Recognizing New Hampshire’s Pocket Knife Legal Environment

1. Extremely Permissive Carry Laws

1. For law-abiding individuals, New Hampshire imposes no meaningful restrictions on the ownership or carrying of pocket knives—or most types of knives—whether open or concealed. American Knife and Tool Institute+13American Knife and Tool Institute+13SANITY JEWELRY®+13
2. There is no blade-length limit, and very few restrictions on knife types. Reddit
3. The only significant limitation is for individuals previously convicted of a felony (e.g., against another person, property, or a drug-related offense). These individuals are prohibited from possessing deadly weapons, which may include items like switchblades, daggers, dirks, and stilettos. Knife Rights+7American Knife and Tool Institute+7Carved+7

2. Key Legislative Milestones

1. In May 2010, NH enacted House Bill 1665, signed by Governor Lynch, repealing earlier prohibitions on carrying knives like switchblades, dirks, stilettos, and daggers. This law effectively broadened carry rights to include nearly all knife types for non-felons. Knife Rights+11KnifeUp+11Handgun Law+11
2. In June 2022, Governor Sununu signed HB 1178, making New Hampshire the first state to refuse enforcement of federal knife restrictions. The law prevents state authority from enforcing any federal statute, regulation, or executive order that regulates knives. American Knife and Tool Institute+11Knife Rights+11Handgun Law+11

3. Statewide Preemption—No Local Confusion

1. New Hampshire enforces statewide preemption over knife laws, meaning cities and towns cannot enact their own restrictions. This ensures consistent rights throughout the state. Reddit

4. Restricted Locations Still Apply

1. Despite broad carry rights, carrying knives in certain restricted areas remains prohibited—such as courthouses, schools, government buildings, and similar sensitive locations. Carved+4Noblie+4American Knife and Tool Institute+4
2. Federal restrictions may still apply in federal facilities or on federal property.

5. Echo from Locals

On Reddit, a user succinctly summarized the state’s permissive stance:

“To the best of my knowledge, you can carry any knife you want as long as you’re not a felon.” Reddit+1

---

Table

Aspect	Details
Ownership	Allowed for nearly any knife type for non-felons
Open Carry	Fully allowed; no blade-length or type restrictions
Concealed Carry	Also fully allowed; no permit needed, except in restricted zones
Felon Restrictions	Felons barred from possessing “deadly weapons” like switchblades, stilletos, daggers, dirks
Blade Length Limit	None — no minimum or maximum statewide limit
Local Ordinances	None—statewide preemption nullifies local knife laws
Restricted Areas	Same as many jurisdictions—courthouses, schools, etc.
Federal Overrides	NH law refuses to enforce federal knife laws at the state level

Sources

(https://knifeup.com/new-hampshire-knife-laws/)
(https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/new-hampshire-knife-laws/)
(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/new-hampshire/)
(https://www.bladeaddict.com/pages/knife-laws-by-state)
(https://handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife2.pdf)