The Ultimate Guide to Legally Carrying a Knife in All 50 States (Including DC)

Carrying a knife is a practical choice for everyday tasks, but the legal landscape is a patchwork of state and federal laws that can trip up even the most careful owner. Below, we break down the latest rules as of ​2025, with direct references to statutes and recent legal challenges reshaping knife rights across the U.S.

Federal Law: The Foundation
The ​Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 (15 U.S.C. § 1241-1245) remains the cornerstone of federal knife regulation:

• ​What It Bans: Interstate commerce of switchblades (automatic knives).
• ​What It Allows: Personal ownership of switchblades if permitted by state law.

State-by-State Breakdown

1. Washington D.C.

• No blade length cap unless used unlawfully (D.C. Code § 22-4504(a)).

2. New York City

• Visible carry banned (NYC Admin. Code § 10-133).

3. California

• No blade limits for manual folders (CA Penal Code § 17235).

4. Texas & Florida

• No blade restrictions for non-automatic knives.

Why Compliance Starts with Your Knife Choice
Brands like ​Tactis prioritize compliance, offering:

• Sub-4-inch blades for urban carry
• Discreet designs

Explore Tactis’s lineup for knives built to balance utility and legal compliance: Tactis Homepage.

Disclaimer
Verify local laws before carrying. This is not legal advice. Sources: D.C. Code § 22-4504, Federal Switchblade Act (15 U.S.C. § 1241).