🏜️ Utah Knife Laws
Overview
Utah 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 Utah. No statute restricts the open carry of any knife type or blade length. Utah law does not define 'knife' as a prohibited weapon; a knife only becomes a 'dangerous weapon' based on its manner of use or intended use under § 76-11-101.
Statute: 76-11-101.
Concealed carry of all knives is legal in Utah. Section 76-11-202 was amended in 2021 (HB 60) to apply only to concealed firearms, removing concealed 'dangerous weapons' from its scope. There is no remaining statute that prohibits concealed carry of knives. AKTI confirms: 'Concealment is not an issue.'
Statute: 76-11-101., 76-11-202.
Utah has no statewide blade length limit. No statute establishes a maximum blade length for carrying knives. The 'dangerous weapon' definition in § 76-11-101 is based on manner of use or intended use, not blade dimensions.
Statute: 76-11-101.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal to own, carry, sell, and manufacture in Utah. No Utah statute prohibits or restricts switchblade knives. The 'dangerous weapon' definition in § 76-11-101 is use-based, not type-based. Statute: 76-11-101. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisongs (butterfly knives) are legal in Utah. No statute prohibits or restricts them. Utah does not classify knives by type or opening mechanism. Statute: 76-11-101. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Disguised knives (belt buckle knives, cane swords, pen knives, etc.) are legal in Utah. No statute specifically addresses or prohibits disguised knives. Whether a disguised knife constitutes a 'dangerous weapon' depends on manner of use or intended use under § 76-11-101, not on the knife's appearance or concealment mechanism. Statute: 76-11-101. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are legal in Utah. Not specifically addressed by statute. Utah does not regulate knives by type or opening mechanism; the 'dangerous weapon' classification under § 76-11-101 is based solely on manner of use or intended use. Statute: 76-11-101. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are not prohibited under Utah state law. No Utah statute specifically addresses or bans ballistic knives. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1716) restricts ballistic knives in interstate commerce and federal jurisdictions, but Utah state law imposes no additional restriction. Statute: 76-11-101. |
Relevant Statutes(9)
- 53-5a-102.—Weapons Definitions
- 76-11-101.—Weapons Definitions and Terms
- 76-11-302.—Possession by Restricted Persons
- 76-11-202.—Carrying Concealed Firearm
- 76-11-205.—Carrying Loaded Weapon in Vehicle
- 76-11-207.—Threatening with Dangerous Weapon
- 76-11-208.—Concealed Dangerous Weapon Prohibition
- 76-11-214—Concealed Carry Without Permit
- 53-5a-108.—State Preemption of Weapons Regulation
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.
