Washington State generally allows the ownership and open carry of most types of knives, including pocket knives and folding knives, with key restrictions based on blade type, intent, location, and concealment.
Types of Knives: What’s Legal and What’s Not
| Knife Type | Legal to Own | Legal to Open Carry | Legal to Conceal Carry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket/Folding Knives | Yes | Yes | Yes (if blade ≤ 3.5″) | Concealment of longer blades is restricted. |
| Fixed-Blade Knives | Yes | Yes | No | Must not be concealed. |
| Switchblades/Auto | No* | No* | No* | Ban may be lifted July 1, 2025 (see below). |
| Gravity/Butterfly | No | No | No | Prohibited statewide. |
| Bowie/Dirk/Dagger | Yes | Yes | No | Concealment is generally illegal. |
*A new law (SB 5534) is set to take effect July 1, 2025, removing the ban on spring blade (automatic) knives, but these will remain prohibited in certain sensitive locations.
Key Legal Principles
Intent and Display
- The law focuses on intent: Carrying a knife with the intent to intimidate or alarm others is illegal, regardless of knife type.
- Brandishing or displaying a knife in a threatening manner is strictly prohibited.
Concealed Carry
- Concealed carry of any “dangerous weapon” (including most fixed blades and large folding knives) is generally illegal unless you have a lawful reason (e.g., hunting, fishing).
- Folding knives with blades under 3.5 inches are typically allowed for concealed carry, but local ordinances (e.g., Seattle) may impose stricter limits.
Open Carry
- Open carry of legal knives is generally permitted, but local rules may apply, especially if the knife causes public fear or alarm.
Minors
- No statewide minimum age for purchasing or possessing knives, but minors face additional restrictions on carrying knives in public and at schools.
Restricted Locations
Carrying any knife, including pocket knives, is illegal in certain places:
- Schools (public and private, including buses and school facilities)
- Government buildings (courts, jails, law enforcement facilities)
- Libraries, zoos, aquariums, and some public transit facilities
- Establishments off-limits to those under 21 (e.g., bars)
- Federal properties (subject to federal law)
Upcoming Changes: Automatic Knives (Spring Blades)
- Current Law (as of April 2025): Switchblades, gravity knives, and spring blade knives are illegal to own, sell, or carry.
- SB 5534 (Effective July 1, 2025): Will remove spring blade knives from the list of “dangerous weapons,” making them legal to own and carry like other knives, except in restricted locations (e.g., schools, jails).
- Rationale: The change aims to modernize the law, recognizing that how a knife opens is not linked to criminal use and that these knives are vital tools for many, including people with disabilities.
Local Laws and Variations
- Many cities, especially Seattle, have their own blade length limits (often 3.5 inches) and may ban all fixed blades from being carried in public.
- Always check city and county ordinances before carrying a knife, as local rules can be stricter than state law.
Summary Table: Pocket Knife Legality
| Action | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Own a pocket/folding knife | Yes | Most types allowed. |
| Open carry in public | Yes | Unless local law prohibits or it causes alarm. |
| Concealed carry (≤3.5″ blade) | Yes | Local limits may be stricter. |
| Concealed carry (>3.5″ blade) | No | Unless for hunting/fishing or lawful occupation. |
| Carry in restricted places | No | Schools, government buildings, etc. |
Best Practices for Knife Owners in Washington
- Carry pocket knives with blades under 3.5 inches if you plan to conceal them.
- Avoid carrying knives in restricted locations and always check local ordinances.
- Do not display or use knives in a way that could be seen as threatening.
- Stay informed about changes in state law, especially with the upcoming legalization of spring blade knives (July 2025).
Pocket knives are generally legal to own and carry in Washington, but restrictions apply based on blade type, length, concealment, and location. With new legislation, automatic knives will soon be legal, except in sensitive areas. Always check local rules and use knives responsibly to avoid legal trouble.
Sources:
- https://www.shieldon.net/washington-knife-law-the-complete-guide/
- https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2025-26/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5534%20SBR%20LAW%20OC%2025.pdf
- https://www.reddit.com/r/WA_guns/comments/1bf8lik/wa_state_knife_laws/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/washington/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-washington-state-legal-carry-and-restrictions/