North Carolina’s knife laws blend a respect for tradition with modern public safety concerns. Whether you carry a blade for work, outdoor recreation, or self-defense, knowing the legal boundaries is essential to avoid criminal penalties and the loss of your knife. Here’s a comprehensive guide to your knife rights in North Carolina as of 2025.
Legal Knife Ownership
- You can legally own and possess most types of knives in North Carolina, including bowie knives, dirks, daggers, switchblades, gravity knives, and disguised knives such as pen or lipstick knives.
- The exception is ballistic knives (spring-loaded knives that fire a blade), which are illegal to manufacture, sell, possess, or carry, except for limited law enforcement purposes.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
| Type of Carry | What’s Allowed? | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Open Carry | Most knives can be openly carried in public. | Not allowed in certain locations (schools, courthouses, federal buildings). |
| Concealed Carry | Strictly regulated: Concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, daggers, razors, and similar “deadly weapons” is generally prohibited. | Exception for “ordinary pocket knives”; some new allowances may take effect Dec 2025. |
Ordinary Pocket Knife Exception
- An “ordinary pocket knife” is defined as a small folding knife designed for carrying in a pocket or purse, with the cutting edge and point fully enclosed by the handle, and not opened by throwing, explosive, or spring action.
- You may legally carry such a knife concealed, except on school property or other restricted locations.
Location-Based Restrictions
- Schools: All knives, including ordinary pocket knives, are prohibited on educational property, whether concealed or openly carried.
- Government Buildings: Knives are generally banned in courthouses, federal buildings, and certain state facilities.
- Other Restricted Areas: Always check local ordinances and posted signs, as additional restrictions may apply.
Recent and Upcoming Legal Changes
- As of May 2025, House Bill 439 is under consideration and would expand the legal concealed carry of certain knives if specific requirements are met. The law would not apply to knives carried in places where concealed handguns are already prohibited.
- The bill clarifies that “ordinary pocket knives” are exempt from concealed carry restrictions and further defines which knives are covered by the new rules.
- If enacted, these changes will take effect December 1, 2025, so check for updates before relying on expanded rights.
Penalties for Violations
- Carrying a prohibited knife concealed (other than an ordinary pocket knife) is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a discretionary fine.
- Bringing a knife onto school property or other restricted locations can result in a Class 1 misdemeanor, with more severe penalties (up to 120 days in jail).
- Upon conviction, the knife will be confiscated and disposed of by the court; it will not be returned to you.
Special Rules for Minors
- It is illegal to sell or provide a bowie knife or dirk to a minor, but ordinary pocket knives are not included in this restriction.
- Minors are generally subject to the same carry rules as adults, except for the sales restriction above.
Defenses and Exceptions
- Concealed carry restrictions do not apply on your own premises; you may carry any knife concealed at home.
- There are legal defenses for carrying a concealed knife if you are engaged in legitimate activities such as hunting, fishing, or farming, provided the knife is used for that purpose and not as a weapon.
Key Takeaways
- Open carry of most knives is legal, but concealed carry is tightly restricted except for ordinary pocket knives.
- Never bring a knife—of any kind—onto school property or into restricted government buildings.
- Stay informed about legislative changes, especially as new laws may soon expand concealed carry rights for knives.
By respecting these laws, you can enjoy your knife rights in North Carolina while avoiding legal trouble and the loss of your blade.
Sources
- https://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H439v1.pdf
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/north-carolina-knife-laws/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-north-carolina-your-guide-to-legal-carry/
- https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/north-carolina-state-knife-laws
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/north-carolina/
