Knife laws in Rhode Island allow most types of knife ownership, but carrying restrictions—especially on concealed knives with blades over three inches—are strictly enforced. Open carry of knives is generally permitted, but concealed carry is regulated and some areas, such as schools, have total bans on knives.
Legal Knife Ownership
- Legal to Own: All common knives, including bowie knives, balisongs, dirks, daggers, switchblades, and sword canes, are legal to own if there is no intent to use the knife unlawfully against another person.
- Sale to Minors: It is illegal to sell or transfer knives with blades longer than three inches or stabbing knives (dagger, dirk, stiletto, sword cane, bowie knife) to a minor without written parental permission.
Rules for Carrying Knives
- Open Carry: Any type of knife may be carried openly, unless the intent is unlawful use against another; blade length is not restricted for open carry.
- Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of knives is illegal for:
- Measuring Blade Length: Rhode Island law measures blade length from where the blade meets the handle to the tip.
Location-Based Restrictions
- School Grounds: Knives are banned at all K-12 schools except for officially sanctioned activities; violating this rule can result in criminal charges.
- Other Restricted Places: Carrying knives is restricted at some public properties and events, including picket lines or group demonstrations in some towns.
Penalties and Enforcement
- Intent to Use Unlawfully: Possessing or carrying any knife with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person is always a crime.
- Violations: Penalties for illegal carrying or possession typically include fines and possible jail time, depending on the specifics of the case.
Table
| Knife Type/Action | Open Carry Legal | Concealed Carry Legal | School Legal | Sale to Minor Legal | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blade ≤ 3” | Yes | Yes | No | Yes, with permission | |
| Blade > 3” | Yes | No | No | No | |
| Dirk/Dagger/Stiletto/etc. | Yes | No | No | No |
Most knives are legal to own and openly carry in Rhode Island if carried for lawful purposes, but concealed carry with blades over three inches or stabbing knives is not permitted, and knives are strictly banned at schools and in some public settings.
Sources
(https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/rhode-island-knife-laws/)
(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/rhode-island/)
(https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-11/chapter-11-47/section-11-47-42/)
(https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state)
(https://www.bladeaddict.com/pages/knife-laws-by-state)
