Idaho’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the United States, allowing residents and visitors broad freedoms in owning and carrying knives, but certain restrictions and important nuances still apply. Here’s a comprehensive legal guide to understanding your knife rights in Idaho:
Overview of Idaho Knife Laws
- No Statewide Prohibitions: Idaho does not ban any specific types of knives outright. All common and uncommon knives—including switchblades, balisongs (butterfly knives), throwing knives, and swords—are legal to own and carry openly.
- Blade Length Restrictions: Most law-abiding adults can carry knives with blades of any length openly. However, knives with blades exceeding 6 inches may be subject to some restrictions, and certain rules apply to concealed carry.
- Concealed Carry:
- Knives with blades under 6 inches: Can generally be carried concealed without a permit.
- Knives with blades over 6 inches: May be considered “deadly weapons” and are subject to concealed carry restrictions. However, knives intended for food preparation or eating are exempt from this classification.
- Dirk, dagger, bowie, or similar knives: Concealed carry of these knives with blades over 4 inches requires a concealed weapons permit, unless you are on your own property or have permission from the property owner.
- Constitutional Carry: Idaho law allows “constitutional carry” for firearms and knives, meaning most adults can carry concealed without a permit. However, certain disqualifications apply (see below).
Restricted Locations
- Schools: Pocketknives with blades under 2.5 inches may be carried on K–12 school property and buses. Larger knives are prohibited on school grounds.
- Government Buildings, Courthouses, Prisons, and Law Enforcement Facilities: Knives are generally prohibited in these locations.
- Private Property: Always respect property owner rights and restrictions.
Special Considerations
- Intent Matters: Even if a knife is legal to carry, using it in a threatening manner or to commit a crime is illegal.
- Minors:
- Under 18: May carry pocketknives with parental permission.
- Under 12: May only carry knives with explicit parental approval.
- Disqualifications: Those under 21 (with exceptions), charged or convicted of certain crimes, fugitives, unlawful drug users, mentally ill, or dishonorably discharged military personnel are disqualified from obtaining a concealed weapons permit.
- Switchblades: Fully legal to own and carry in Idaho, including for purchase within the state and (pending federal law) potentially for interstate commerce.
Statewide Preemption
- Local Ordinances: Idaho law preempts local governments from enacting ordinances that regulate the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, gift, devise, licensing, registration, or use of knives. Exceptions include schools, courts, law enforcement facilities, and places of involuntary confinement.
Table
| Knife Type | Open Carry | Concealed Carry (Blade ≤6″) | Concealed Carry (Blade >6″) | School Carry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocketknife | Yes | Yes | Subject to restrictions | ≤2.5″ only |
| Switchblade | Yes | Yes | Subject to restrictions | No |
| Balisong | Yes | Yes | Subject to restrictions | No |
| Throwing Knife | Yes | Yes | Subject to restrictions | No |
| Sword | Yes | Subject to restrictions | Subject to restrictions | No |
| Dirk/Dagger/Bowie | Yes | >4″ requires permit | >4″ requires permit | No |
Key Takeaways
- You can open carry almost any knife in Idaho.
- Concealed carry of larger knives or certain types may require a permit or is restricted.
- Always check for prohibited locations (schools, government buildings, etc.).
- Intent and use matter—using a knife unlawfully is always illegal.
- Idaho’s laws are designed to maximize individual rights, but with clear boundaries for public safety.
Idaho’s knife laws are straightforward and permissive, but understanding the details ensures you stay within legal bounds while exercising your rights.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/idaho/
[2] https://legislature.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/sessioninfo/2024/legislation/H0620E1.pdf
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/Idaho/comments/ogjll9/is_it_legal_for_me_to_keep_a_knife_in_a_sheath_on/
[4] https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2017/sep/13/idaho-sen-crapo-wants-to-make-switchblades-legal-i/
[5] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/idaho-knife-laws/
