🌊 Delaware Knife Laws
Overview
Delaware 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 3.75 inches in certain contexts. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of knives is legal in Delaware. No statute prohibits openly carrying a knife. Delaware's weapons statutes regulate only concealed carry. Prohibited-type knives (undetectable knives under § 1446A and knuckles-combination knives under § 1452) may not be possessed at all.
Concealed carry of any knife classified as a 'deadly weapon' (blade over 3.75 inches) without a license is a Class G felony. An 'ordinary pocketknife' (blade not more than 3.75 inches, per SB 108 effective July 2025) may be carried concealed without a license. Concealed deadly weapons license available through Superior Court application.
The 3.75-inch threshold distinguishes 'ordinary pocketknife' (may carry concealed without license) from 'deadly weapon' (requires license for concealed carry). Increased from 3 inches by SB 108 (effective July 2025). The word 'folding' was deleted from the definition, so the exception now covers all knife types. No blade length restriction for open carry.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | SB 108 (effective July 2025) repealed § 1446, which had prohibited selling or possessing switchblades. Switchblades are now legal to possess, sell, and carry. A switchblade with a blade of 3.75 inches or less qualifies as an 'ordinary pocketknife.' Larger switchblades require a concealed carry license if carried concealed. Statute: 222. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not specifically addressed in Delaware statutes. Balisongs operate by manual manipulation, not by spring or gravity, so they were never covered by the former § 1446 switchblade ban. Legal to own and carry. Standard concealed carry rules apply based on blade length. Statute: 222. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Delaware does not prohibit disguised knives as a category. Exceptions: undetectable knives (not detectable by metal detectors) are a Class G felony under § 1446A, and knuckles-combination knives (blade with knuckle ring grip) are a Class B misdemeanor under § 1452. Other disguised knives are legal under standard carry rules. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed. With the repeal of § 1446 (switchblade ban) by SB 108, even fully automatic knives are now legal, making any prior ambiguity about assisted-opening mechanisms moot. Subject to standard concealed carry rules based on blade length. Statute: 222. |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | No Delaware statute specifically mentions or prohibits ballistic knives by name. A ballistic knife would likely be classified as a 'deadly weapon' under § 222, requiring a concealed carry license. Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) restricts manufacture, sale, and interstate commerce. Statute: 222. |
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.
