Tennessee is recognized as one of the most “knife friendly” states in the U.S., offering broad rights for owning, carrying, and using knives. However, there are important exceptions and location-based restrictions that every resident and visitor should understand to remain compliant with the law.
Legal Types of Knives in Tennessee
Permissible Knives
- Tennessee law allows the ownership and carry of virtually all types of knives, including:
- Pocket knives
- Hunting knives
- Utility knives
- Butterfly (Balisong) knives
- Bowie knives
- Switchblades (automatic knives)
- There are no statewide bans on specific knife types for general possession, and no blade length restrictions for either open or concealed carry.
Prohibited Knives
- The only knives explicitly prohibited are “misleading” knives (designed to look like another object, such as a cane or lipstick) and “undetectable” knives (made from materials that do not trigger metal detectors).
Carrying Knives: Open and Concealed
Open Carry
- Openly carrying a knife is generally legal in Tennessee, regardless of blade length.
- The knife must not be used in a threatening or dangerous manner, or it could result in criminal charges.
Concealed Carry
- Concealed carry of knives is also permitted, including those with blades longer than 4 inches.
- Carrying a knife with the intent to use it as a weapon can lead to criminal charges, so knives should be carried for practical, non-threatening purposes.
Location-Based Restrictions
Weapons-Free Zones
- Knives are strictly prohibited on school property (K-12 and universities), government buildings, and most state-owned or operated properties.
- Carrying a knife in these areas can result in severe penalties, including felony charges, up to six years in prison, and fines up to $6,000.
Recent Legislative Updates
- As of July 1, 2025, adults voting on school grounds during an election day may legally carry pocket knives, following the passage of SB 172.
- This change reflects Tennessee’s ongoing efforts to clarify and expand lawful knife carry rights.
Statewide Uniformity: Preemption Law
- Tennessee state law preempts local governments from enacting their own knife regulations.
- Only the state legislature can regulate the transfer, ownership, possession, or transportation of knives, ensuring uniform rules across all counties and cities.
Penalties for Violations
- Most knife-related arrests in Tennessee occur when a knife is used in the commission of a crime or carried into a weapons-free zone, rather than for simple possession.
- Possession of misleading or undetectable knives, or carrying a knife in restricted areas, can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines, community service, or imprisonment.
Practical Tips for Knife Owners
- Always check for weapons-free zone signage before entering public buildings or school properties with a knife.
- Carry knives for practical, lawful purposes-never with intent to use as a weapon.
- Stay updated on legislative changes, especially regarding exceptions to school property restrictions.
- When in doubt, consult local law enforcement or legal counsel for clarification on knife laws in specific circumstances.
Tennessee provides broad freedoms for knife ownership and carry, with very few restrictions on type or blade length. However, significant penalties exist for violations in restricted areas, especially schools and government buildings. By understanding and respecting these boundaries, residents and visitors can enjoy their knife rights while staying within the law.
Sources:
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-tennessee-a-guide-to-legal-carry-and-use/
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/tn-knife-carry-at-polls-bill-signed-by-governor/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/tennessee/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/tennessee-knife-laws/