Pennsylvania’s knife laws are relatively permissive compared to many other states, but they contain important nuances regarding the type of knife, the user’s intent, and location restrictions. Pocket knives are generally legal, but both state statutes and local ordinances-most notably in Philadelphia-can affect what is permissible.
Types of Legal and Restricted Knives
- Pocket Knives: Legal to own and carry, as long as they are not intended for use as a weapon and are not classified as “offensive weapons”.
- Automatic/Switchblade Knives: Historically prohibited, but recent changes have removed the ban on the manufacture, sale, and possession of automatic knives for lawful purposes. However, there is still ambiguity around carrying them, especially if intent to use as a weapon is suspected.
- Other Knives: Assisted-opening, hunting, butterfly (balisong), and manual folding knives are generally legal.
Blade Length Restrictions
- No Statewide Blade Length Limit: Pennsylvania does not impose a statewide restriction on the blade length of pocket knives or other knives. What matters more is the type of knife and the intent behind carrying it.
Carry Laws: Open and Concealed
- Open Carry: Permitted for most knives, provided they are not “offensive weapons” and are carried for a lawful purpose.
- Concealed Carry: Also allowed, but if the knife is intended for use as a weapon, it becomes illegal. The law focuses on intent rather than the manner of carry.
- Intent: If you carry a pocket knife for a “common lawful purpose” (e.g., work, recreation, utility), you are within the law. Carrying with criminal intent is prohibited and can result in charges.
Restricted Locations
- Schools and Courthouses: Carrying any knife, including pocket knives, is strictly prohibited in all K-12 schools and court facilities.
- Philadelphia: Local ordinance bans the possession of any knife on public streets or public property, with exceptions for tools used in active employment or trade. This is far stricter than state law.
Special Considerations
- People with Felonies: Individuals with felony convictions are prohibited from carrying knives in public places, though they may legally own them at home.
- Curio Exception: Certain knives otherwise considered illegal may be owned for legitimate purposes such as collection, theatrical use, or as a curio, but this requires a clear, lawful justification.
Summary Table: Pocket Knife Laws in Pennsylvania
| Aspect | State Law | Philadelphia Ordinance |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket knife ownership | Legal | Legal, but not on public property |
| Open carry | Legal if not an offensive weapon | Illegal on public streets/property |
| Concealed carry | Legal if not intended as a weapon | Illegal on public streets/property |
| Blade length limit | None | None specified, but possession banned |
| Schools/courts | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Automatic knives | Legal to own, ambiguous to carry | Likely prohibited |
| Felons carrying knives | Prohibited in public | Prohibited |
Key Takeaways
- Pocket knives are generally legal to own and carry in Pennsylvania, with no statewide blade length restriction, as long as they are not intended as weapons and are not carried in prohibited locations.
- Automatic knives are now legal to own, but carrying them may still be risky without a clear lawful purpose.
- Philadelphia enforces a strict local ordinance banning the possession of any knife on public streets or property.
- Knives are banned in all schools and court facilities statewide.
- Intent and location are critical: carrying a knife for a common lawful purpose is legal, but intent to use as a weapon or carrying in restricted areas is not.
Understanding both state and local laws-and being mindful of your intent and location-are essential for lawful pocket knife possession and carry in Pennsylvania.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/pennsylvania/
- https://www.akti.org/circumstances-of-possession/
- https://www.shokuninusa.com/blogs/news/pocket-knife-laws-knife-length-laws-usa
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-pa-understanding-pennsylvanias-carry-regulations/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/knives/comments/rzakln/is_this_legal_for_pa/