Arizona is widely recognized for having some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, understanding your rights—and the few restrictions that do exist—is essential for lawful and responsible knife ownership and carry. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Arizona’s knife laws as of 2025.
What Types of Knives Are Legal in Arizona?
- Arizona law allows the ownership and carry of virtually all types of knives, including pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, gravity knives, balisongs, swords, and more exotic varieties.
- There are no specific categories of knives that are outright illegal to own or possess in Arizona.
- The state does not impose restrictions on blade length, number of edges, or closure type for knives.
Open and Concealed Carry: Who Can Carry and How?
- Individuals 21 and Older: May legally carry any type of knife, openly or concealed, anywhere in the state, except in restricted locations.
- Individuals Under 21: May carry pocket knives (folding knives with blades less than 4 inches) openly or concealed. Carrying other types of knives concealed is not permitted for those under 21.
- No License Required: There is no permit or license requirement for carrying knives, regardless of type or carry method.
- Uniform State Law: Arizona law preempts local and municipal knife regulations, creating consistency across all cities and counties.
Definition of a Knife and Deadly Weapon Status
- Knife: Legally defined as any instrument with a sharpened or pointed blade, including pocket knives, hunting knives, and utility blades.
- Deadly Weapon: Knives are generally considered tools, not deadly weapons, unless used or intended to be used for lethal purposes (such as in the commission of a crime).
Location-Based Restrictions
Despite the state’s broad allowances, certain locations remain off-limits for carrying knives:
- Schools: It is illegal to possess a knife on school grounds, including K-12 campuses and school buses.
- Government Facilities: Knives are prohibited in courtrooms, secured areas of airports, and certain government buildings.
- Public Events: Organized public events or gatherings may restrict knife possession.
- Private Property: Private venues and businesses may set their own rules and refuse entry to individuals carrying knives.
Obligations During Police Encounters
- If you are stopped by law enforcement and are carrying a knife (other than a pocket knife), you must accurately disclose that you are carrying a concealed deadly weapon when asked.
- Failing to inform an officer or lying about knife possession can result in misdemeanor charges, punishable by up to six months in jail and fines up to $2,500.
Age and Purchase Restrictions
- No State Age Limit: Arizona law does not set a minimum age for purchasing or carrying a knife, but retailers may impose their own age restrictions (commonly 18+).
- Minors: May carry pocket knives, but are barred from carrying knives in prohibited locations or using them as weapons.
Prohibited Possessors
- Individuals classified as “prohibited possessors” (such as felons, those found mentally incompetent, or certain non-citizens) may not legally carry knives classified as deadly weapons.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona allows open and concealed carry of virtually all knives for adults 21 and over, with no blade length restriction.
- Knives are considered tools unless used with criminal intent.
- Carrying knives is prohibited in schools, government buildings, and some public or private venues.
- You must inform law enforcement if carrying a knife (other than a pocket knife) when stopped.
- State law overrides local ordinances, ensuring uniformity across Arizona.
Arizona’s knife laws are among the most lenient in the nation, but responsible ownership and awareness of restricted locations and disclosure requirements are vital to avoid legal trouble.
Sources:
- https://www.rideoutlaw.com/carry-a-knife-in-arizona/
- https://dailycarryco.com/blogs/everydaycarry/gravity-knife-legalities-in-arizona
- https://www.shokuninusa.com/blogs/news/pocket-knife-laws-knife-length-laws-usa
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/arizona/
- https://www.jacksonwhitelaw.com/criminal-defense-law/blog/arizona-knife-laws/
