North Carolina’s knife laws are generally permissive regarding ownership and open carry, but they impose specific restrictions on concealed carry and possession in certain locations. Understanding these distinctions is essential for anyone carrying a pocket knife or other types of knives in the state.
Ownership and Open Carry
North Carolina law allows individuals to own and openly carry most types of knives, including pocket knives, fixed blades, and larger knives such as bowie knives, dirks, and daggers. There are no statewide restrictions on blade length for open carry, so you may legally wear a knife on your belt or in a visible sheath in most public spaces. However, ballistic knives—those that launch a blade as a projectile—are strictly prohibited for everyone except law enforcement for evidentiary or training purposes.
Concealed Carry Restrictions
While open carry is broadly permitted, concealed carry is more tightly regulated. North Carolina law (§ 14-269) makes it illegal to willfully and intentionally carry concealed any bowie knife, dirk, dagger, razor, or “other deadly weapon of like kind”. The law carves out an exception for “ordinary pocket knives,” which are defined as folding knives with blades less than four inches long that lock only when fully opened. These ordinary pocket knives may be carried concealed anywhere except on educational property or other restricted locations.
If you carry a prohibited knife concealed, you could be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a discretionary fine. The knife may also be confiscated upon conviction.
Restricted Locations
Certain places, such as schools, courthouses, and government buildings, have additional restrictions. It is illegal to bring any knife, including ordinary pocket knives, onto educational property, whether concealed or not. Other locations, such as establishments where alcohol is sold and consumed, may also restrict knife carry, but the law does not specifically prohibit knives in these places unless otherwise noted by local ordinance.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Legal Status in North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Most knives allowed, ballistic knives banned |
| Open Carry | Permitted for most knives, no blade length limit |
| Concealed Carry | Only “ordinary pocket knives” (folding, <4”) allowed; others prohibited |
| Restricted Locations | Schools, courthouses, government buildings |
| Penalties | Class 2 misdemeanor for illegal concealed carry; confiscation possible |
Key Takeaways
Open carry of most knives is legal in North Carolina, with no blade length restrictions.
Concealed carry is limited—only ordinary pocket knives (folding, under four inches, locks only when fully open) may be carried concealed, except in restricted locations.
Ballistic knives are banned for civilians.
Schools and courthouses are off-limits for all knives, including pocket knives.
Violations can result in fines, jail time, and confiscation of the knife.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your use and carry of pocket knives in North Carolina remain within the law.
Sources
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/NorthCarolina/comments/uxtzaz/anyone_know_if_north_carolina_has_a_blade/
[2] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/north-carolina-knife-laws/
[3] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/north-carolina-knife-laws/
[4] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/north-carolina/
[5] https://ravencresttactical.com/north-carolina-knife-laws/
