Mississippi’s knife laws are generally permissive, but there are important distinctions and restrictions to understand—especially when it comes to pocket knives, concealed carry, and certain locations. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s legal and what’s not as of 2025.
Legal to Own and Carry
- Pocket knives are legal to own and carry in Mississippi for most adults. There are no statewide restrictions on blade length or specific features for traditional pocket knives.
- Open carry of all knives, including pocket knives, is allowed statewide and is constitutionally protected. There is no state law restricting the open carry of any knife based on blade length or mechanism.
Concealed Carry: Key Distinctions
- Concealed carry of traditional pocket knives is generally permitted. The law specifically restricts concealed carry of certain knives—namely bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, and switchblade knives.
- Pocket knives are not explicitly listed among the restricted knives for concealed carry. This means that, unless a pocket knife is used in a threatening or criminal manner, it is not considered a “deadly weapon” whose concealed possession is prohibited by law.
- Blade Length: There is no state law setting a maximum blade length for pocket knives, whether carried openly or concealed.
Restrictions for Minors, Felons, and Certain Locations
- Minors and felons: It is illegal for minors or convicted felons to possess or carry bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, or switchblades. However, the law does not specifically prohibit minors or felons from possessing traditional pocket knives.
- Schools and educational property: All knives—including pocket knives—are strictly prohibited on school grounds and other educational property. Violations can result in felony charges.
- Local ordinances: While state law is generally permissive, some local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions, particularly regarding blade length for concealed carry.
Assisted Opening and Switchblades
- Assisted opening knives: Mississippi law does not specifically address assisted opening knives. Most legal interpretations suggest these are not classified as switchblades unless the blade opens automatically by a spring or similar device.
- Switchblades: Concealed carry of switchblades is prohibited, but open carry is allowed for adults who are not felons or minors.
Penalties for Violations
- Unlawful concealed carry of restricted knives (not including pocket knives) can result in a misdemeanor, punishable by fines and/or jail time.
- Bringing any knife onto school property is a felony offense, regardless of knife type or blade length.
Summary Table: Pocket Knife Laws in Mississippi
| Category | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Ownership (adults) | Legal |
| Open carry | Legal |
| Concealed carry (pocket knife) | Legal |
| Concealed carry (bowie, dirk, butcher, switchblade) | Illegal |
| Minors/felons (pocket knife) | Generally legal, but caution advised |
| Any knife on school grounds | Illegal (felony) |
| Blade length restrictions | None statewide |
Key Takeaways
- Pocket knives are legal to own, open carry, and generally concealed carry in Mississippi for most adults.
- Concealed carry restrictions apply only to certain knife types, not traditional pocket knives.
- All knives are banned on school property, and local laws may impose further restrictions.
- Minors and felons face additional limitations, but pocket knives are usually excluded from these bans.
Always check for local ordinances and use caution when carrying knives in sensitive locations or situations.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/mississippi/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/2019/title-97/chapter-37/general-provisions/section-97-37-1/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/mississippi-knife-laws/
- https://midsouthgunlawyer.com/ms-weapon-law/pocket-knives-ms/