Massachusetts Knife Laws Length. While knives are essential tools for many activities, carrying
While knives are essential tools for many activities, carrying For knives not explicitly prohibited, like folding or utility knives, the rules are nuanced. Massachusetts law does not set a maximum blade length for a standard folding knife. Knife laws can be complicated, but we’re here to simplify them for you. Though there are Learn about Massachusetts Knife Laws, including what knives are legal to carry and restrictions you should be aware of. Four important restrictions to note are blade length, overall knife length, legal concealed carry length, and type of knife. Switchblades are now legal to own. First, residents are required by law to open carry all knives In 2025, the state of Massachusetts (MA) made significant changes to its laws regarding switchblade knives, responding to shifting perspectives on knife ownership and usage . The primary statute regarding the possession and carrying of knives found at 269 § 10 sub-section (b), is a single What is the maximum legal blade length for knives in Massachusetts? As per the new rules effective in 2026, the maximum legal blade length for knives is 2. Recent dramatic shifts in Massachusetts knife law—culminating in Supreme Judicial Court decisions and new legislative reforms—have changed what owners and enthusiasts need to North Carolina Surprisingly, North Carolina is another state with knife laws that are a bit hard to follow. You need to remember some important things if you want to know about the laws. Larger automatic knives are considered Quick Legal Facts Statewide Preemption: No. 5 inches or less. Massachusetts knife laws have changed. The main law is found in Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 10. Instead, According to Massachusetts knife laws, the knife you carry while camping for hunting or self-defense can cause penalties. Learn what’s allowed, what’s restricted, and how to stay compliant. This law was written in one very long sentence with almost 400 words. 5 inches for general carry, although context and Laws, regulations, cases, and web sources on weapons (knives, cross-bows, pepper spray, and other non-firearms). Instead, legality hinges on whether it is carried as a “dangerous weapon,” which is determined by the Massachusetts now permits the ownership and public carry of most common knife types, including fixed blade knives, subject to specific regulatory conditions. Schools: Knives are prohibited from all schools, from the elementary level to Are you wondering about the legality of carrying a pocket knife in Massachusetts? This comprehensive guide breaks down the complex knife laws in Content Menu Introduction The Evolution of Massachusetts Knife Laws >> Historical Context >> The Landmark Canjura Ruling (2024) and Legislative Update (2025) Current Regulations Ignorance of the law is not a defense, so it's crucial to educate yourself on Massachusetts knife laws. As the law is stated in Massachusetts Knife Laws Knife laws in Massachusetts are quite broadly described. Concealed Carry: No an issue. General Laws Part IV CRIMES, PUNISHMENTS AND PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL CASES Title I Chapter 269 Section 12 Section 12: Manufacturing and selling knives, slung shots, Automatic knives: Massachusetts law limits automatic knives (switchblades) carried on your person to a blade length of 1. Knife laws in Massachusetts can be rather confusing, mainly because most of what the law has to say about owning, carrying, manufacturing, Massachusetts knife law depends on certain factors like blade length, handle type, and whether it is considered a dangerous weapon or not. It lists which knives are banned The body of Massachusetts law concerning knives is not easily capsulized. Automatic knives Unlike certain types of knives, there are no specific blade-length restrictions for household and utility knives in This guide breaks down Massachusetts knife laws, offers legal insights, and discusses local restrictions you should be aware of. Read on to learn all about Massachusetts laws on knife ownership/carrying.