Idaho is recognized for its permissive stance on knife ownership and carry, but there are important legal boundaries and recent updates you should know to stay compliant and safe.
Statewide Preemption: Uniform Knife Laws
As of July 1, 2024, Idaho enforces a statewide preemption law regarding knife regulations. This means no city, county, or local government can create ordinances or rules about knives that are stricter than state law. Any conflicting local regulations are now null and void, ensuring consistency across the state. The only exceptions are for specific locations like schools, courthouses, law enforcement facilities, prisons, and child care facilities, which can still regulate knife possession on their premises.
What Knives Are Legal to Own and Carry?
- Idaho does not ban ownership of any specific type of knife. You can legally own and openly carry most knives, including balisongs, throwing knives, and even swords.
- The law is generally unconcerned with blade type or length for open carry, except in certain restricted areas.
Concealed Carry Rules
- You may open carry any knife, regardless of blade length, almost anywhere in Idaho, except for restricted locations.
- Concealed carry of knives with blades longer than 4 inches (such as dirks, daggers, or bowie knives) requires a concealed weapons permit.
- Concealed carry is allowed without a permit in your own home, fixed place of business, or on property you own or have permission to use, and for adults over 18 outside city limits (if not otherwise disqualified).
- If you conceal carry a knife with intent to use it unlawfully, it is a crime, regardless of the knife’s size or type.
Restricted Locations
Carrying knives is prohibited or restricted in:
- Public and charter schools (including pocket knives with blades over 2.5 inches).
- Courthouses and law enforcement facilities.
- Prisons, jails, and places of involuntary confinement.
- Child care facilities (as regulated by local authorities).
- Violating these restrictions can result in fines or criminal charges.
Knife Laws for Minors
- Minors under 18 may carry pocket knives, but need written parental permission for other knives.
- Children under 12 may only carry knives with parental approval.
- Violations can result in misdemeanor charges and fines.
Intent Matters
- Knife possession is legal, but using or carrying a knife with intent to harm or threaten is illegal and can lead to prosecution.
- Law enforcement and military personnel may have additional allowances when acting in official capacities.
Key Knife Laws in Idaho
| Topic | Open Carry | Concealed Carry | Restrictions/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade Length | No limit | >4″ requires permit | Permit exceptions for home, business, own property |
| Knife Types | All legal | All legal (with above limits) | No outright bans |
| Local Laws | Preempted | Preempted | Only state law applies |
| Schools, Courthouses | Prohibited | Prohibited | Includes pocket knives >2.5″ in schools |
| Minors | Pocket knives allowed | Others with permission | Under 12: parental approval needed |
Idaho’s knife laws are straightforward and generally permissive, but always be mindful of location-specific restrictions and the importance of lawful intent. If you have questions about specific scenarios or need guidance on obtaining a concealed weapons permit, feel free to ask!
Sources:
- https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/H0620E1.pdf
- https://edc.ninja/idaho-knife-laws/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Idaho/comments/ogjll9/is_it_legal_for_me_to_keep_a_knife_in_a_sheath_on/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/idaho-knife-laws/
- https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title18/t18ch33/sect18-3302/
