North Carolina has a long tradition of knife carrying, deeply rooted in its history and culture. Whether you’re a hunter, fisherman, or simply someone who enjoys the craftsmanship of a well-made blade, understanding North Carolina’s knife laws is essential for safely exercising your rights while ensuring compliance with the law.
The rules governing knife ownership, carrying, and possession can be confusing, as different knives are subject to various restrictions based on their type, blade length, and how they’re carried. This guide will walk you through the key legal considerations for owning and carrying knives in North Carolina.
Quick Legal Facts About Knife Ownership in North Carolina
North Carolina’s knife laws are relatively liberal compared to many other states. In general, you can legally possess most types of knives, including bowie knives, dirks, daggers, and other sharp blades.
There’s no special legal status for knives like kitchen knives or survival knives—as long as they’re used within the privacy of your home or collection, they are not restricted.
However, spring-loaded projectile knives and ballistic knives are prohibited under North Carolina statute § 14-269.6. These knives, which have blades that can be ejected or launched from the handle, are considered dangerous weapons, and possessing, selling, or transporting them is a criminal offense.
However, law enforcement agencies can legally possess ballistic knives for training or evidentiary purposes.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry: Understanding the Difference
The key distinction in North Carolina knife laws is about how you carry the knife, not just what you carry.
Open Carry: In North Carolina, openly carrying knives is generally legal. You can proudly display your knife on your belt or in a visible sheath, regardless of the knife’s size or type, as long as it is not one of the prohibited projectile knives. Open carry reflects the state’s respect for individual freedom and is a reflection of the state’s cultural heritage around knives.
Concealed Carry: The rules change when it comes to concealed carry. According to Statute § 14-269, it is illegal to willfully and intentionally carry concealed any bowie knife, dirk, dagger, razor, or other similar deadly weapons. The law doesn’t provide precise definitions for these types of knives, leaving some ambiguity about what exactly constitutes a “bowie knife” or a “dirk.” This creates room for legal interpretation.
Exceptions for Certain Knives
Ordinary Pocket Knives: North Carolina law defines an “ordinary pocket knife” as a folding blade less than four inches long, which locks only when fully opened. These knives are exempt from the concealed carry restrictions when you are not on school grounds.
However, it is important to note that this exception does not apply to switchblades or assisted-opening knives, which may still be considered illegal for concealed carry.
Schools and Educational Property: Statute § 14-269.2 prohibits any knives, including ordinary pocket knives, from being carried on educational property, whether concealed or not. This rule extends to all schools, including elementary, middle, high schools, and universities. It also applies to school events.
Specific Restrictions: Where You Cannot Carry Your Knife
While North Carolina permits open carry, there are some areas where knives are strictly prohibited. These include:
Schools and Campuses: As mentioned earlier, you cannot possess knives, including ordinary pocket knives, on any school grounds.
Government Buildings and Courthouses: Under § 14-269.4, it is illegal to carry a deadly weapon, concealed or not, in places like the State Capitol, Executive Mansion, Western Residence of the Governor, or in any building housing a court of justice.
Parades and Public Gatherings: Carrying knives in public gatherings, including parades, funeral processions, and demonstrations, is prohibited, even if the knife is not concealed. This rule helps to ensure safety in public spaces.
Penalties for Violations: When Freedom Comes at a High Price
Violating North Carolina’s knife laws can come with serious consequences:
Class 2 Misdemeanor: If you carry a prohibited knife concealed, you can be charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor. This offense can result in a discretionary fine and up to 60 days in jail.
Class 1 Misdemeanor: Violating the laws concerning knives on school grounds, in courthouses, or in other restricted areas is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which carries harsher penalties, including up to 120 days of imprisonment and fines at the discretion of the judge.
Confiscation: In addition to fines and jail time, the knife will be confiscated and may be disposed of by the court, which often means the knife will be destroyed or auctioned off.
Special Cases: Minors and Knives
Sales to Minors: Statute § 14-315 prohibits the sale or transfer of bowie knives and dirks to minors. This ensures that dangerous knives are not accessible to young people who might misuse them.
Carrying Knives as a Minor: Minors are subject to the same laws as adults when it comes to carrying knives, except for the restrictions on educational property. A minor can legally carry a knife in public areas, but the knife must comply with the law in terms of size and type.
Exceptions and Legal Defenses: When Concealed Carry Becomes Legitimate
North Carolina law does provide exceptions to the concealed carry ban in certain cases:
On Your Property: If you’re on your own property, the concealed carry restriction does not apply. This means you can carry a bowie knife, dirk, or any other blade without worrying about the concealed carry law.
Legitimate Activities: Concealed carry may be justified if you’re engaged in activities where knives are commonly used, like hunting, fishing, or farming. You must be able to demonstrate that you were carrying the knife for its intended purpose and not as a weapon for illegal activity.
What Exactly is a “Bowie Knife”?
One of the challenges in understanding North Carolina’s knife laws is the lack of clear definitions for certain types of knives. The law doesn’t specifically define what constitutes a bowie knife, dirk, or dagger.
Historically, a bowie knife is often described as a large knife with a crossguard and a clip-point blade. However, because the law is vague, it’s hard to know for sure which knives qualify as “bowie knives” under state law.
Intent vs. Appearance: The Question of “Willfully and Intentionally” Carrying
The law requires that you willfully and intentionally carry a concealed weapon for the act to be considered illegal. This means that simply transporting a knife from one place to another may not constitute illegal concealed carry, as long as it is not meant to be concealed for illegal purposes.
However, if the knife is carried intentionally concealed, it could result in legal consequences.
A Balance Between Tradition and Safety
North Carolina’s knife laws aim to respect the state’s tradition of self-reliance and personal freedom while balancing the need for public safety. While knives like pocket knives and Bowie knives are generally permitted, restrictions on concealed carry and areas like schools and government buildings help ensure safety.
By understanding these legal nuances, you can enjoy your knife while staying within the bounds of the law.
