New Mexico’s laws regarding pocket knives are generally permissive for open carry, but include specific restrictions—especially concerning concealed carry, certain knife types, and prohibited locations.
Open Carry
- General Rule: Open carry of most knives—including pocket knives and fixed blades—is legal in New Mexico.
- Blade Length: While some sources mention informal guidelines (such as a 4-inch limit for dirks/daggers or a 6-inch limit for other knives), there is no strict statewide blade length limit for open carry under current law. However, local ordinances or specific statutes may apply in certain contexts.
- Automatic/Assisted-Opening Knives: Open carry of most manual folding knives is allowed. However, automatic knives (switchblades) and butterfly knives (balisongs) are prohibited and illegal to possess.
Concealed Carry
- Restrictions: It is illegal to conceal carry dirks, daggers, switchblades, and any knife primarily designed as a weapon.
- Ordinary Pocket Knives: Concealed carry of typical pocket knives (manually opened folding knives not primarily designed as weapons) is generally allowed, provided they are not considered “deadly weapons” under the law.
- Legal Consequences: Concealed carry of prohibited knives (such as dirks, daggers, or switchblades) is a petty misdemeanor.
Prohibited Knife Types
- Switchblades and Butterfly Knives: These are illegal to own or carry in New Mexico, regardless of blade length or intended use.
- Dirks and Daggers: These are subject to stricter regulations, especially regarding concealed carry.
Prohibited Locations
- Schools and School Zones: Carrying knives—even pocket knives—on school property or in school zones is illegal for most individuals, with limited exceptions.
- Government Buildings: Knives of any kind are prohibited in government buildings, courthouses, and similar facilities.
- City Parks and Public Events: Many municipalities ban knives in parks, and knives are generally prohibited at large public events or gatherings.
Penalties
- Possession of Prohibited Knives: Carrying or possessing a switchblade or other prohibited knife is a petty misdemeanor, punishable by fines and possible jail time (up to six months).
- School/Govt. Building Violations: Unlawful carrying of a knife in a prohibited area can result in criminal charges, even if the knife is otherwise legal.
Summary Table
| Category | Legal Status in New Mexico |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Legal for most knives; no strict blade length limit |
| Concealed Carry | Legal for typical pocket knives; illegal for dirks, daggers, switchblades, and weapons |
| Switchblades/Balisongs | Illegal to own or carry |
| Schools/Govt. Bldgs. | Knives prohibited |
| Penalties | Fines, jail time for prohibited knives or locations |
Key Takeaways
- Open carry of most pocket knives and fixed blades is legal.
- Concealed carry is restricted for certain knife types.
- Switchblades and butterfly knives are illegal.
- Knives are prohibited in schools, government buildings, and often in city parks or large public events.
- Always check local ordinances for additional restrictions.
New Mexico’s knife laws are relatively permissive for open carry, but strict about concealed weapons, prohibited knife types, and certain locations.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/new-mexico/
[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/knives/comments/10w51s5/knife_laws_in_texasnew_mexico/
[3] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/new-mexico-knife-laws/
[4] https://knifeup.com/new-mexico-knife-laws/
[5] https://www.carltonforestgroup.com/new-mexico-knife-laws-what-you-should-know/
