Mississippi’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the United States, but there are still important regulations to understand regarding ownership, carry, and use. Here’s a clear guide to your knife rights and responsibilities in Mississippi:
Open Carry of Knives
- Open carry is generally allowed for all types of knives. Mississippi law does not restrict the open carry of knives based on blade length or type.
- You can openly carry any knife in public, provided you are over 18 and not on restricted property.
Concealed Carry Restrictions
- Certain knives cannot be carried concealed: Bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, and switchblade knives fall under restrictions for concealed carry.
- Exceptions: You may carry these knives concealed at home, at your place of business, in your vehicle, or while engaged in activities like hunting, fishing, or sports where such knives are commonly used.
- Pocket knives and other common folding knives are not restricted for concealed carry, unless they fit the definition of prohibited knives above.
- No blade length restriction: Mississippi does not specify a maximum blade length for knives.
Minors and Knife Possession
- Minors are generally prohibited from possessing deadly weapons, including bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, and switchblades.
- Exception: Minors may carry pocket knives with blades less than three inches if they have parental permission.
Restricted Locations
- Knives are prohibited on “educational property,” which includes school grounds, buildings, buses, and any property controlled by a school.
- Other restricted areas: Government buildings and certain public establishments may have their own rules prohibiting knives.
Preemption and Local Laws
- Statewide preemption: Mississippi law overrides any local or municipal laws regarding knives, ensuring uniform regulations across the state.
- No local laws can be stricter than state law regarding knife possession, sale, or carry.
Legal Consequences
- Violating concealed carry or restricted location laws can result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Providing prohibited knives to minors or intoxicated persons is illegal.
Table
| Knife Type/Carry Method | Legal in Mississippi? | Notes/Exceptions |
|---|---|---|
| Open carry (all knives) | Yes | Over 18, not on restricted property |
| Concealed carry (pocket knives) | Yes | Unless defined as prohibited knife |
| Concealed carry (bowie, dirk, butcher, switchblade) | No (with exceptions) | Allowed at home, business, vehicle, hunting/fishing/sports |
| Minors (general) | No (with exceptions) | Pocket knives <3″ with parental permission |
| On educational property | No | Includes schools, buses, school events |
Key Takeaways
- Open carry of any knife is allowed for adults in most public places.
- Concealed carry of certain knives (bowie, dirk, butcher, switchblade) is restricted except in specific situations.
- Minors are generally prohibited from carrying deadly weapons, with limited exceptions.
- No local laws can override state law on knives.
- Always check for restricted locations and follow all regulations to avoid legal trouble.
Your interest in knife rights and legal protections is reflected here, and Mississippi’s laws are generally favorable for knife owners, provided you stay within the outlined guidelines
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/mississippi/
[2] https://knifeade.com/mississippi-knife-law/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/CCW/comments/1f0u0nc/ccw_and_knives/
[4] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/mississippi-knife-laws/
[5] https://legiscan.com/MS/text/HB1596/id/3071945/Mississippi-2025-HB1596-Introduced.html
