⚜️ Louisiana Knife Laws
Overview
Louisiana 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
Louisiana has no statute restricting open carry of knives. R.S. 14:95(A)(1)(a) prohibits only the intentional concealment of weapons, not open carry. No blade length restriction for open carry. Statewide knife preemption (SB 194, effective August 1, 2024) prevents local open carry restrictions. Knives are prohibited on school property under R.S. 14:95.2.
Through a series of legislative reforms, concealed carry of knives is now effectively unrestricted for qualifying adults. HB 463 (2022) repealed the switchblade concealed carry ban and removed knives from illegally-carried-weapons provisions. SB 1 (2024) enacted permitless carry under R.S. 14:95(M) for persons 18+ who can lawfully possess a firearm. Felons convicted of certain offenses (R.S. 14:95.1) and domestic abuse battery offenders (R.S. 14:95.10) remain prohibited.
No statewide blade length restriction. Louisiana statutes regulate knives by type and manner of carry, not blade dimensions. Former municipal blade length limits (Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Shreveport) are overridden by the 2024 statewide knife preemption law (SB 194).
Statute: 14:95
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Louisiana's switchblade ban was repealed in two stages: HB 892 (2018) legalized possession, manufacture, and sale; HB 463 (2022) repealed the concealed carry ban. Switchblades are now fully legal to own, carry openly, carry concealed, manufacture, and sell. Statewide preemption (SB 194, 2024) overrides former local switchblade bans in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Statute: 14:95 |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not addressed by name in Louisiana statutes. Louisiana AG Opinion 1999-332 confirmed balisongs are not switchblades, citing State v. Robinson (1990). Now that even the switchblade ban has been repealed, balisongs are legal by any measure. Legal to own and carry without restriction. Statute: 14:95 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Louisiana does not specifically prohibit disguised knives (cane swords, belt buckle knives, lipstick knives). No provision in R.S. 14:95 addresses knives based on whether they are disguised. Under the 2024 permitless carry exemption (R.S. 14:95(M)), qualifying persons 18+ are exempt from the concealment prohibition. Statute: 14:95 |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Louisiana explicitly addressed assisted-opening knives in a 2012 amendment to R.S. 14:95, exempting knives opened by manual pressure on the blade (thumb stud) or by inertia with a detent or bias toward closure. Even though the switchblade ban has since been fully repealed, assisted-opening knives were affirmatively distinguished from switchblades. Statute: 14:95 |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | Louisiana statutes do not specifically mention or prohibit ballistic knives. No provision in R.S. 14:95 addresses them by name. Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) prohibits possession, manufacture, sale, and import of ballistic knives, which applies in Louisiana regardless of state law. Statute: 14:95 |
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.
