🎸 Tennessee Knife Laws
Overview
Tennessee 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 Tennessee. T.C.A. 39-17-1307(a)(1) only prohibits carrying a firearm or club with intent to go armed; knives are not included. No Tennessee statute restricts open carry of any knife type or blade length.
Statute: 39-17-1307.
Concealed carry of all knives is legal in Tennessee without a permit. T.C.A. 39-17-1307(a)(1) does not include knives in its prohibition on carrying weapons with intent to go armed. Tennessee law makes no distinction between open and concealed carry of knives.
Statute: 39-17-1307.
Tennessee has no blade length limit. The former 4-inch blade length restriction was repealed effective July 1, 2014 (2014 Tenn. Acts, ch. 870). Knives of any blade length may be owned and carried.
Statute: 39-17-1307.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades are legal to own, carry, sell, and manufacture in Tennessee. The ban on switchblades was repealed effective July 1, 2014 (SB 1771). T.C.A. 39-17-1302 does not list any knives as prohibited weapons. T.C.A. 39-17-1301(16) still defines 'switchblade knife' but only for purposes of enhanced penalties under 39-17-1307(d) if used during commission of a crime. Statute: 39-17-1302., 39-17-1301. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are legal in Tennessee. No Tennessee statute prohibits any knife type. T.C.A. 39-17-1302 does not list balisongs or any knives as prohibited weapons. Statute: 39-17-1302. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Disguised knives (such as belt buckle knives, pen knives, and lipstick knives) are legal in Tennessee. No Tennessee statute prohibits knives based on concealment or disguised appearance. T.C.A. 39-17-1302 does not list any knives as prohibited weapons. Statute: 39-17-1302. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are legal in Tennessee. Tennessee law does not restrict knives by opening mechanism. T.C.A. 39-17-1302 does not list any knives as prohibited weapons, and T.C.A. 39-17-1307 does not restrict carry of any knife type. Statute: 39-17-1302., 39-17-1307. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are not prohibited under Tennessee state law. T.C.A. 39-17-1302 does not list ballistic knives as prohibited weapons. However, federal law (15 U.S.C. 1245) separately restricts the possession and sale of ballistic knives. Statute: 39-17-1302. |
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.
