Quick Answer
Important regulations on carrying survival knives in the U.S. vary by state, but generally, blades over 2 inches in length are restricted in public places and schools, while concealed carry laws may apply.
Federal Regulations
The Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 prohibits the manufacture, sale, and possession of automatic or gravity-operated knives, but it does not regulate fixed-blade knives, including survival knives. However, the Act does not preempt state laws, allowing individual states to set their own regulations.
State and Local Regulations
As of 2023, 45 states have laws regulating the length of knives that can be carried in public. For instance, California prohibits carrying knives with blades over 2 inches in public places, while Texas allows blades up to 5.5 inches. Additionally, some cities and counties have their own ordinances, such as New York City’s ban on carrying knives with blades over 4 inches in public.
Concealed Carry Laws and Knife Length
While concealed carry laws primarily regulate firearms, some states also restrict the length of knives that can be carried concealed. For example, in Arizona, a person can carry a concealed knife with a blade up to 4 inches, while in Florida, there is no length restriction for concealed carry. However, it’s essential to note that even if a state allows a specific length, local laws or ordinances may still apply.
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