Understanding Your Knife Rights in West Virginia: A Legal Guide

West Virginia has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States, but there are important details and location-based restrictions every resident and visitor should know.

What Knives Are Legal to Own and Carry?

Legal to Own: All types of knives are legal to own in West Virginia, including switchblades, balisongs (butterfly knives), gravity knives, daggers, stilettos, Bowie knives, and even ballistic knives.
Open Carry: You can openly carry virtually any type of knife in West Virginia, with no blade length restrictions for adults, except in certain restricted locations such as schools.
Concealed Carry:
- 21 and Older: If you are 21 or older, you may carry almost any knife concealed, including those considered “deadly weapons,” without a permit, as long as you are not otherwise prohibited from possessing firearms (e.g., due to a felony conviction).
- 18–20 Years Old: As of 2025, there is pending legislation (HB 2425) to allow those aged 18–20 to carry concealed deadly weapons without a permit, but currently, this age group must still comply with existing restrictions and may face penalties for unpermitted concealed carry.
- Under 18: Minors are generally prohibited from possessing deadly weapons, including most knives, unless emancipated or married.

Critical Blade Lengths and Definitions

Blade Length: Knives with blades over 3.5 inches may be classified as “dangerous weapons,” especially if concealed and not used for hunting, fishing, or as a tool.
Pocket Knives: Folding knives with blades under 3.5 inches are generally not considered deadly weapons and are subject to fewer restrictions.

Location-Based Restrictions

Schools: All knives—including pocket knives—are strictly prohibited on K–12 school property, school buses, and at school-sponsored activities. This applies to both public and private schools (unless the private school opts out in writing). There are limited exceptions for knives locked in parked vehicles or during pick-up/drop-off if the knife is not visible.
Other Restricted Areas: Standard weapon restrictions apply in courthouses, government buildings, and certain private properties. Always check for posted signage.

Statewide Preemption

Uniform Laws: Since May 31, 2020, West Virginia has statewide preemption, meaning local governments cannot enact knife laws stricter than state law. This ensures consistency across the state.

Summary Table: West Virginia Knife Laws

Category	Open Carry	Concealed Carry (21+)	Concealed Carry (18–20)	Notes
All Knife Types	Yes	Yes	Restricted	Pending legislation may change this
Blade Length > 3.5″	Yes	Yes (21+)	Restricted	May be considered “dangerous weapon”
Pocket Knives < 3.5″	Yes	Yes	Yes	Fewer restrictions
On K–12 School Property	No	No	No	Strictly prohibited
Statewide Preemption	Yes	Yes	Yes	No stricter local laws allowed

Key Takeaways

Adults 21 and over can own and carry any type of knife, openly or concealed, except in restricted locations.
Minors and young adults (18–20) face more restrictions, especially for concealed carry.
All knives are banned on K–12 school property and at school events.
Local governments cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state.
Always use knives responsibly and be aware of specific location-based restrictions.

By understanding these laws, you can confidently exercise your knife rights in West Virginia while staying compliant with state regulations.

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