Gravity knives hold a unique spot in American knife law. These knives, which open by gravity or centrifugal force, are treated differently under the law across the United States. Some states ban them outright, while others permit unrestricted ownership.
Federal law complicates matters by forbidding interstate commerce but leaving possession rules to individual states. For knife owners and collectors, grasping these rules is crucial to avoid penalties ranging from minor fines to felony charges carrying prison terms.
Federal Regulations on Gravity Knives
The Federal Switchblade Act of 1958 establishes the baseline for gravity knife regulation in the United States. Under Title 15 USC 1241, federal law defines gravity knives as blades that open automatically through gravity or inertia. The Act prohibits importing gravity knives into the country and bans their transport across state lines for commercial purposes. Violations carry penalties of up to $2,000 in fines or up to five years’ imprisonment.
Federal law does not bar possession of gravity knives within state borders. This distinction forms a legal framework in which states set their own rules for possession and carry, while federal authorities oversee interstate movement. A 2009 amendment to the Federal Switchblade Act clarified that one-hand opening and assisted-opening knives with bias-toward-closure mechanisms are not classified as gravity knives under federal law.
States Where Gravity Knives Are Illegal
Illinois
Illinois law (Section 24-1) bans gravity knives. Manufacturing, sale, possession, and carrying are all prohibited. Law enforcement officers and lawful hunters are exempt. Penalties vary based on local prosecutors' decisions.
New Jersey
New Jersey enforces some of the nation’s toughest gravity knife laws. Title 2C:39-5 makes possession without lawful purpose a fourth-degree crime. Those convicted may face up to 18 months’ imprisonment and fines of up to $10,000. New Jersey law, in Title 2C:39-1, defines gravity knives as blades released from their handle by gravity or centrifugal force.
Delaware
Delaware law makes gravity knives illegal as dangerous weapons. The ban includes all spring-loaded or gravity-released knives. No exceptions exist for collectors or recreational use; possession is illegal for all.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts law (Chapter 269, Section 10) calls gravity knives dangerous weapons. Possession, sale, and carrying are banned. Penalties depend on the situation and past convictions.
California
California Penal Code Section 17235 classifies gravity knives within its switchblade definition. The law describes them as knives with blades at least two inches long that open automatically by mechanical action or blade weight. Carrying a gravity knife on your person or in a vehicle violates California Penal Code Section 21510, a misdemeanor.
States with Partial Restrictions
Maryland
Maryland allows open possession and carrying of gravity knives, meaning individuals may carry them in public as long as they are visible. Carrying a gravity knife in a concealed manner, or carrying one with the intent to harm another person, remains prohibited. These laws strike a balance between an outright ban and allowing unrestricted carry.
Connecticut
Connecticut permits gravity knives for home possession. State law bars carrying automatic knives with blades over 1.5 inches outside the home. This rule allows collecting and home use, while limiting public carry.
North Dakota
North Dakota allows gravity knife ownership but bans concealed carry. Concealing knives with blades longer than five inches is specifically illegal. Open carry is allowed for lawfully owned gravity knives.
States Where Gravity Knives are Legal
Recent Legal Reforms
Several states have recently eliminated gravity knife bans through legislative change. New York repealed its prohibition on May 30, 2019, when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a law removing criminal penalties for possession.
This move followed a federal court decision declaring New York’s ban unconstitutionally vague. New York City enforces separate rules, including a ban on public carry of knives with blades longer than four inches and restrictions on visible carry.
Ohio ended its gravity knife ban on April 12, 2021, via Senate Bill 140. This repealed the law against making or selling gravity knives. Now, knives are only considered weapons in Ohio if used in a crime.
Hawaii repealed its gravity knife ban in May 2024 through House Bill 2342. The law removed prohibitions on manufacturing, selling, transferring, possessing, and transporting gravity knives. Colorado legalized gravity knives in 2017 through Senate Bill 17-008, though concealed carry restrictions apply to blades over 3.5 inches.
States with No Restrictions
Texas legalized gravity knives on September 1, 2017. Ownership and carry are allowed, but blades over 5.5 inches are subject to location restrictions. Arizona has no gravity knife or blade length restrictions.
Alabama allows possession and carry of gravity knives, with no state limits. Both open and concealed carry are legal. Oregon allows non-felons to own gravity knives, including automatic and ballistic knives.
Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, and Missouri do not restrict gravity knives. Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming also allow possession and carry without bans.
Location-Based Restrictions
Even in states that allow gravity knives, some places ban all weapons, including knives. Schools universally prohibit gravity knives, regardless of state law. Government buildings and courthouses typically ban weapons through security screening. Public transportation systems often set their own weapons policies regardless of state law.
Municipal ordinances can impose stricter rules than state law. Cities and counties in states that allow gravity knives may enact local restrictions or outright bans. Knife owners should always check both state and municipal regulations before carrying gravity knives anywhere.
Penalties for Violations
The penalties for gravity knife violations vary widely. Misdemeanors can mean fines and up to one year in county jail. Some states treat a first offense as a minor violation with only a fine.
Felonies occur in states with major bans. New Jersey classifies it as a fourth-degree crime, with a maximum penalty of 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine. Illinois can charge a Class A misdemeanor or a felony. Federal law violations can result in fines of up to $2,000 and up to five years in prison.
Selecting Legal Carry Options
For everyday legal carry, we offer knife designs that comply with local laws. Our fixed blade and manually opened folding knives are not gravity knives in most places. Check your local laws before choosing from our catalog.
Collectors interested in gravity knives should research their state’s specific regulations before purchasing. Some states permit home ownership while restricting public carry. Others ban possession entirely regardless of location or purpose.
Responsible Knife Ownership: Staying Informed
Gravity knife laws have changed in several states, including recent reforms in New York, Ohio, and Hawaii. However, many states still have strict bans with serious criminal penalties for violations.
Responsible knife ownership means knowing the laws in your area. Federal regulations on interstate commerce apply nationwide, while state and local laws determine what is legal to possess and carry. Before purchasing or carrying a gravity knife, check the most recent regulations through state statutes and local ordinances. Following these rules helps you avoid legal complications and enjoy your collection legally.