New York Knife Laws | EDCNinja (2024)

Updated for 2023

New York’s knife laws are intricate, reflecting the state’s concern for public safety. The laws are codified under New York Penal Law 265.01(1), which classifies the illegal possession of certain knives as a criminal offense. This guide aims to demystify these regulations, providing clear and practical information, and ensuring that you are up-to-date with the latest legal interpretations.

Legal Precedents and Statutes

Recent legal decisions, such as People v. Berrezueta (2019), have clarified the definition of a “gravity knife,” leading to changes in enforcement practices. Additionally, the repeal of the “gravity knife” ban in 2019 under the New York Penal Law § 265.00 has been a significant update, reflecting a shift in legal attitudes towards knife possession.

Updated Knife Regulations

As of the latest update, the following knives are illegal in New York:

  • Switchblades
  • Metal Knuckle knives
  • Ballistic knives
  • Plastic knuckles
  • Cane swords
  • Machetes
  • Razors

Carrying these without an appropriate reason, such as for fishing or hunting with a valid license, can result in criminal charges.

Size Matters: Blade Length in Focus

In New York City, carrying a knife with a blade longer than four inches is prohibited. This law is particularly stringent in public transportation settings, where the NYC Transit Authority bans all dangerous weapons.

Local Laws and Variances

Different municipalities within New York have their own specific regulations. For instance:

  • Buffalo prohibits the open carry of knives on city property.
  • Rochester bans carrying pointed knives, except for pocketknives with blades of three inches or less.
  • Syracuse outlaws carrying swords, razors, dirks, and similar weapons.

Q&A Section

Q: Are Karambits legal in New York? A: Karambits are legal for utility or hunting purposes, provided the blade is no longer than three inches. However, double-edged Karambits are considered deadly weapons and are illegal to carry.

Q: Can I legally carry a knife on school grounds? A: New York State law does not specifically ban knives on school premises, but schools have the authority to set their own conduct rules prohibiting weapons.

Q: Are minors allowed to carry knives in New York? A: It is illegal for individuals under 16 to carry “dangerous knives.” Proving unlawful intent is challenging, especially when minors possess common tools like box cutters.

Stay Informed and Compliant

Understanding and complying with New York’s knife laws is crucial for residents and visitors alike. Always consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your situation, and keep abreast of any legal changes to ensure your compliance with the law.

Return to All American State Knife Laws

New York Knife Laws | EDCNinja (2024)

FAQs

New York Knife Laws | EDCNinja? ›

Carrying these without an appropriate reason, such as for fishing or hunting with a valid license, can result in criminal charges. In New York City, carrying a knife with a blade longer than four inches is prohibited.

What size knife is legal to carry in NY? ›

New York City also prohibits the possession in public of a knife with a blade that is 4 or more inches regardless of whether any part of the knife, including the blade, is visible or concealed.

Is it legal to carry a sword in New York? ›

Still, swords are legal to carry if they are being used in historical demonstrations or ceremonies in which the sword is "significant to the performance of the ceremony." In New York, possession of a cane sword is a misdemeanor, but it can become a felony if it is a sword-carrier's second or third offense.

Are throwing knives legal in NY? ›

Yes, throwing knives is illegal in New York. Knives such as throwing stars, double-edged swords, and throwing knives are mainly used as illegal weapons in New York State.

Is an OTF knife a switchblade? ›

The mechanism of switchblades, including OTF knives, differs from spring assisted knives and gravity knives. A switchblade's natural position is open. The locking spring mechanism holds it closed until you release the button or switch. The natural position of a spring assisted knife is closed.

Can I carry a 4 inch knife in New York? ›

A: New York law prohibits anyone from carrying a knife with a four-inch or longer blade. If you intend to carry a knife on your person for any reason, you must ensure the blade is shorter than four inches.

Is a 4 inch knife legal in NYC? ›

What Is The Legal Size Of A Knife in NYC? While there is no size restriction in the state, AC 10-133 makes it illegal to carry a knife with a blade that is four inches or longer.

What weapons are banned in NY? ›

New York generally prohibits the possession of a handgun, short-barreled rifle or shotgun, or assault weapon outside one's home or place of business, unless you are licensed to possess or carry a firearm.

What weapon can I carry legally in NYC? ›

New York prohibits the possession of a “loaded” handgun outside of the home or place of business without a license. While no law specifically bans open carry, a pistol license to carry is issued to carry concealed. Concealed carry is only legal with a New York Pistol License (NYPL).

What kind of weapon can you not carry in New York? ›

Illegal Weapons: More Than Just Knives and Guns
  • Swords.
  • Sword canes.
  • Brass and plastic knuckles.
  • Stun guns.
  • Bludgeons.
  • Blackjacks.
  • Tonfas.
  • Maces.
Jan 16, 2020

What can you carry for self-defense in NYC? ›

New York Pepper Spray Laws

Pepper spray is legal in New York for anyone 18 and older to carry and use for self-defense, but there are a few restrictions: Product canisters cannot contain more than 0.75 oz. Pepper spray strength cannot exceed 0.7% major capsaicinoids.

Are brass knuckles illegal in NY? ›

New York State, known for its stringent laws and regulations, expressly prohibits the possession and use of brass knuckles through as state in § 265.01(1) of the New York Penal Law. This statute clearly delineates the illegality of possessing such weapons, including plastic knuckles and metal knuckles.

Why gravity knives are illegal? ›

Gravity knives are a type of folding knife that can be opened with a flick of the wrist. They have a long and controversial history, as they have been banned or restricted in many states and countries due to their association with crime and violence.

Why are automatic knives illegal? ›

Switchblade knives are outlawed in most jurisdictions. It goes back to the 1950s and 1960s when street thugs used switchblade knives. They made switchblade knives illegal and street thugs started using guns more often.

Are switchblades illegal in NY? ›

Weapons and dangerous instruments illegal to carry under New York City ordinances include switchblades, straight razors and swords. A switchblade is a folding knife that springs open by pressing a button on the knife's handle.

Can civilians buy OTF knives? ›

There are some states that have enacted laws regarding switchblades (see State Laws Regarding Auto-Open Knives). The majority of states allow auto-open knives. There is no Federal restriction on the sale of auto-open knives within the 50 states.

Are thumb stud knives legal? ›

A spring assisted knife is legal in California as long as it “opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that ...

Can I carry a 7 inch knife in Texas? ›

There is mostly no restrictions on carrying a knife openly or concealed in Texas. A minor is restricted to a blade length of 5 1/2 inches or less. There is no statewide length restriction for adults.

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