The Legalities of Owning Butterfly Knives in the U.S.: What You Need t

The Legalities of Owning Butterfly Knives in the U.S.: What You Need to Know

By Christian Maura

Knives, like any other weapon, exude an elegance and beauty. They’re sharp, formidable, and deadly in the right hands. If you’ve got your eye on butterfly knives and it’s your first time buying them, consider the legal hurdles you might encounter first. Know the law, so you can shop for your knives with little to no trouble.

What are Butterfly Knives?

Butterfly knives, also called balisongs. They are also called fan knives or Batangas knives, as the province is known for making those knives. The knife has two handles that you counter rotate around the shank. That hides the blades when the handles are closed. You open the knife by flipping it and might take a bit of practice to get right. Once you do, though, you’ll love playing around with it.

Are Butterfly Knives Legal in the US?

Many states in the US have laws against carrying or possessing a butterfly knife. Aside from those butterfly knives laws, in some states, the knives are called daggers or gravity knives. If you live in California, you’re in luck, though, because it is legal to possess an automatic knife if you only have it at home. However, remember that any knife with a blade that is longer than 2 inches long is illegal to carry around. You’ll need to switch to a pocket knife if you want a blade to keep in your pack. That said, there are places where you can buy a butterfly knife legally. So, check if your state has those restrictions or not.

In What States are the Knives Legal?

Aside from California, you can also own and possess a balisong in Illinois. However, you can’t have a blade that’s longer than 2.5 inches, so keep the blade length in mind. Also, you can’t carry knives, concealed double-edged knives, and automatic switchblades. In Kentucky, it is also legal to carry a butterfly knife or concealed. In Michigan and Indiana, it is legal to have a butterfly knife. It’s the same for Massachusetts, as long as it doesn’t pose any threat. You can also carry and sell butterfly knives in Maine or carry them in North Carolina. However, in many other states, like Hawaii, Utah, Oregon, Ohio, and North Dakota, it is still illegal to own, possess, and carry a butterfly knife. Other states share those restrictions. So, check the laws, so you won’t get into any legal trouble before shopping for butterfly knives.