Navigating Iowa’s knife laws is essential for anyone who owns, carries, or uses knives in the state. Here’s a clear breakdown of your rights and responsibilities under current Iowa law.
What Knives Are Legal to Own?
- Most knives are legal to own in Iowa, including folding knives, fixed blades, switchblades, butterfly (balisong) knives, gravity knives, and large knives like Bowie knives.
- Ballistic knives (knives with a detachable blade that can be propelled) are strictly forbidden. Possession is a felony.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
- Open Carry: You can openly carry almost any type of knife, regardless of blade length, as long as you are not using it unlawfully.
- Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of knives classified as “dangerous weapons” is restricted. These include:
- Any dagger, razor, stiletto, or switchblade (regardless of blade length).
- Any knife with a blade exceeding 5 inches.
- To legally conceal carry a “dangerous weapon,” you must have a valid permit.
Blade Length and Dangerous Weapons
- Blade Length: Any knife with a blade longer than 5 inches is considered a “dangerous weapon”.
- Carrying a dangerous weapon concealed without a permit is a serious misdemeanor and can result in jail time and fines.
Special Knife Types
- Switchblades & Automatic Knives: Legal to own and open carry, but concealed carry is restricted if the blade exceeds 5 inches.
- Gravity Knives: Legal to possess and open carry. Concealed carry is restricted under the same dangerous weapon rules.
- Butterfly (Balisong) Knives: Generally legal unless the blade exceeds 5 inches, in which case concealed carry is restricted.
Restricted Locations
Knives, especially those classified as dangerous weapons, are prohibited in certain places:
- Schools and within 1,000 feet of school property.
- Courtrooms, courthouses, and areas used for judicial functions.
- Some government buildings and private properties may have additional restrictions.
Who Can Carry?
- Adults: No age restriction for most knives, but you must be 21 or older to obtain a permit to carry dangerous weapons.
- Minors: Carrying a concealed dangerous weapon by a minor is a serious misdemeanor.
Recent and Upcoming Legal Changes
- Statewide Preemption: As of January 1, 2025, Iowa’s enhanced preemption law will allow individuals to seek damages if local governments enact knife restrictions that contradict state law, ensuring uniformity across Iowa.
- No Restrictions Since 2021: Since July 1, 2021, there are no longer any statewide restrictions on knife ownership or carry for adults acting lawfully.
Penalties for Violations
- Possession of a ballistic knife: Felony, up to 5 years in prison and a fine.
- Concealed carry of a dangerous weapon without a permit: Serious misdemeanor, up to 1 year in jail and fines.
- Violations in weapon-free zones: Fines can be doubled.
Key Takeaways
- Open carry of most knives is legal.
- Concealed carry of “dangerous weapons” (certain knife types and blades over 5 inches) requires a permit.
- Ballistic knives are always illegal.
- Knives are banned in schools, courthouses, and some public buildings.
- State law will soon override local knife ordinances, ensuring consistent rules statewide.
Always check for the most current laws or consult a legal professional if you’re unsure about your specific situation.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/iowa/
- https://dailycarryco.com/blogs/everydaycarry/understanding-the-gravity-knife-laws-in-iowa
- https://www.akti.org/32810-2/
- https://iowafc.org/2024/08/28/are-knives-arms/