🪨 New Hampshire Knife Laws
Overview
New Hampshire 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
Open carry of all knives is legal in New Hampshire. RSA 159:16 prohibits only blackjacks, slung shots, and metallic knuckles; all knife types (switchblades, stilettos, daggers, dirk-knives) were removed from the prohibited weapons list in 2010 by HB 1665. RSA 159:26 preempts local regulation of knives statewide. Knives are prohibited in courthouses under RSA 159:19 as 'deadly weapons' per RSA 625:11, V.
New Hampshire is a constitutional carry state. RSA 159:4, which formerly required a license to carry a concealed pistol or revolver, was repealed effective February 22, 2017 (SB 12). RSA 159:6(III) explicitly states that the licensing system shall not be construed to prohibit unlicensed carry, whether openly or concealed. No NH statute restricts concealed carry of knives. Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing deadly weapons including knives under RSA 159:3.
No blade length limit. No New Hampshire statute imposes any maximum blade length for possession, open carry, or concealed carry. RSA 159:16 regulates weapons by type only (blackjacks, slung shots, metallic knuckles), not by blade dimensions. RSA 159:26 preempts local governments from imposing blade length restrictions on knives.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades (referred to as 'switch knives' in NH law) were removed from the RSA 159:16 prohibited weapons list in 2010 by HB 1665. Legal to own, carry openly, carry concealed, buy, sell, and manufacture. Convicted felons may not possess switchblade knives under RSA 159:3. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not mentioned in any New Hampshire statute. NH does not restrict knives by type or opening mechanism. Balisongs were never covered by the former RSA 159:16 prohibited weapons list, which targeted 'switch knives' (spring-operated), not manually-operated knives. Legal to own and carry without restriction. Statute: 159:16 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | New Hampshire does not prohibit possession or carry of disguised knives. RSA 159:19-a addresses criminal use of pistol canes and sword canes specifically — using one with intent to commit a crime is a misdemeanor or Class B felony — but mere possession and carry are legal. No other disguised blade category is restricted under any NH statute. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed in any New Hampshire statute. NH does not regulate knives by opening mechanism. Since even fully automatic switchblades are legal following the 2010 repeal, assisted-opening knives are clearly legal without question. Statute: 159:16 |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | No New Hampshire statute specifically mentions, defines, or prohibits ballistic knives. They are not listed in RSA 159:16's prohibited weapons (blackjacks, slung shots, metallic knuckles). Legal under state law. Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) separately restricts the possession, manufacture, sale, and import of ballistic knives 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.
