💎 Arkansas Knife Laws
Overview
Arkansas has statewide preemption — local governments cannot create additional knife restrictions beyond state law. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. There is no general blade length restriction. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of knives is legal. Arkansas law does not distinguish between open and concealed carry. The carrying offense under § 5-73-120 requires unlawful intent to employ the weapon against a person.
Statute: 5-73-120.
Concealment is not a factor under Arkansas law. A person may carry any knife concealed without restriction, provided there is no purpose to unlawfully employ it against another person. Act 746 of 2013 solidified this intent-based framework.
Statute: 5-73-120.
No statewide blade length limit. The 3-inch threshold in § 5-73-120(b) is definitional only — it defines which bladed instruments qualify as a 'knife' under the carrying statute, not a carry prohibition. Blades under 3 inches fall outside the statute entirely. Local ordinances may impose limits (no statewide preemption).
Statute: 5-73-120.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades are listed in the § 5-73-120(b) definition of 'knife' as an example but are not banned. Legal to own, carry, sell, and manufacture. The carrying offense requires unlawful intent. Statute: 5-73-120. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Butterfly knives are explicitly listed in § 5-73-120(b) as an example of a 'knife' but are not prohibited. Same intent-based framework applies. Statute: 5-73-120. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Not specifically prohibited. 'A sword or spear in a cane' is listed in § 5-73-120(b) as an example of a 'knife' but is not banned — only illegal if carried with unlawful intent. Statute: 5-73-120. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed. Since Arkansas does not restrict any knife type and the carrying offense is purely intent-based, assisted-opening knives are legal. Statute: 5-73-120. |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | Not specifically enumerated in any Arkansas statute. May fall under § 5-73-104 catch-all for implements 'that serve no lawful purpose,' but this has not been tested in case law. Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) restricts them. Statute: 5-73-120. |
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Always verify with official state sources before making decisions about knife carry or ownership. KnifeInformer is not a law firm — consult a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
