Rhode Island’s knife laws are relatively permissive when it comes to ownership, but they impose clear restrictions on how and where you can carry pocket knives and other blades. Here’s what you need to know as of 2025:
Ownership of Pocket Knives
- Legal to Own: Rhode Island does not ban the ownership of any specific type of knife, including pocket knives, folding knives, switchblades, or even larger blades like bowie knives and stilettos, as long as you do not intend to use them unlawfully against another person.
- No Forbidden Knives: There are no knives specifically prohibited from ownership under state law.
Carrying Pocket Knives: Open vs. Concealed
| Carry Type | Legal? | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Open Carry | Yes | Any type of knife, any blade length, unless intent is unlawful. |
| Concealed | No, if blade > 3 inches or certain types | Concealed carry of any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, or any dirk, dagger, stiletto, sword cane, or bowie knife (regardless of blade length), is prohibited. |
- Definition of Concealed Carry: Not specifically defined by statute, but generally means carrying a knife in a way that is not visible to others. Whether a knife is considered concealed is determined by the facts of each case and may be left to a jury.
Sale and Transfer Restrictions
- To Minors: It is unlawful to sell or transfer any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, or any dirk, dagger, stiletto, sword cane, or bowie knife (regardless of blade length) to a minor without written authorization from a parent or legal guardian.
Prohibited Places
- Schools: All knives, including pocket knives, are strictly prohibited on school property, whether carried openly or concealed.
- Commission of a Crime: Possessing a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches during the commission or attempted commission of a violent crime carries severe penalties, including mandatory jail time and fines.
Penalties for Violations
- Concealed Carry Violations: Carrying a prohibited knife concealed can result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 and/or up to one year in jail, plus confiscation of the weapon.
- During Crimes: Possession of a knife with a blade over 3 inches during a violent crime can lead to 1–5 years imprisonment and/or up to $3,000 in fines.
Key Takeaways
- Open carry of pocket knives is legal in Rhode Island for any blade length, unless you intend to use the knife unlawfully.
- Concealed carry is restricted: You cannot conceal carry a pocket knife with a blade longer than 3 inches, or certain knife types (dirk, dagger, stiletto, sword cane, bowie knife) regardless of blade length.
- Knives are banned on school grounds and during the commission of violent crimes.
- Sale to minors is restricted for larger or certain types of knives without parental permission.
You can own and openly carry a pocket knife in Rhode Island, but carrying one concealed is illegal if the blade is longer than 3 inches or if it falls under certain categories. Always avoid carrying knives on school property and be aware of the severe penalties for violations.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/rhode-island/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/rhode-island/title-11/chapter-11-47/section-11-47-59/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/rhode-island-knife-laws/
- https://knifeade.com/rhode-island-knife-law/