⛰️ West Virginia Knife Laws
Overview
West Virginia has statewide preemption — local governments cannot create additional knife restrictions beyond state law. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. Blade length limits apply at 3.5 inches in certain contexts. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
West Virginia does not restrict open carry of knives. No statute prohibits carrying a deadly weapon openly. The concealed carry restriction in 61-7-3 applies only to concealed deadly weapons, leaving open carry unrestricted for all knife types regardless of blade length.
Statute: 61-7-3.
Persons 21 and older who are U.S. citizens or legal residents and not otherwise prohibited may carry a concealed deadly weapon, including any knife, without a license under West Virginia's constitutional carry law (61-7-7). Persons 18-20 may obtain a provisional concealed weapons license. A pocket knife with a blade 3.5 inches or less is not classified as a deadly weapon and may be carried concealed by anyone without restriction (61-7-2).
A pocket knife with a blade 3.5 inches or less is excluded from the statutory definition of 'knife' as a deadly weapon (61-7-2, subdivision 9). Daggers, dirks, poniards, and stilettos with blades over 3.5 inches, as well as switchblade knives and gravity knives of any blade length, are classified as deadly weapons. This 3.5-inch threshold determines whether concealed carry restrictions apply, not whether possession is legal.
Statute: 61-7-2.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades are legal to own and carry in West Virginia. They are defined in 61-7-2 (subdivision 15) as 'any knife having a spring-operated blade which opens automatically upon pressure being applied to a button, catch, or other releasing device in its handle.' West Virginia has never enacted a ban on switchblade ownership or possession. Switchblades are classified as deadly weapons, so concealed carry requires the carrier to be 21 or older (or hold a license) under constitutional carry (61-7-7). |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are not specifically mentioned in West Virginia statutes. They are legal to own and carry. A balisong could be classified as a gravity knife under 61-7-2 if its blade is released by centrifugal force and locks in place, which would make it a deadly weapon subject to concealed carry restrictions for persons under 21. Statute: 61-7-2. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | West Virginia does not specifically prohibit disguised knives such as cane swords, belt buckle knives, or lipstick knives. No statute addresses knives concealed within everyday objects as a separate category. A disguised knife meeting the general 'knife' definition in 61-7-2 would be classified as a deadly weapon and subject to standard carry rules. Statute: 61-7-2. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are not specifically addressed in West Virginia law. They are distinct from switchblades because assisted-opening knives require manual force to begin opening the blade, whereas switchblades open 'automatically upon pressure being applied to a button, catch, or other releasing device' (61-7-2). Assisted-opening knives are legal to own and carry. Statute: 61-7-2. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are not specifically mentioned or prohibited in West Virginia statutes. No state law bans their ownership, possession, or carry. A ballistic knife would likely qualify as a deadly weapon under the broad definition in 61-7-2 and be subject to standard concealed carry age restrictions. Note that federal law (18 U.S.C. 1716) separately restricts ballistic knives in interstate commerce. Statute: 61-7-2. |
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.
