Mississippi is considered one of the more permissive states when it comes to knife laws, but there are important restrictions and exceptions every resident and visitor should know. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding your knife rights in the Magnolia State.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
Open Carry: You may openly carry any type of knife in Mississippi. There are no statewide restrictions on the type or length of knife you can openly carry, and this right is constitutionally protected.
Concealed Carry: Concealed carry is more restricted. It is illegal to carry concealed on your person any of the following knives without a valid exception:
- Bowie knife
- Dirk knife
- Butcher knife
- Switchblade knife
Concealed carry of other knives, such as traditional pocketknives, is generally allowed, but caution is advised since “deadly weapons” broadly defined could still be subject to legal scrutiny.
Knife Types and Restrictions
- No General Ban: Mississippi does not have a blanket ban on any particular type of knife for adults, except for restrictions on concealed carry as listed above.
- Minors: Minors (under 18) may not possess or carry deadly weapons, including bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, or switchblades. It is also illegal for adults to provide these knives to minors or intoxicated persons.
- Convicted Felons: Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing bowie knives, butcher knives, switchblades, or dirks.
- Educational Property: All knives are banned on school property (including universities and K-12 schools), with violations considered felonies.
Special Locations and Local Laws
- Statewide Preemption: Only the Mississippi Legislature can regulate or forbid the carrying of concealed weapons, ensuring uniformity across the state and preventing local governments from enacting stricter knife laws.
- Ports and Certain Properties: On port property, it is illegal to possess or carry (openly or concealed) any fixed-blade knife exceeding five inches, any spring-activated knife, dirk, or dagger while working or conducting business. Non-fixed blade knives under five inches are generally allowed.
Legal Definitions and Ambiguities
- Dirk Knife: Defined as a knife with at least one sharpened edge that tapers to a point and is designed primarily for stabbing.
- Switchblade: Defined as a knife that opens automatically by a spring or similar mechanism. The classification of “assisted opening” knives is ambiguous and may not be considered switchblades under current Mississippi law.
Penalties for Violations
- Carrying a restricted knife concealed can result in fines from $100 to $500, up to six months in jail, or both for a first offense.
- Carrying a knife onto school property is a felony and can result in substantial fines and imprisonment.
Summary Table: Knife Law Quick Facts
| Situation | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open carry any knife | Yes | No blade length/type restrictions |
| Concealed carry (bowie, dirk, butcher, switchblade) | No | Unless exception applies |
| Concealed carry (pocketknife) | Yes | Generally allowed, but caution advised |
| Knife possession by minors | No | Prohibited for certain types |
| Knife possession on school property | No | All knives banned |
| Knife possession by felons | No | Prohibited for certain types |
| Knife over 5″ on port property | No | Prohibited while working/conducting business |
Practical Advice
- Always carry knives openly if possible to avoid concealed carry complications.
- Do not bring any knife onto school property or restricted areas like ports.
- If you are a minor, a convicted felon, or intoxicated, do not possess or carry restricted knives.
- When in doubt, consult local law enforcement or an attorney, especially regarding ambiguous knife types or locations.
Mississippi’s knife laws are generally permissive, but knowing the key exceptions and restrictions is essential to stay on the right side of the law.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/mississippi/
- https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/mississippi/28-Miss-Code-R-SS-301-23-7
- https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-97-crimes/ms-code-sect-97-37-1/
- https://regulations.justia.com/states/mississippi/title-28/part-301/chapter-23/rule-28-301-23-7/