Pocket knives are generally legal to possess and carry in Washington, but their legality depends on several factors: blade type, how and where they’re carried, and local regulations.
Folding pocket knives and other utilitarian blades are legal to own and openly carry for most adults in Washington. However, it is illegal to own or possess certain knife types, including switchblades (spring blade knives), gravity knives, and butterfly (balisong) knives.
For most knives—including pocket knives—the method of carry matters. Folding knives carried in the open are allowed. However, concealing “dangerous weapons” such as daggers, dirks, or other knives interpreted as capable of causing harm, can be a gross misdemeanor. Concealing a folding knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches could be interpreted as illegal under certain local laws, although there is no single statewide limit for pocket knife blade length. Some cities, such as Seattle, may have stricter length limits or additional restrictions—so local laws must always be checked.
Knives are prohibited in certain locations statewide, including schools, government buildings, courts, places that serve alcohol, on public transportation, and other designated weapon-free zones. Minors may face additional restrictions and zero-tolerance policies in schools.
Pocket knives are broadly legal to own and carry in Washington if the blade type is permitted (not a switchblade, gravity, or butterfly knife), the knife is not concealed if fixed blade or categorized as a dangerous weapon, and you avoid restricted zones. Always check local city or county regulations, as these may be stricter than state law.
Sources
[1] https://www.battlbox.com/blogs/carry-laws/can-you-open-carry-a-knife-in-washington-state
[2] https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-washington-state-legal-carry-and-restrictions/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/WA_guns/comments/1bf8lik/wa_state_knife_laws/
[4] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/washington/
[5] https://www.shieldon.net/washington-knife-law-the-complete-guide/
