Arkansas is considered one of the most knife-friendly states in the U.S., but there are important legal nuances regarding pocket knives that residents and visitors should understand.
Are Pocket Knives Legal in Arkansas?
- Yes, pocket knives are legal to own and carry in Arkansas. There are no statewide restrictions on blade length or knife type for adults, and both open and concealed carry are generally permitted.
Key Legal Points
- Intent Matters: The primary legal restriction is intent. It is illegal to carry any knife—including a pocket knife—with the purpose of using it unlawfully as a weapon against another person.
- Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of pocket knives is allowed. Concealment is not an issue under Arkansas law, provided you do not have unlawful intent.
- Minors: Persons under 18 are generally only permitted to carry simple pocket knives. Furnishing a deadly weapon (including many knives) to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor.
- Location Restrictions: Carrying knives is prohibited in certain places, including:
- Schools and educational institutions (including buses and events)
- Government buildings (courthouses, state offices, city halls, etc.)
- Public transportation in some municipalities
- Federal property, where federal rules apply
- Municipal Laws: Some cities in Arkansas have local ordinances that may impose stricter rules, such as blade length limits or prohibitions on certain types of knives. Always check local regulations before carrying a knife in a new area.
Recent Developments
- No Statewide Preemption (Yet): As of May 2025, Arkansas does not have statewide preemption for knife laws, so municipalities can set their own, sometimes stricter, rules.
- Legislative Efforts: There are ongoing efforts to enact statewide preemption, which would standardize knife laws across Arkansas and prevent local governments from enacting stricter ordinances.
Summary Table: Arkansas Pocket Knife Laws
| Aspect | Arkansas Law |
|---|---|
| Ownership | Legal for all types and sizes |
| Carry (open/concealed) | Legal unless intent is unlawful |
| Blade Length Limit | No statewide limit for adults; local limits may exist |
| Minors | Generally limited to simple pocket knives |
| Schools/Gov. Buildings | Knives prohibited |
| Local Restrictions | Some municipalities have stricter rules; check before carrying |
| Preemption | Not yet in effect; local ordinances may apply |
You can legally own and carry a pocket knife in Arkansas, openly or concealed, as long as you do not intend to use it unlawfully and avoid restricted locations like schools and government buildings. However, due to the lack of statewide preemption, always verify local ordinances before carrying a knife in a new city or county.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/arkansas/
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/arkansas-knife-law-preemption-2025/
- https://edc.ninja/arkansas-knife-laws/
- https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state