Understanding your knife rights in Colorado demands a clear grasp of state law, local ordinances, and the nuances between open and concealed carry. Colorado knife legislation, principally defined under Colorado Revised Statute 18-12-101, allows adults significant freedom to own and carry a wide variety of knives, but with crucial limitations on blade length and certain restricted types. The main distinction in Colorado comes down to how and where you carry your knife, as well as its blade length and intended use.
In Colorado, adults may openly carry most types of knives except ballistic knives, which are strictly prohibited by state law due to their ability to project blades by mechanical means. Open carry applies to folding knives, fixed-blade knives, automatic knives (switchblades), gravity knives, and even large knives such as bowies or daggers. However, while open carry is broadly permitted statewide, municipalities like Denver, Boulder, and a few others often enact their own regulations. Therefore, always consult local ordinances before carrying a knife in urban or school-adjacent settings, since cities have the authority to restrict certain knives more tightly than state law.
For concealed carry, the rules are much stricter. Colorado law sets a firm blade length limit of 3.5in; any knife that exceeds this threshold cannot be legally carried concealed unless you qualify for specific exceptions, such as law enforcement or military service in the line of duty. Concealed carry of knives under 3.5in is generally allowed, regardless of knife style—folding, fixed, or automatic. Concealed carry of knives for hunting and fishing purposes may be permitted regardless of blade length, provided you can demonstrate sporting use. It’s critical to accurately measure the blade from the tip to where it meets the handle to ensure compliance and avoid inadvertent violations.
Several knives remain expressly illegal regardless of carry method. Ballistic knives are always forbidden. Carrying any knife—no matter how small—on school grounds is also prohibited and subject to felony penalties. Other prohibited weapons include blackjacks and similar objects explicitly outlined in the statute. Moreover, disguised knives (such as pen or belt knives) may be legal under state law but could be restricted by local ordinances.
Penalties for violating knife laws in Colorado range from misdemeanors for improper concealed carry to felonies for possession of ballistic knives or bringing knives onto protected premises like schools. For instance, concealing a knife with a blade exceeding 3.5in can lead to a class 1 misdemeanor, while carrying a ballistic knife or bringing any knife onto school property could result in felony charges, fines, and jail time. If you’re charged, valid defenses may include demonstrating the knife was for hunting, fishing, or work as a tradesperson, but these defenses depend on context and documentation.
Colorado is relatively permissive with knife ownership and open carry, but concealed carry is closely regulated and blade length is an essential criterion. Always check municipal codes before carrying a knife—especially in cities or on school grounds—to ensure full compliance with both state and local law. Understanding these details is critical to exercise your knife rights responsibly and avoid serious legal consequences in Colorado.
Sources
[1] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/colorado-knife-laws/
[2] https://www.battlbox.com/blogs/carry-laws/can-you-open-carry-a-knife-in-colorado
[3] https://www.shouselaw.com/co/defense/laws/knife-laws/
[4] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/colorado-knife-laws/
[5] https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/colorado-knife-laws-updated-2022
