🤠 Oklahoma Knife Laws
Overview
Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma. The current version of § 21-1272 removed all specific knife types (daggers, bowie knives, dirk knives, switchblades, sword canes) from the prohibited weapons list. The statute explicitly excepts 'the proper use of guns and knives for self-defense, hunting, fishing, educational or recreational purposes.'
Statute: § 12-1272., § 12-1272.
Concealed carry of all knives is legal. Oklahoma has constitutional carry. Since knives are no longer listed as prohibited weapons in § 21-1272, and the statute's exception for 'the proper use of guns and knives for self-defense, hunting, fishing, educational or recreational purposes' applies whether concealed or unconcealed, there is no restriction on concealed carry of knives.
Statute: § 12-1272., § 12-1272.
Oklahoma has no general blade length restriction for knives. No statute imposes a maximum blade length for carry. Knives of any blade length may be carried openly or concealed.
Statute: § 12-1272., § 12-1272.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal to own and carry. Oklahoma removed the restriction on automatic knives in 2015 by amending § 21-1272 to delete 'switchblade knife' and 'knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife' from the prohibited weapons list. Statute: § 12-1272., § 12-1272. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are legal. Oklahoma does not restrict knives by type or opening mechanism. The 2016 amendments to § 21-1272 removed daggers, bowie knives, dirk knives, and sword canes from the prohibited weapons list, and balisongs were never specifically named. Statute: § 12-1272., § 12-1272. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Disguised knives (such as belt buckle knives, lipstick knives, or cane swords) are legal. Oklahoma does not prohibit knives based on type or concealment mechanism. Sword canes were specifically removed from the § 21-1272 prohibited weapons list in 2016. Statute: § 12-1272., § 12-1272. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are legal. Oklahoma does not distinguish between manual, assisted-opening, or automatic opening mechanisms. No statute restricts knives by opening method. Statute: § 12-1272., § 12-1272. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are not specifically addressed or prohibited under Oklahoma state law. No state statute bans them by type. However, federal restrictions on ballistic knives still apply (15 U.S.C. § 1245). Statute: § 12-1272., § 12-1272. |
Relevant Statutes(2)
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.
