If you love knives and live in Arizona, you’re in luck. Arizona is one of the most relaxed states in the U.S. when it comes to knife laws.
Unlike many other states that have strict rules about what knives you can own or carry, Arizona gives you a lot of freedom—especially if you’re over 21.
Let’s explore what’s legal, what’s not, and what rules you still need to follow to stay safe and out of trouble.
Knife Laws in Arizona: An Overview
Arizona has very few restrictions on everyday knife ownership. If you’re 21 or older, you can carry any type or length of knife, whether openly or hidden (concealed). This includes large knives like Bowie knives, switchblades, and even swords.
Age Restrictions
If you are under 21, you can only carry a pocket knife.
A pocket knife is usually seen as a folding knife with a blade shorter than 4 inches that opens manually.
If you’re under 21 and carry a knife other than a pocket knife, it could be against the law.
Where You Can’t Carry a Knife
Even though Arizona is flexible with knife laws, there are still places where knives are not allowed, such as:
Schools (public or private)
Hydroelectric or nuclear power plants
Public events and gatherings
Airports, court buildings, or areas with tight security
Also, private businesses can stop you from bringing knives inside their property. If a shop or restaurant says “no weapons allowed,” it includes knives too.
Talking to Police: What You Must Do
If a police officer stops you and you are carrying a knife that is not a pocket knife, Arizona law says you must tell the officer that you are carrying it.
This helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps the situation safe for both sides.
Are Knives Considered Weapons in Arizona?
In Arizona, a knife is usually seen as a tool, not a weapon. According to state law, a weapon is something made to kill. Knives don’t fall under this unless they’re used in a violent crime.
So, if you use a knife to hurt someone or threaten them, the knife can be treated as a deadly weapon, and you could face serious criminal charges.
Legal Knives in Arizona
If you’re 21 or older, you can legally own and carry these knives:
Pocket Knife
Folding Knife
Butterfly Knife
Switchblade (Automatic or OTF)
Bowie Knife
Machete
Sword
Gravity Knife
Dagger
Stiletto
Dirk
Ballistic Knife
Arizona law does not ban any specific type of knife.
Are EDC (Everyday Carry) Knives Allowed in All Arizona Cities?
Yes. In 2011, Arizona changed the law to stop cities from making their own knife rules.
Now, knife laws are the same in every city across Arizona.
This means you don’t need to worry about local laws if you move from Phoenix to Tucson, or anywhere else in the state.
Is There a Difference Between Open and Concealed Carry?
In Arizona, there is no difference. Whether your knife is openly visible or hidden in your pocket or bag, the same laws apply.
As long as you’re 21 or older, you can carry any knife, any way you like—unless you’re in a restricted place.
Comparison With Other States
Here’s how Arizona stands out:
In Colorado, you can’t hide knives longer than 3.5 inches.
In Connecticut, blades over 4 inches are not allowed.
Georgia needs a permit for knives longer than 5 inches.
Louisiana bans switchblades.
Michigan bans hidden stilettos.
Nebraska doesn’t allow felons to carry any knife.
Clearly, Arizona has some of the most relaxed knife laws in the U.S.
Using a Knife in a Crime
Just because carrying a knife is legal doesn’t mean you can use it however you want.
Using a knife during a crime like robbery, assault, or harassment is still a serious offense.
You can be charged with assault with a deadly weapon, even if the knife is legal.
Arizona has some of the friendliest knife laws in the United States. If you’re 21 or older, you can legally carry almost any type of knife, openly or concealed.
But even in this freedom, you must follow rules—especially about location restrictions, talking to police, and not using knives in crimes.
Remember, while a knife is often seen as a tool in Arizona, misusing it can still land you in legal trouble. Always be responsible and respectful of the law.
