminal convictions, fugitives, or those who are under domestic violence restraining orders cannot own knives in Nevada.
New Jersey
New Jersey, a state with more than 130 miles of Atlantic coastline, is a diverse mix of urban and rural. It has a varying terrain, including mountains, dense forests, and rolling fields.
In the state, certain knives are illegal to possess outside of your home or on public property. These include switchblades, stilettos, daggers, and dirks.
Oregon
In Oregon, it is legal to own a pocket knife that has a blade length of 4.75 inches. It is illegal to carry any switchblade, dirk, dagger or automatic knife that has a longer blade.
Concealed knives are also not permitted. This includes dirks, daggers, butterfly knives and gravity knives, among others.
Knife laws in Oregon are mainly governed by case law. Unfortunately, this can create confusion and ambiguity on issues like the precise length at which an ordinary pocket knife (legal to concealed carry) becomes a dangerous weapon (illegal to concealed carry).
Utah
In Utah, any knife can be owned, carried and used as long as it is not a dangerous weapon. The intent, actual use and circumstances all determine the legality of a particular knife.
The state does not ban any type of knife based on style or action, but it does focus on “dangerous weapons” more than other states do. In other words, if it is considered a dangerous weapon for restricted people such as felons, the knife can be illegal.
Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin is a large and diverse place with a long history of immigration. It is home to several ancestry groups, including African Americans, Hispanics, Irish Catholics, Germans and Norwegians.
It is also home to the largest city in the country, Milwaukee.
The Badger State is known for its abundant lakes and wilderness, as well as for its cheese production and fishing. It is in the process of moving away from its restrictive knife laws.
Wyoming
The state of Wyoming doesn’t have a statewide law against general possession and ownership of knives. However, it does have a statewide prohibition against concealed deadly weapons.
As a result, it is important to know the laws of your specific jurisdiction before purchasing or carrying a knife.
Knives are illegal in Wyoming if they are used or intended to be used for illegal purposes, such as committing a crime. Switchblades, spring-assisted knives, swords and daggers are also banned.