If you’re living in or visiting Mississippi, it’s important to know the rules about carrying and owning knives. This guide will help you understand the knife laws in the state so you can avoid trouble.
Whether you’re carrying a pocket knife or something larger, knowing where and how you can legally carry it is key.
Types of Knives That Are Legal in Mississippi
Mississippi allows people to own most types of knives. This means you can legally have:
- Pocket knives
- Bowie knives
- Daggers or dirks
- Switchblades
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- Stilettos
As of now, there are no state laws in Mississippi that ban any specific kind of knife based on blade type or length. However, it’s always good to double-check for any new laws or local rules that may apply.
Carrying Knives: Open vs. Concealed
Open Carry of Knives
Open carry means carrying a knife where it can be seen by others. In Mississippi, it’s legal to openly carry almost any kind of knife. The law does not limit the size or type of knife when it’s carried openly.
Concealed Carry of Knives
Concealed carry means carrying a knife in a way that it’s hidden, like in a pocket or under your clothes. Mississippi’s laws are quite relaxed here too. Under state law (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1), you can legally carry many types of knives in a concealed way, including bowie knives, switchblades, and butcher knives.
Places Where Knives Are Not Allowed
Even though carrying knives is mostly legal, there are places where you can’t bring them. These include:
- Schools and school properties
- Government offices or buildings
- Jails or prisons
- Any private business or property that has a “No Weapons” sign
Breaking this rule can lead to serious punishment.
Special Rules for Police and Military
Police officers and people in the military are usually allowed to carry knives that regular citizens can’t. These knives may be part of their job equipment. So, even if a knife is restricted for others, it may be okay for law enforcement or military use.
What Happens If You Break the Knife Laws
If someone is caught with a knife in a place where it’s not allowed, or if they use it in a threatening way, they could face fines or even go to jail. A major violation, like bringing a knife to school, is a felony and comes with heavy penalties, as stated in Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-17.
Mississippi is one of the more relaxed states when it comes to knife laws. Most knives are legal to own and carry, either openly or concealed. But it’s very important to know where you can’t carry them, like in schools or government buildings. Always stay up to date with any law changes and use knives safely and responsibly.
