In Rhode Island, it is legal to own and openly carry most pocket knives, but there are strict rules around concealed carry and blade length.
Open Carry Rules
Any type of knife, including pocket knives, may be openly carried in Rhode Island as long as it is not intended for unlawful use against another person. There is no statewide blade-length limit for open carry, so standard pocket knives and larger blades may be carried openly without restriction so long as your intent remains lawful.
Concealed Carry Restrictions
It is illegal to conceal carry any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, or any stabbing knife such as a dirk, dagger, stiletto, sword cane, or bowie knife regardless of blade length:
- Folding pocket knives with blades under 3 inches may be concealed.
- Blades over 3 inches, or certain listed stabbing knives, cannot be conceal carried.
- Concealed carry means the knife cannot be seen by ordinary observation.
- A violation may lead to fines or jail time.
Sale to Minors and School Restrictions
- Knives with blades longer than 3 inches or stabbing knives cannot be transferred to minors without written parental consent.
- Knives are prohibited in schools, with very limited exceptions for recognized activities.
Automatic Knives and Other Types
Unlike many states, Rhode Island does not expressly ban automatic (switchblade) knives, but all concealed carry restrictions and location bans apply equally to automatics and other styles.
Penalties
Violating concealed-carry knife laws can result in fines of up to $3,000 and/or jail time up to one year, and weapons may be confiscated.
Summary Table
| Can openly carry? | Concealed carry limit | Sale to minors | Switchblades legal? | School ban |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yes, any type if lawful | ≤3″ blade only | >3″ with parental consent | Yes | Yes |
Rhode Island pocket knife laws are stricter for concealed carry and schools, but allow broad open carry and ownership when used for legal purposes.
Sources
(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/rhode-island/)
(https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state)
(https://knifeup.com/rhode-island-knife-laws/)
(https://www.shokuninusa.com/it-eu/blogs/news/pocket-knife-laws-knife-length-laws-usa)
(https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/rhode-island-knife-laws/)
