South Carolina has some of the least restrictive knife laws in the United States. Most types of knives are legal to own, carry openly, or carry concealed, with a few important exceptions and location-based restrictions.
What Knives Are Legal?
- Legal to Own and Carry: There are no statewide bans on specific knife types. This includes switchblades, gravity knives, dirks, daggers, folding knives, and pocket knives.
- No Blade Length Limit: Outside of certain restricted locations, there is no general blade length restriction for carrying knives.
Open vs. Concealed Carry
- Open Carry: You may openly carry any legal knife in South Carolina. There are no state restrictions on open carry, except in certain locations like schools.
- Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of knives is also generally permitted. The law only prohibits concealed carry if the knife is used with the intent to commit or further a crime.
Location-Based Restrictions
| Location | Rule |
|---|---|
| Schools | Knives with blades over 2 inches are not allowed on elementary or secondary school property, except for law enforcement or authorized personnel. |
| Airports | No statewide restriction, but federal TSA rules apply. |
| Local Ordinances | Some cities (Charleston, Columbia, Greenville) have additional knife restrictions, especially regarding blade length and concealed carry. |
Local Ordinances and Preemption
- Statewide Preemption: South Carolina’s constitution provides for preemption, meaning state law generally overrides local ordinances. However, some cities still enforce their own knife laws, which can be stricter, particularly regarding concealed carry and blade length.
- Major Cities: Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville have local ordinances that may be more restrictive than state law, especially concerning blade length and concealed carry.
Restrictions on Use and Intent
- Criminal Intent: Carrying a knife (openly or concealed) with the intent to commit a crime is illegal and can result in additional charges and penalties.
- Penalties: Violating knife laws, especially in restricted locations like schools, can result in fines up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.
Exemptions
- Law Enforcement and Military: Officers and authorized military personnel are generally exempt from most knife restrictions when acting in their official capacity.
Key Takeaways
- You can own and carry almost any type of knife in South Carolina.
- Concealed carry is legal unless the knife is used in furtherance of a crime.
- Knives with blades over 2 inches are prohibited on school property.
- Some cities may have stricter rules-always check local ordinances.
- Law enforcement and military personnel have broader rights regarding knife carry.
Practical Advice
- Always check both state and local laws, especially if traveling to cities like Charleston, Columbia, or Greenville.
- Never carry knives with blades over 2 inches on school property unless you are law enforcement or authorized personnel.
- Avoid using or carrying knives with criminal intent, as this removes legal protections.
By understanding these guidelines, you can confidently and legally carry knives in South Carolina.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/south-carolina/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/south-carolina-knife-laws/
- https://ravencresttactical.com/south-carolina-knife-laws/
- https://www.kentcollinslaw.com/blog/weapons-school-property-sc/
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/south-carolina-knife-law-preemption-bill-introduced/
- https://www.bradrichardsonlawfirm.com/blog/can-you-carry-a-knife-in-south-carolina/