⛷️ Colorado Knife Laws
Overview
Colorado does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Open carry is legal, but concealed carry of certain knives is restricted. Blade length limits apply at 3.5 inches in certain contexts. Ballistic knives are prohibited; disguised knives have restrictions.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
No statewide restriction on open carry of knives regardless of blade length. The concealed carry statute (§ 18-12-105) restricts only concealed carry. Local ordinances (Denver, Aurora, Boulder) may restrict open carry of blades over 3.5 inches.
Statute: 18-12-105.
Carrying a concealed knife with a blade over 3.5 inches is a Class 2 misdemeanor. 'Knife' is defined as any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3.5 inches. Exceptions for own dwelling, place of business, own property, and private vehicle while traveling.
Statute: 18-12-101., 18-12-105.
3.5-inch blade length limit applies to concealed carry and school grounds. No blade length restriction for open carry at the state level. Hunting and fishing knives carried for sports use are an affirmative defense.
Statute: 18-12-101., 18-12-105., 18-12-105.5.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Legalized by SB 17-008 (effective August 9, 2017), which removed switchblades and gravity knives from the 'illegal weapon' definition. Still subject to the 3.5-inch concealed carry blade length limit. Local ordinances (Denver) may still prohibit them. Statute: 18-12-102. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Unclear | Not specifically mentioned in Colorado statutes. Legal status depends on whether they are classified as gravity knives. SB 17-008 removed gravity knives from the 'illegal weapon' definition in 2017, but no Colorado case law directly addresses balisongs post-reform. Boulder specifically prohibits butterfly knives by local ordinance. Statute: 18-12-102. |
| Disguised Knives | Restricted | Not specifically prohibited as a category, but disguised knives are inherently concealed by design. Disguised knives with blades over 3.5 inches (e.g., cane swords) are effectively illegal to carry in public since they always qualify as concealed. Those with blades at or under 3.5 inches are legal. Statute: 18-12-105. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed. Not classified as switchblades since they require manual force to initiate opening. Since even fully automatic knives became legal in 2017, assisted-opening knives are clearly legal. Subject to the 3.5-inch concealed carry limit. Statute: 18-12-102. |
| Ballistic Knives | Illegal | The only knife type specifically banned by Colorado state law. Defined as any knife with a blade forcefully projected from the handle by a spring-loaded device or explosive charge. Classified as an 'illegal weapon' under § 18-12-102. Penalty: Class 1 misdemeanor (6-18 months, $500-$5,000 fine). Statute: 18-12-101., 18-12-102. |
Relevant Statutes(6)
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.
