Pocket knives are legal to own and openly carry in New Mexico, but the state’s laws are strict when it comes to concealed carry and certain knife types.
Open Carry:
You can openly carry most types of knives, including pocket knives, fixed blades, and even large knives, on your person or in your vehicle. There are generally no blade length restrictions for open carry, except in specific locations such as schools, government buildings, and many city parks, where knives may be completely prohibited.
Concealed Carry:
New Mexico law prohibits the concealed carry of any “deadly weapon,” which includes most knives capable of causing injury, outside of your own home, property, or private vehicle. This means that carrying a pocket knife concealed in your pocket or bag in public is technically illegal, regardless of blade length, unless you are on your own property or inside your own vehicle. The law makes exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel on duty.
Switchblades and Automatic Knives:
Switchblades, butterfly knives, and other automatic opening knives are illegal to possess, carry, or sell in New Mexico. Carrying or selling these can result in a petty misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail.
Location-Based Restrictions:
Knives, including pocket knives, are banned in certain places:
Public and private schools (including in vehicles on school property)
Government buildings and courthouses
Many city parks (local ordinances may be stricter than state law)
Some public facilities like libraries and museums
Self-Defense:
Carrying a pocket knife for self-defense is permitted under New Mexico’s justifiable use of force statute, but you cannot carry a knife with the intent to use it aggressively.
Summary Table: Pocket Knives in New Mexico
| Activity/Location | Legal Status for Pocket Knives |
|---|---|
| Open carry in public | Legal (except restricted locations) |
| Concealed carry in public | Illegal, unless on your own property/vehicle |
| Possession at home | Legal |
| Possession in vehicle | Legal |
| Schools, gov. buildings | Illegal |
| Switchblades/automatics | Illegal to possess, carry, or sell |
Key Takeaway:
While you can own and openly carry a pocket knife in most public places in New Mexico, concealed carry is generally illegal outside your own property or vehicle, and certain knife types (like switchblades) are banned entirely. Always check local ordinances for additional restrictions, especially in parks and public facilities.
Sources
[1] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/new-mexico-knife-laws/
[2] https://www.carltonforestgroup.com/new-mexico-knife-laws-what-you-should-know/
[3] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/new-mexico/
[4] https://www.jayfisher.com/Concealed_Carry_of_Knives.htm
[5] https://knifeup.com/new-mexico-knife-laws/
