Understanding the Legal Landscape of Pocket Knives in Maine

The legal landscape for pocket knives in Maine is generally permissive, with most types of knives allowed for open carry and ownership, but there are strict rules about concealed carry and specific locations where knives are prohibited.

Overview of Knife Laws

Maine law allows individuals to own and openly carry almost any type of knife, including pocket knives, utility knives, hunting knives, and folding knives. However, it is illegal to conceal certain knives such as bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, and any other knife typically used as a weapon for attack or defense. The law does not specify a blade length limit for pocket knives, so standard folding knives are generally legal for both open carry and, in many cases, concealed carry.

Concealed Carry Restrictions

1. Carrying bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, or other “dangerous or deadly weapons” concealed is criminalized as a Class D crime.
2. The statute does not define these knife types clearly, so interpretation may vary, but knives designed for utility or outdoor use (hunting, fishing, trapping) are generally excluded from the prohibition and may be carried concealed.
3. No statewide blade length restriction exists for pocket knives—utility knives are not considered “dangerous weapons” for concealed carry purposes unless designed for combat.

Location-Specific Prohibitions

1. Knives are banned from schools and court facilities under state law and administrative orders.
2. Some cities (Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston) may have additional ordinances regarding knife possession or carry.

Automatic and Specialty Knives

1. Automatic/opening knives (switchblades, OTF knives) are not prohibited in Maine, following repeal of the previous ban in 2015; these may be owned and carried if not classified as “dangerous weapons” when concealed.

Table

Rule	Details
Open Carry	Legal for all pocket knives; must not be “displayed threateningly”
Concealed Carry	Illegal for “dangerous weapons” (bowie, dirk, stiletto, combat knives)
Blade Length Limit	None for pocket knives
Location Restrictions	Prohibited in schools, court facilities
Automatic/OTF/Switchblades	Legal for general carry since 2015 repeal
Utility/Hunting/Fishing Knives	Generally excluded from concealed carry ban

Risks and Penalties

Violations, especially for concealed carry of restricted knives, can result in fines or jail (up to one year), with aggravated penalties in prohibited locations. Law enforcement and military personnel may have certain exemptions while on duty.

Sources

(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/maine/)
(https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/maine-knife-laws/)
(https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state)
(https://ravencresttactical.com/maine-knife-laws/)
(https://knifeade.com/maine-knife-law/)