Idaho’s laws regarding pocket knives are generally permissive, but there are specific restrictions you should be aware of to ensure you remain compliant.
Key Points on Pocket Knives in Idaho
1. Ownership and Carry
- Open Carry: There are no restrictions on the open carry of pocket knives or most other types of knives for adults. You can legally carry knives openly regardless of blade length or type.
- Concealed Carry: For most adults, Idaho law allows the concealed carry of knives without a permit, thanks to “constitutional carry” provisions. However, knives classified as “deadly weapons” (such as dirks, daggers, bowie knives, or knives with blades longer than a certain threshold) may be subject to additional rules under some interpretations or circumstances.
- Historically: Some sources note that certain knives (e.g., bowie, dirk, dagger) with blades exceeding 4 inches could only be concealed with a permit, but this is less clear under current “constitutional carry” laws.
- Current Practice: Most law-abiding adults can carry knives, including pocket knives, concealed without a permit, unless they are otherwise disqualified (e.g., felons, those with certain mental health orders).
2. Blade Length and Type
- Blades ≤ 6 Inches: Knives with blades 6 inches or less, and knives intended for food preparation or eating, are excluded from the “deadly weapon” definition and are not restricted in most circumstances.
- Blades > 6 Inches: Knives with blades longer than 6 inches may be subject to some restrictions, especially regarding concealed carry in certain locations.
- Pocket Knives on School Grounds: Only pocket knives with blades under 2.5 inches may be carried on K-12 school grounds or school buses.
3. Restricted Locations
- Schools: Carrying knives (except pocket knives with blades under 2.5 inches) on school property is prohibited.
- Courthouses, Jails, Juvenile Detention Facilities: Concealed weapons, including certain knives, are not allowed in these locations.
- Other Public Facilities: Some government buildings and places of involuntary confinement also restrict knife carry.
4. Minors and Sales
- Minors: Minors under 18 may carry pocket knives, but those under 12 need parental approval. Written permission is required for minors to carry certain knives.
- Sales: It is a misdemeanor to sell dirks, dirk knives, bowie knives, or daggers to minors.
5. Intent and Use
- Intent Matters: Carrying a knife with intent to use unlawfully against another person is a crime, regardless of the knife’s type or size.
- Unlawful Use: Using a knife in a threatening or criminal manner is always illegal.
6. Statewide Preemption
- Local Ordinances: Idaho law preempts local governments from enacting knife regulations more restrictive than state law, ensuring consistency across the state.
- Exceptions: Public schools, courts, law enforcement facilities, and places of involuntary confinement are allowed to regulate knife possession on their premises.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Idaho Law Summary |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Legal for all knives; no permit required |
| Concealed Carry | Legal for most adults; “constitutional carry” applies; some knives may have restrictions |
| Blade Length Limits | No general limit for open carry; blades ≤6″ not “deadly weapons”; >6″ may have restrictions |
| School Carry | Only pocket knives <2.5″ allowed on K-12 grounds/buses |
| Restricted Locations | Schools, courthouses, jails, juvenile detention, some government buildings |
| Minors | Permitted with restrictions; parental approval for under 12 |
| Sales to Minors | Prohibited for dirks, bowie knives, daggers |
| Statewide Preemption | Yes; local governments cannot enact stricter rules |
Idaho is among the most permissive states for pocket knife ownership and carry. Most adults can openly or concealed carry pocket knives without a permit, provided they are not restricted from possessing weapons and comply with location-based rules. Always check for updates and be mindful of intent and local facility regulations
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/idaho/
[2] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/idaho-knife-laws/
[3] https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/H0620E1.pdf
[4] https://edc.ninja/idaho-knife-laws/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Idaho/comments/ogjll9/is_it_legal_for_me_to_keep_a_knife_in_a_sheath_on/
