🍑 Georgia Knife Laws
Overview
Georgia has statewide preemption — local governments cannot create additional knife restrictions beyond state law. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. Blade length limits apply at 12 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 with blades 12 inches or under is unrestricted. Knives over 12 inches designed for offense and defense require a Georgia Weapons Carry License. § 16-11-126 explicitly exempts weapons carried 'in an open manner and fully exposed to view.'
Statute: 16-11-125.1., 16-11-126.
Knives with blades 12 inches or under do not meet the statutory 'weapon' definition under § 16-11-125.1 and may be carried concealed without restriction. Knives over 12 inches designed for offense and defense require a Weapons Carry License for concealed carry.
Statute: 16-11-125.1., 16-11-126.
Knives with blades over 12 inches designed for offense and defense are classified as 'weapons' under § 16-11-125.1 (raised from 5 inches by HB 292 in 2017). This threshold applies to both open and concealed carry. School safety zones impose a separate 2-inch limit (§ 16-11-127.1).
Statute: 16-11-125.1., 16-11-126.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | No Georgia statute prohibits switchblades. They were never subject to a statewide ban. Switchblades are listed only in the school safety zone statute (§ 16-11-127.1) where they are prohibited. Subject to the standard 12-inch blade length threshold. Statewide preemption prevents local bans. Statute: 16-11-125.1., 16-11-127.1 |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not specifically mentioned in Georgia statutes. Georgia does not classify or restrict knives by type or opening mechanism. Legal to own and carry subject to the 12-inch blade length threshold. Statewide preemption (§ 16-11-136) prevents local bans. Statute: 16-11-125.1., 16-11-136. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Georgia does not prohibit disguised knives such as cane swords, lipstick knives, or belt buckle knives. No statute addresses disguised blades as a category. Subject to the standard 12-inch blade length threshold. Statute: 16-11-125.1., 16-11-126. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed. Georgia does not regulate knives by opening mechanism. Since even switchblades are legal statewide, assisted-opening knives are clearly legal. Subject to the 12-inch blade length threshold. Statute: 16-11-125.1. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Not prohibited under Georgia state law. The 'dangerous weapon' definition in § 16-11-121 covers only military ordnance and does not include ballistic knives. Listed only in the school safety zone statute (§ 16-11-127.1) as prohibited. Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) restricts interstate commerce. Statute: 16-11-125.1., 16-11-127.1 |
Relevant Statutes(9)
- 16-11-125.1.—Weapons Definitions
- 16-11-126.—Carrying Weapons Regulations
- 16-11-127.—Weapons in Courthouses
- 16-11-127.1—Weapons in Authorized Locations
- 16-11-129.—Weapons License Provisions
- 16-11-130.—Exemptions from Weapons Restrictions
- 16-11-130.2.—Carrying Weapons in Parks
- 16-11-136.—State Preemption of Weapons Laws
- 16-7-21.—Weapons on School Property
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.
