Delaware’s legal landscape regarding pocket knives has undergone significant updates recently, balancing public safety concerns with practical use for daily activities. As of mid-2025, the state’s laws define an “ordinary pocketknife” as a folding knife having a blade not exceeding 3.75 inches in length, an increase from the previous 3-inch limit. This clarification helps delineate what knives are considered ordinary tools versus those classified as deadly weapons under Delaware law.
Specifically, Delaware law treats any knife other than an ordinary pocketknife carried in a closed position as a “deadly weapon.” This includes knives that are fixed-blade or folding with blades longer than 3.75 inches. Carrying such a deadly weapon concealed without a license is unlawful and subject to criminal penalties. Delaware allows permits to carry concealed deadly weapons, which includes certain knives, but these permits are regulated and subject to restrictions.
A key legal change removed restrictions on automatic knives (often called switchblades) and knives opened by one hand, recognizing their common use as tools by workers such as tradespeople, hunters, and outdoor enthusiasts. However, knives considered “undetectable,” knuckle-combination knives, and certain gravity or spring-assisted knives remain illegal. Possession or sale of these restricted knives can lead to misdemeanor charges.
Delaware’s courts also interpret blade length broadly; for instance, the Delaware Supreme Court ruled that blade length includes the entire blade length, not just the sharpened edge. This means even non-sharpened parts count toward the maximum legal blade length.
Open carry of legal knives in Delaware is generally permitted for law-abiding citizens who are not otherwise disqualified, but conceal carry restrictions are more stringent to prevent weapons misuse. Moreover, the Delaware Constitution explicitly protects the right to keep and bear arms for self-defense, hunting, and recreational use, providing a constitutional backdrop that influences how knife laws are interpreted and enforced in the state.
In practical terms, Delaware residents can legally own and openly carry folding knives, including butterfly knives and fixed blade knives, as long as they are not concealed deadly weapons under the law. Violations related to carrying concealed deadly weapons without a license or possession of restricted knives carry criminal penalties ranging from fines to possible imprisonment depending on the offense.
Sources
(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/delaware/)
(https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/delaware-introduces-pro-sportsmen-knife-legislation/)
(https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/delaware-switchblade-ban-repeal-knife-law-reform-passes-house-comm/)
(https://ravencresttactical.com/delaware-knife-laws/)
(https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/delaware-knife-laws-updated-2022)
