🏇 Virginia Knife Laws
Overview
Virginia does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Open carry is legal, but concealed carry of certain knives is restricted. There is no general blade length restriction. Ballistic knives are prohibited.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of knives is legal in Virginia. No statute prohibits the open carry of any knife type.
Statute: 18.2-308.
Concealed carry of dirks, bowie knives, stiletto knives, ballistic knives, machetes, razors, sling bows, spring sticks, metal knucks, and blackjacks is prohibited under § 18.2-308. Switchblades were removed from this list effective July 1, 2023 (HB 2298). A weapon is considered concealed when 'hidden from common observation,' which includes weapons of 'deceptive appearance' that disguise the weapon's true nature. Does not apply while in one's own home or curtilage.
Statute: 18.2-308.
Virginia has no general statewide blade length limit. On school property, only folding pocket knives with a metal blade of less than three inches are permitted; all other knives are prohibited under § 18.2-308.1 (Class 1 misdemeanor).
Statute: 18.2-308.1.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades are fully legal in Virginia. The sale/transfer prohibition was repealed effective July 1, 2022 (SB 758 amended § 18.2-311). The concealed carry prohibition was repealed effective July 1, 2023 (HB 2298 amended § 18.2-308). Switchblades may now be owned, sold, carried openly, and carried concealed. Furnishing to minors remains prohibited under § 18.2-309. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisongs (butterfly knives) are legal to own and carry in Virginia. In Thompson v. Commonwealth (2009), the Virginia Supreme Court held that a butterfly knife is not 'of like kind' to dirks, bowie knives, or other weapons enumerated in § 18.2-308, and therefore is not prohibited from concealed carry. Balisongs are not listed in § 18.2-311. Statute: 18.2-308. |
| Disguised Knives | Unclear | Disguised knives (cane swords, belt-buckle knives, lipstick knives) are not addressed by a type-specific Virginia statute and are legal to own. Whether carrying one is 'concealed' under § 18.2-308 depends on whether it is one of the weapons listed in that section; a disguised knife that is not a listed weapon is not clearly prohibited. Courts have not squarely resolved the question. Statute: 18.2-308. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are not specifically addressed by Virginia statute. They are not listed in § 18.2-308 (concealed carry prohibition) or § 18.2-311 (prohibited weapons). Virginia does not regulate knives by opening mechanism, and assisted-opening knives are legal to own and carry. |
| Ballistic Knives | Illegal | Ballistic knives are defined in § 18.2-307.1 as 'any knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism.' Sale, barter, giving, or furnishing is prohibited under § 18.2-311 (Class 4 misdemeanor), and possession creates prima facie evidence of intent to sell. Concealed carry is separately prohibited under § 18.2-308 (Class 1 misdemeanor). While mere ownership is not explicitly banned, the prima facie evidence provision makes possession practically prohibited. |
Relevant Statutes(11)
- 18.2-282.1.—Brandishing Machete or Other Weapon
- 18.2-283.—Weapons in Places of Worship
- 18.2-283.1.—Weapons at Courthouses
- 18.2-287.01.—Carrying Weapons in Capitol Area
- 18.2-307.1.—Weapons Definitions
- 18.2-308.—Concealed Weapons Prohibition
- 18.2-308.1.—Weapons on School Property
- 18.2-308.2.—Prohibited Persons and Weapons
- 18.2-309.—Furnishing Weapons to Minors
- 18.2-311.—Prohibited Weapons List
- 19.2-386.28.—Forfeiture of Weapons
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.
