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Are Butterfly Knives Illegal in California?
The biggest part of the debate of whether butterfly knives are illegal in California or not is the length of the blade. Even though it has been debated the law regarding this is pretty clear. According to the Penal Code Section 17235 & 21510, in California, you can own, carry, buy and sell butterfly knives as long as their blades are not longer than 2 inches. If the blades are longer than 2 inches, then it is illegal to carry, buy or sell them in public. However, you can keep them at home.
What is a butterfly knife?
Butterfly knives are pocket knives used for self-defense. You can carry one in your pocket for emergency situations. It is also used for many other purposes as a utility blade. For instance, while you are traveling or camping, you can cut a rope with it, or you can cut tree branches with it.

Are butterfly knives illegal in California?
Technically, you can buy and sell butterfly knives as long as their blade length is less than 2 inches (which would make most locking mechanisms legal). However, it’s illegal to carry or transport them in public if the blade is more than 2 inches. State of California knife law allows you to own or keep any folding knife for self defense purposes.
So, if you’re in Los Angeles, and carry a butterfly or utility knife with you, as long as they are not more than 2 inches, you have nothing to worry about.
Are Butterfly knives illegal in Texas?
The switchblade is defined as a multipurpose folding knife with a long blade that opens automatically when the device is pressed. Switchblades are legal in Texas. Meaning that they can be sold, possessed, or used without restriction within the state of Texas.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Florida?
Florida law states that butterfly knives are legal to own and open carry. They may be used for self-defense or hunting, or any other purpose.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Pennsylvania?
Switchable blades, butterfly knives, pocket knives, daggers, or any other kind of knives are legal to carry in Pennsylvania. Whereas, they are illegal to open carry.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Maryland?
In Maryland, it is legal to own and use a switchblade or any other kind of knife. However, it is illegal to carry them in public.
Are Butterfly Knives Illegal in New York?
It is legal to own and use a switchblade or butterfly knife in New York. It is also legal to carry them openly or concealed. As butterfly knives do not fall into the gravity knives, there are no legal restrictions for them under penal law.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Ohio?
According to law, you can own, buy or open carry butterfly knives in public. However, it is considered a deadly weapon. Therefore, you cannot conceal carry them.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Colorado?
You can carry push knives, daggers, stilettosĀ in Colorado with no problem. However, butterfly knives are in a gray zone in Colorado. You can carry or own them though.
Are butterfly knives illegal in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, you can carry open carry any pocketknife with no issue. But when it comes to concealed carrying, deadly pocket knives are prohibited to carry under the knife law.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Illinois?
Under 720 ILCS 5/21-6, knives over 3 inches blade must be kept off in private or government property. However, you are free to own, buy, sell and open carry a balisong knife or any other types of knives legally.
Are butterfly knives illegal in Michigan?
In Michigan, the legality of butterfly knives isn’t an issue, as they are categorized as folding knives. And you can carry, own, buy or sell them however you feel.