Understanding the Legal Landscape of Pocket Knives in North Carolina

Pocket knives are a common tool for many North Carolinians, used for everything from outdoor activities and work tasks to everyday convenience. However, the laws surrounding the carrying and use of pocket knives in North Carolina can be complex and sometimes confusing.

Whether you’re a collector, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply want to carry a pocket knife for practical reasons, it’s important to understand what is—and isn’t—legal in the state.

This guide will break down the key points of North Carolina’s knife laws, so you can stay on the right side of the law.

Open Carry

In North Carolina, open carry of knives—including pocket knives—is generally legal. There are no statewide restrictions on openly carrying knives of any type, except for ballistic knives, which are illegal to own or carry in any manner.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of knives is more strictly regulated.

It is illegal to carry concealed any bowie knife, dirk, dagger, razor, or “other deadly weapon of like kind,” unless you are on your own premises.
Exception: Ordinary pocket knives may be carried concealed. This is an important distinction for most everyday knife users.

What Is an “Ordinary Pocket Knife”?

North Carolina law defines an “ordinary pocket knife” as:

A small knife made to carry in a pocket or purse,
With its cutting edge and point entirely enclosed by the handle when closed,
That cannot be opened by a throwing, explosive, or spring action (i.e., not a switchblade or gravity knife).

Court decisions have found that a knife about 4.5 inches long when folded qualifies as an ordinary pocket knife.
Switchblades, gravity knives, and other spring-assisted knives do not qualify as ordinary pocket knives and cannot be carried concealed.

Restricted Locations

Knives, including pocket knives, are prohibited on school grounds (public or private, K-12), whether carried openly or concealed. There are no exceptions for ordinary pocket knives in these settings.
Other restricted areas may include government buildings and certain public events; always check local regulations.

Statewide Preemption

North Carolina does not have statewide preemption for knife laws. This means cities and counties may enact their own knife ordinances, so local rules can vary. Always check municipal codes for additional restrictions.

Sales to Minors

It is illegal to sell or furnish a bowie knife or dirk to a minor in North Carolina.

Summary Table: Pocket Knife Laws in North Carolina

Action/Location	Ordinary Pocket Knife	Other Knives (e.g., Bowie, Dirk, Switchblade)
Open carry	Legal	Legal (except ballistic knives)
Concealed carry	Legal	Illegal (unless on own premises)
School grounds	Illegal	Illegal
Ballistic knives	Illegal to own/carry	Illegal to own/carry
Local ordinances	May vary	May vary

North Carolina’s knife laws are relatively permissive when it comes to open carry and the concealed carry of ordinary pocket knives.

However, there are important restrictions, especially regarding concealed carry of larger or more dangerous knives, and strict bans on knives in schools and some public places.

Because local rules can differ, it’s wise to check both state and municipal laws before carrying a knife. By understanding these regulations, you can enjoy the utility of your pocket knife while staying compliant with North Carolina law.

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