Understanding the Legal Landscape of Pocket Knives in Vermont

Vermont has a permissive legal landscape for pocket knives, with recent changes in 2025 removing blade length restrictions on automatic knives (switchblades). It is legal to own and carry most types of knives, including automatic knives of any blade length, so long as there is no intent to use the knife to harm another person.

Key Legal Points on Pocket Knives in Vermont

1. Ownership and Carry: There are no statewide restrictions on owning or carrying pocket knives, including automatic knives regardless of blade length, as of July 2, 2025.
2. Intent Matters: Carrying a knife with the intent to use it as a dangerous or deadly weapon against others is illegal and subject to criminal penalties.
3. Restricted Locations: Knife possession is prohibited on school property, in school buses, courthouses, and state institutions unless approved by authorities.
4. Age Restrictions: Selling or furnishing dangerous weapons (including knives) to minors under 16 is unlawful, but there is no law restricting possession by minors beyond that exception.
5. State Preemption: Municipalities cannot enact local knife laws that contradict state law; knife regulations are uniform across Vermont.

Legal Definitions and Cases

1. Vermont law does not specifically define dangerous or deadly knives but considers context and intent in legal decisions (e.g., carrying a knife used to injure is punishable).
2. Past court cases affirm that carrying a knife is legal unless intended for harm.
3. Vermont allows open and concealed carry of pocket knives of virtually all types, including automatic knives of any blade length, as long as they are not carried with harmful intent.
4. Restrictions only apply in certain public institutions (schools, courts) and to minors under 16 for sales.

This makes Vermont one of the more knife-friendly states regarding pocket knives and automatic knives, emphasizing intent over mere possession.The poorest town in Maine as of 2025 is Machias, recognized for having the lowest median household income and one of the highest poverty rates in the state. Machias stands out in several reports for its significant economic challenges compared to other towns in Maine.

Sources

(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/vermont/)
(https://www.akti.org/news/vermont-drops-automatic-knife-restrictions/)
(https://knifeup.com/vermont-knife-laws/)
(https://ravencresttactical.com/vermont-knife-laws/)
(https://knifeade.com/vermont-knife-law/)