The legal landscape of pocket knives in Massachusetts is complex and highly regulated, with distinctions based on blade length, knife type, purpose, and manner of carry. Massachusetts law generally prohibits carrying knives with blades over certain lengths or specific designs deemed dangerous, though there are important exceptions and recent legal updates that affect what is permissible.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 10, carrying on one’s person any knife or blade over two inches (with some exceptions for folding knives with blades of three inches or less) is largely illegal unless carried for a lawful purpose. The law specifically restricts possession and carry of swords, daggers, dirk knives, switchblades, gravity knives, and other “dangerous knives,” generally imposing serious penalties including imprisonment for carrying these weapons without lawful justification. Folding knives with blades under 2.5 inches and certain utility knives such as kitchen knives or Leatherman-style multi-tools are generally legal to own and carry, especially if used for legitimate purposes like work, hunting, or everyday tasks.
A notable recent development is the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court’s August 2024 ruling that struck down the previous ban on switchblades and other automatic knives with blades over 1.5 inches, holding that such a ban violated Second Amendment rights. This landmark decision now legally permits Massachusetts residents to purchase, carry, and use automatic knives, including out-the-front (OTF) switchblades, subject to normal restrictions on use and location (e.g., prohibition in schools and government buildings).
Open carry of legal knives is generally permitted, but carrying large knives openly in a threatening or aggressive manner can lead to criminal charges such as breach of the peace or assault with a dangerous weapon. Concealed carry of knives classified as “dangerous weapons” or possession with unlawful intent is typically prohibited and may constitute a criminal offense. Moreover, Massachusetts law prohibits carrying any device that allows a knife to be drawn in a locked position—a statute aimed at locking-blade knives—to limit potential misuse.
There is also an age restriction: you must be at least 18 years old to purchase or carry knives legally in public. Exceptions to the prohibitions exist primarily for professional or occupational needs (such as farming, fishing, or certain trades) and for lawful sporting purposes. Even when a knife meets legal size and type standards, the courts will assess the context and intent of carrying. Using or brandishing a knife in an aggressive or threatening way can elevate charges to crimes involving dangerous weapons.
Finally, certain locations, including schools, government buildings, and private properties, may have additional restrictions or outright bans on carrying knives regardless of legality elsewhere.
In summary:
| Aspect | Legal Status in Massachusetts |
|---|---|
| Folding/Pocket knives | Legal if blade ≤ 2.5 inches and no locking device |
| Automatic knives (switchblades) | Legal since 2024 Supreme Judicial Court decision, subject to location restrictions |
| Fixed blades or knives over 2 inches | Illegal to carry unless lawful purpose (e.g., hunting, professional use) |
| Concealed carry of dangerous knives | Generally illegal without lawful reason |
| Carry with intent to harm | Criminal offense, regardless of knife type |
| Age requirement | Must be 18 or older to possess or carry |
| Restricted places | Schools, government buildings, private property rules apply |
Massachusetts knife possession and carry laws are nuanced, and lawful possession depends heavily on blade length, knife type, purpose, and location, alongside recent legal changes expanding switchblade legality. For specific situations, consulting an attorney familiar with Massachusetts knife laws is advisable to navigate these complexities safely.
Sources
[1] https://www.tenforjustice.com/a-guide-to-carrying-knives-in-massachusetts-what-you-should-know/
[2] https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/massachusetts-knife-law-update-switchblades-now-legal
[3] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/massachusetts-knife-laws/
[4] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/massachusetts/
[5] https://www.shieldon.net/massachusetts-knife-laws-comprehensive-legal-guide/
