🎰 Nevada Knife Laws
Overview
Nevada does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Open carry is legal, but concealed carry of certain knives is restricted. There is no general blade length restriction. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of all knives is legal in Nevada. No Nevada statute restricts the open carry of any knife type or blade length. NRS 202.350 governs only concealed carry, not open carry.
Statute: 202.350
Concealed carry of a machete is prohibited without a permit under NRS 202.350(1)(d)(2). Concealed carry of any 'other dangerous or deadly weapon' also requires a permit under NRS 202.350(1)(d)(3). The statute does not define which knives qualify as 'dangerous or deadly,' leaving this to case-by-case determination. A county sheriff may issue a concealed weapon permit for non-firearm weapons under NRS 202.350(3). SB 176 (2015) removed dirks and daggers from the concealed carry prohibition; only machetes are now specifically named.
Statute: 202.350
No general statewide blade length limit for carry or possession. NRS 202.265 uses a 2-inch blade threshold in its definition of 'switchblade knife' for the school property prohibition, but this applies only to schools and child care facilities, not to general carry. Local ordinances may impose blade length limits (e.g., Clark County restricts concealed carry of knives with blades 3 inches or longer).
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades are legal to own, carry, buy, sell, and manufacture. SB 176 (2015) removed switchblades from the prohibited weapons list in NRS 202.350(1)(a), effective July 1, 2015. Previously, switchblade knives with blades 2 inches or longer were banned. Still prohibited on school and child care facility property under NRS 202.265. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are not specifically mentioned or restricted in any Nevada statute. Nevada does not regulate knives by type or opening mechanism. Legal to own and carry. Statute: 202.350 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Disguised knives are legal. SB 176 (2015) removed belt buckle knives from the prohibited weapons list in NRS 202.350(1)(a) and from the concealed carry prohibition in NRS 202.350(1)(d). No Nevada statute prohibits pen knives, cane swords, or other disguised blade designs. However, a concealed disguised knife could be considered a concealed 'dangerous or deadly weapon' under NRS 202.350(1)(d)(3) depending on context. Statute: 202.350 |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are not specifically addressed in Nevada statutes. Nevada does not regulate knives by opening mechanism. Even fully automatic switchblades are legal following the 2015 repeal, so assisted-opening knives are legal without question. Statute: 202.350 |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | No Nevada statute specifically mentions, defines, or prohibits ballistic knives. Legal under state law. However, federal law (15 U.S.C. 1245) separately prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, and import of ballistic knives in interstate commerce and federal jurisdictions regardless of state law. Statute: 202.350 |
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.
