🔔 Pennsylvania Knife Laws
Overview
Pennsylvania does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. There is no general blade length restriction. Disguised knives and ballistic knives have restrictions.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
No Pennsylvania statute prohibits openly carrying any knife. The only restriction is criminal intent: 18 Pa.C.S. § 907 (Possessing Instruments of Crime) applies only when a person possesses an instrument 'with intent to employ it criminally.' Without criminal intent, open carry of all knife types is unrestricted regardless of blade length.
Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 907
Pennsylvania does not distinguish between open and concealed carry of knives. Concealment alone is not an offense. Only concealment combined with criminal intent triggers § 907(a). AKTI confirms: 'Concealment is not a factor.' No permit required for concealed knife carry. Local municipalities may impose their own restrictions — Philadelphia has a specific ordinance.
Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 907
No statewide blade length limit for any knife type. Pennsylvania imposes no maximum blade length for possession, open carry, or concealed carry. No statewide preemption — Philadelphia and other municipalities may impose blade length restrictions by local ordinance.
Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 907, 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 908.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Act 119 of 2022 (HB 1929, effective January 2, 2023) removed automatic knives from the § 908 definition of 'offensive weapons.' Switchblades and automatic knives are legal to own, carry, buy, sell, and manufacture. However, § 913 still lists automatic knives as 'weapons' prohibited in court facilities. Switchblades on school property may violate § 912. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not classified as offensive weapons under § 908. In Commonwealth v. Miles, the court held that a butterfly knife's blade is not 'exposed in an automatic way' as required by the offensive weapon definition. Balisongs require manual manipulation to open. Legal to own and carry. Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 908. |
| Disguised Knives | Restricted | May be prosecuted under § 908's catch-all for 'any implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose.' In Commonwealth v. Walton (1977), a defendant was convicted for possessing a sword cane under this provision. Disguised knives serving no common lawful purpose are prohibited as offensive weapons. Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 908. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed in any Pennsylvania statute. Assisted-opening knives require manual force to initiate blade deployment and the blade is not 'exposed in an automatic way' under § 908. Since even fully automatic knives were legalized by Act 119 of 2022, assisted-opening knives are clearly legal. Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 908. |
| Ballistic Knives | Restricted | Could fall under § 908's catch-all provision for implements serving no common lawful purpose. Not specifically named in any Pennsylvania statute. Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) restricts ballistic knives. A detachable blade propelled from the handle would likely qualify as an 'offensive weapon' under the catch-all. Statute: 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 908. |
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.
