If you live in Arizona or plan to visit, it’s important to understand the state’s knife laws. Arizona is known for being one of the most relaxed states in the US when it comes to knife ownership and carrying.
This means you can legally own and carry many types of knives, but there are still rules you need to follow, especially when it comes to certain places like schools or government buildings.
In this guide, we explain the types of knives you can own, where you can carry them, where you can’t, and what can happen if you break the law. Let’s break it down simply.
What Knives Are Legal in Arizona?
In Arizona, most knives are legal to own and carry. The law does not ban any specific type of knife, so you can legally have:
Pocket knives
Fixed blade knives
Folding knives
Butterfly knives (also called Balisong)
Switchblades and other automatic knives
Dirks, daggers, and stilettos
Machetes
As of now, there are no knives that are completely illegal to own in Arizona. But it’s always a good idea to check the latest state and local laws to make sure nothing has changed.
Carrying Knives in Arizona
Open Carry
You are allowed to openly carry any knife in Arizona. This means you can carry it where people can see it, like on your belt or in a sheath. You can also have it in your car, as long as it’s not hidden in a way that makes it easy to use unlawfully.
Concealed Carry
Arizona also allows you to carry knives in a concealed way — like in your pocket or bag — no matter the blade length or type. But if you carry a knife with the intention to commit a crime or hurt someone, you can still be charged by the police.
Places Where Knives Are Not Allowed
Even though Arizona allows most knives, there are certain places where carrying them is not allowed. These include:
Schools
You can’t bring knives to K–12 school grounds. The only exception is a pocket knife with a blade shorter than 2.5 inches, and even that depends on the school rules.
Government Buildings
Knives are not allowed in certain government buildings, especially where there are security checks, like courthouses.
Private Property
Property owners can decide if knives are allowed on their land or inside their business. If they ask you not to bring knives, you must follow their rules.
Public Events
Events like concerts or festivals may have their own rules about knives, especially if they use metal detectors or bag checks at entry.
Special Rules for Law Enforcement and Military
Police officers and military personnel are usually allowed to carry knives, even in places where the general public can’t. They are allowed this because of their official duties.
What Happens If You Break the Knife Laws?
If you don’t follow Arizona’s knife laws, you could face serious consequences. These include:
Criminal charges: You could be charged with a misdemeanor or even a felony.
Fines: You might have to pay a fine depending on how serious the offense is.
Confiscation: Police may take your knife away.
Jail Time: In the worst cases, you could end up in jail, especially if the knife was used in a crime.
Arizona gives its residents and visitors a lot of freedom when it comes to owning and carrying knives. But with freedom comes responsibility. It’s important to know where you can and can’t bring a knife and what types are allowed. Most importantly, never carry a knife with the intent to harm anyone.
Following the law helps keep you and others safe, and keeps you out of trouble. If you’re ever unsure, check with local authorities or legal experts to stay on the safe side.
