Delaware’s knife laws are in a period of significant change as of 2025, with recent legislative efforts aiming to modernize restrictions and clarify what knives can be owned and carried. Here’s a comprehensive guide to your knife rights in Delaware based on current law and pending reforms:
Current Knife Laws in Delaware (as of May 2025)
What Knives Are Legal to Own?
- Legal to Own:
- Most folding knives, fixed-blade knives (like Bowie knives), dirks, daggers, and butterfly (balisong) knives are legal to own on your property.
- Restricted or Illegal to Own:
- Switchblades, automatic knives, gravity knives, undetectable knives, throwing stars, and knuckle knives are currently prohibited.
- The law defines a switchblade as a knife whose blade is released by a spring mechanism or gravity.
Carrying Knives: Open vs. Concealed
- Open Carry:
- You may openly carry most knives, including large fixed blades and folding knives, except those that are specifically banned (see above).
- Concealed Carry:
- Only an “ordinary pocketknife” (a folding knife with a blade not exceeding 3 inches) may be carried concealed without a permit.
- Any other knife carried concealed is considered a “deadly weapon,” and doing so without a concealed deadly weapon permit is a felony offense.
- Blade length is measured from tip to the handle, including any unsharpened portion.
Where Knives Are Prohibited
- It is illegal to carry knives (even legal pocketknives) on school grounds, public transportation, state parks, government buildings, and federal property such as airports and post offices.
Sales to Minors
- It is illegal to sell deadly weapons, including most knives, to minors under 18 without parental or guardian approval.
Local Laws
- Delaware does not have statewide preemption, meaning cities and counties may have stricter knife regulations than state law. Always check local ordinances before carrying a knife.
2025 Legislative Update: Senate Bill 108
- Senate Bill 108 (as of May 2025) has passed the Senate and is progressing through the House. If enacted, it will:
- Remove prohibitions on the possession and ownership of automatic knives (switchblades) and other knives that can be opened with one hand.
- Allow law-abiding citizens, tradespeople, and outdoor enthusiasts to own and carry these knives for lawful purposes.
- Maintain prohibitions on using any knife as a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime.
- Increase the legal blade length for “ordinary pocketknives” from 3 inches to 3.75 inches.
- If SB 108 becomes law:
- Automatic knives and one-hand opening knives will be legal to own and carry, subject to the same general restrictions on concealed carry and use in crimes.
Summary Table: Delaware Knife Rights (May 2025)
| Knife Type | Legal to Own | Open Carry | Concealed Carry (no permit) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary pocketknife (≤3″) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Must be folding and closed when concealed |
| Ordinary pocketknife (3″-3.75″) | Pending SB 108 | Pending | Pending | If SB 108 passes, new limit is 3.75″ |
| Switchblade/Automatic | No (until SB 108 passes) | No (until SB 108 passes) | No (until SB 108 passes) | SB 108 would legalize |
| Gravity knife | No | No | No | |
| Fixed blade (Bowie, etc.) | Yes | Yes | No | Concealed carry requires permit |
| Butterfly knife (balisong) | Yes | Yes | No | Concealed carry requires permit |
Key Takeaways
- As of now, only folding pocketknives with blades ≤3″ are legal to carry concealed without a permit.
- Open carry is generally legal for most knives except those specifically banned.
- Switchblades/automatic knives remain illegal until SB 108 becomes law, which is expected soon.
- Always check local ordinances for additional restrictions.
- Knives are prohibited in schools, government buildings, and certain public places.
Delaware’s laws are evolving, so stay updated on the status of SB 108 for expanded rights regarding automatic and one-hand opening knives.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/news/akti-celebrates-intro-of-delaware-knife-legislation/
- https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=142112
- https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail/141537
- https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/delaware-introduces-pro-sportsmen-knife-legislation/