🥔 Idaho Knife Laws
Overview
Idaho 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
Idaho has no statute restricting open carry of knives. § 18-3302(4)(a) explicitly exempts any deadly weapon 'located in plain view' from the concealed weapons licensing requirement. No blade length restriction for open carry.
Statute: 18-3302.
Constitutional carry (§ 18-3302(4)(f)) applies to 'any deadly weapon,' not just firearms. Adults over 18 who are U.S. citizens and not otherwise disqualified may carry concealed without a permit. Knives with blades 6 inches or less are excluded from the 'deadly weapon' definition entirely (§ 18-3302(2)(c)) and are unrestricted. Knives over 6 inches are covered by constitutional carry for qualifying adults.
No statewide blade length limit. The 6-inch threshold in § 18-3302(2)(c) is definitional: knives with blades 6 inches or less are excluded from the 'deadly weapon' definition and are unrestricted. Knives over 6 inches may qualify as deadly weapons but are permitted under constitutional carry (§ 18-3302(4)(f)). Schools restrict blades over 2.5 inches (§ 18-3302D).
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Idaho does not prohibit switchblades or automatic knives. No section in Title 18 Chapter 33 bans any knife by opening mechanism. Switchblades are subject only to the general carry rules: blades 6 inches or less are unrestricted; over 6 inches falls under constitutional carry. Statute: 18-3302. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not specifically mentioned or restricted in any Idaho statute. Balisongs require manual manipulation and are not classified as automatic or ballistic knives. Legal by absence of restriction, subject to the same general rules as all other knives. Statute: 18-3302. |
| Disguised Knives | Unclear | Not specifically addressed in Idaho statutes. No explicit prohibition on cane swords, lipstick knives, belt buckle knives, or other disguised blades in Title 18 Chapter 33. However, § 18-3302(2) defines 'deadly weapon' to include any weapon 'designed and manufactured to be readily capable of causing death or serious bodily injury,' which could encompass disguised knives depending on their characteristics. Statute: 18-3302. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Idaho does not regulate knives by opening mechanism. Assisted-opening knives require manual initiation before the spring engages and are not switchblades. No Idaho statute restricts them. Subject only to the standard blade length definitional threshold. Statute: 18-3302. |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | No Idaho state statute specifically mentions or prohibits ballistic knives. However, federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, and import of ballistic knives, which applies in Idaho regardless of state law. |
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.
