The vast majority of states in America do allow butterfly knives. In fact, there are 42 states plus the District of Columbia in which butterfly knives are legal. Some of the other eight states do allow people to own butterfly knives but place severe restrictions on the usage of these knives.
States That Ban Butterfly Knives
The states that ban butterfly knives include California, Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington. Butterfly knives are not allowed to be owned or used at all in these three states. Carrying or even owning a butterfly knife in these states could lead to severe legal penalties.
Restrictions on Butterfly Knives
There are states that allow butterfly knife ownership, but greatly restrict how these knives can be used. These restrictions include:
- Wisconsin: Butterfly knives are not allowed if you have been convicted of a felony
- Alaska: can only be used for self defense
- Arizona: must be over 21 to own
- New Hampshire: cannot own if you have a felony drug arrest or felony against a person or property
Many other states, including those in which is it legal to own a butterfly knife require that the knife be carried openly. These states make concealed carry of butterfly knives illegal. It is important to fully research the laws and restrictions within the state before you purchase, possess, or travel with a butterfly knife.
Why Butterfly Knives are Illegal In Some States
Butterfly knives are illegal in some states for several reasons. First, they are often associated with violent crime. Many movies depict criminals using butterfly knives. Many knife enthusiasts feel that this is not a legitimate reason to ban these knives, as there is no data that shows criminals are more likely to use butterfly knives than other knives.
The other reason that butterfly knives are banned is the speed with which they can be deployed. Deploying a butterfly knife quickly requires a great deal of practice, but it can be done much faster than opening a standard folding knife. This has led some states and local jurisdictions to group butterfly knives with switchblades. Other jurisdictions ban butterfly knives together with other knives in the category of "gravity knives." There is some controversy about whether the speed with which butterfly knives can be deployed actually makes them a more effective weapon for the average criminal. Most fatal knife attacks have involved hunting knives or combat knives, not butterfly knives.
