Are Butterfly Knives Illegal? (In Which States & Why...)

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Butterfly knives—also known as balisongs—have been flipping their way into the hands of collectors, martial artists, and YouTube tricksters for decades. They’re flashy, fast, and oddly satisfying to handle. But for all their cool points, they’re also a legal gray area that can flip your day upside down if you’re not careful.

So… Are Butterfly Knives Legal in the U.S.?

Short answer: it depends. Long answer: it really, really depends.

Let’s start with federal law. Back in 1958, Congress passed the Switchblade Knife Act. It prohibits the manufacture, sale, and transport of switchblades across state lines. And yes, in the eyes of Uncle Sam, butterfly knives can count as switchblades—especially if they open with one hand, which many do. But here’s the catch: that law mostly applies to interstate commerce and federal lands (like national parks and military bases). If you’re just owning or carrying a butterfly knife within your state, federal law usually isn’t what trips you up.

That brings us to state laws, which are the real minefield here.

Where Butterfly Knives Are Illegal (or Nearly So)

Some states have put butterfly knives in the same legal bucket as switchblades or gravity knives, and either ban them outright or make it nearly impossible to carry them in public. Here are a few highlights (or lowlights):

California: You can legally own a butterfly knife, but if it has a blade longer than 2 inches, it’s illegal to carry it in public, sell it, or even lend it to a friend. Penal Code 21510 PC classifies them under switchblade restrictions.
Hawaii: Butterfly knives were banned until August 2023, when the 9th Circuit ruled the ban unconstitutional. So they’re now legal to possess and carry, but always double-check for local rules.
New York: For years, butterfly knives were caught up in New York’s now-defunct gravity knife laws. The good news? In 2019, those laws were struck down. Today, possession isn’t illegal per se, but carrying one concealed might still get you in trouble under broader weapon statutes.
Washington D.C.: Prohibits the possession of any knife where the blade opens automatically by hand pressure (yep, that includes butterfly knives).
Delaware, Maryland, New Mexico: These states have murky laws or definitions that could land you in hot water if an officer or judge decides your balisong is a “dangerous weapon.”

Where They’re Legal (More or Less)

A bunch of states take a more relaxed approach—though some still draw lines around how and where you can carry them:

Texas: Legal to own and carry butterfly knives. Just don’t carry one with a blade longer than 5.5 inches in certain places (like schools or bars).
Utah: Balisongs are legal to own and carry, both openly and concealed.
Florida: You can own and carry one, but concealed carry might require a permit depending on how local law defines a “weapon.”
Nevada: State law allows them, but some cities like Las Vegas have stricter ordinances.
Oregon: Legal to own and carry openly, but concealed carry might be interpreted as a misdemeanor depending on how your knife is classified.

Local Ordinances Are a Whole Different Game

Even in states where butterfly knives are broadly legal, city or county laws can trip you up. For example:

Chicago bans the possession of any “switchblade,” and local authorities might interpret butterfly knives that way.
Los Angeles enforces stricter rules than the state on knife carry and concealment.

The moral of the story? Just because it’s legal in your state doesn’t mean it’s legal in your city.

State-by-State Legality Overview

Alabama: Legal to own and carry.
Alaska: Legal; no specific restrictions on butterfly knives.
Arizona: Fully legal to own and carry, even concealed.
Arkansas: Legal; no specific laws banning or restricting butterfly knives.
California: Legal to own, but illegal to carry or transfer publicly if blade exceeds 2″.
Colorado: Legal, though cities like Denver may restrict carry.
Connecticut: Legal to own; may be restricted under certain concealed weapon statutes.
Delaware: Legal status unclear; could be considered a “dangerous weapon” under some interpretations.
Florida: Legal, but concealed carry may require a permit.
Georgia: Legal to own and carry.
Hawaii: Legal after 2023 court ruling overturning prior ban.
Idaho: Legal to own and carry.
Illinois: Legal to own, but local laws (e.g., Chicago) may restrict.
Indiana: Legal to own and carry.
Iowa: Legal to own and carry.
Kansas: Legal; no specific restrictions.
Kentucky: Legal to own and carry.
Louisiana: Legal, but could be classified as a dangerous weapon depending on use.
Maine: Legal to own and carry.
Maryland: Legal to own, but concealed carry may be restricted.
Massachusetts: Legal to own; carrying one may be considered illegal under “dangerous weapon” laws.
Michigan: Legal; not considered a switchblade under current definitions.
Minnesota: Legal; must comply with general knife laws.
Mississippi: Legal to own and carry.
Missouri: Legal; no specific laws against butterfly knives.
Montana: Legal to own and carry.
Nebraska: Legal, but concealment may be regulated.
Nevada: Legal statewide, but check local ordinances.
New Hampshire: Fully legal.
New Jersey: Legal to own, but may be regulated as a weapon if used or carried improperly.
New Mexico: Legal status is vague; may be considered a deadly weapon.
New York: Legal to own; concealed carry could still cause legal issues.
North Carolina: Legal to own; carry laws depend on blade length and intent.
North Dakota: Legal to own; carry may be regulated.
Ohio: Legal, but avoid concealed carry without checking local rules.
Oklahoma: Legal to own and carry.
Oregon: Legal to own and carry openly; concealed carry may be restricted.
Pennsylvania: Legal to own; carry may be restricted depending on use.
Rhode Island: Legal to own; restrictions apply to blade length and carry.
South Carolina: Legal to own and carry.
South Dakota: Legal to own and carry.
Tennessee: Legal to own and carry.
Texas: Legal; blade length limits apply in sensitive locations.
Utah: Fully legal.
Vermont: Legal to own and carry.
Virginia: Legal; carrying with intent to conceal may be illegal.
Washington: Legal to own; concealed carry may be restricted.
Washington D.C.: Prohibited.
West Virginia: Legal to own and carry.
Wisconsin: Legal; avoid concealed carry without permit.
Wyoming: Legal to own and carry.

International Perspective

Heading abroad? Don’t even think about packing your butterfly knife unless you’ve done your homework:

Canada: Balisongs are prohibited weapons. Possession = crime.
UK: They’re banned as a “gravity knife” variant.
Australia: Also banned under import and weapons laws.

Even countries with relaxed knife laws often draw the line at butterfly knives because of their association with concealability and trick use.

A Few Final Thoughts

Butterfly knives aren’t inherently evil. They’re tools—and pretty elegant ones at that. But laws haven’t exactly kept up with their modern-day use by hobbyists, collectors, and trick-flipping Instagrammers.

If you’re thinking of buying one, using one, or even just transporting one across city limits, do yourself a favor and check your local laws. And maybe don’t practice your tricks in front of a courthouse.

If you want a deep dive into your state’s knife laws, it’s worth checking your state legislature’s website or reaching out to local law enforcement. Yes, really.

Because when it comes to butterfly knives, it’s all fun and games—until someone gets charged with a misdemeanor.