Nebraska’s laws regarding pocket knives are relatively straightforward but include important nuances regarding ownership, carry, and blade length. Here’s a clear overview of the legal landscape:
Ownership and Possession
- Legal to Own: Most pocket knives and folding knives are legal to own in Nebraska. There are no statewide restrictions on owning specific types of knives, except for ballistic knives (which are illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture).
- Age Restrictions: You must be at least 18 years old to legally carry a deadly weapon, which includes many types of knives.
- Prohibited Knives: Ballistic knives, throwing stars, and undetectable knives are illegal to possess, sell, or manufacture.
Open Carry
- Generally Allowed: Open carry of most pocket knives is permitted in Nebraska, meaning you can carry a knife visibly on your person.
- Exceptions: Daggers, dirks, and stilettos cannot be carried outdoors, regardless of blade length.
- Local Ordinances: Some cities, like Lincoln and Omaha, have their own knife regulations, so check local laws before carrying a knife in public.
Concealed Carry
- Blade Length Limit: It is illegal to conceal carry any knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches unless you are on your own property or have a valid concealed carry permit.
- Definition of Concealment: A knife is considered concealed if it is “hidden from ordinary observation,” even if it is not completely invisible.
- Legal Risk for Small Blades: While knives with blades under 3.5 inches are generally allowed to be concealed, the Nebraska Supreme Court has ruled that any knife—regardless of size—could be considered a “dangerous instrument” if used or intended to be used to cause harm. This means you could potentially be charged for concealing a small blade if it is deemed a dangerous weapon in the circumstances.
- Penalties: A first violation of concealed carry restrictions is a Class 1 misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Restricted Locations
- Schools and Public Buildings: Knives are prohibited on school property, in government buildings, courthouses, and at certain public events.
- Other Restricted Areas: Establishments serving alcohol, professional and collegiate sports events, and some public transportation facilities may also prohibit knives.
Key Takeaways
- Pocket knives are legal to own and generally legal to carry openly in Nebraska.
- Concealed carry of knives with blades over 3.5 inches is illegal without a permit.
- Daggers, dirks, and stilettos cannot be carried outdoors.
- Check local ordinances, especially in Lincoln and Omaha, for additional restrictions.
- Violations can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances.
Staying informed about these regulations will help you carry and use your pocket knife responsibly and legally in Nebraska. Given your interest in legal regulations and weapons rights, these guidelines align closely with your previous research on knife laws in other states10
Sources
[1] https://ravencresttactical.com/nebraska-knife-laws/
[2] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/nebraska-knife-laws/
[3] https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-1201
[4] https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/Nebraska/comments/btsfgr/knives_for_minors/
