Understanding Tennessee Knife Laws for Owners

Tennessee leaves knife owners alone. The state repealed its switchblade ban in 2014, removed blade-length limits the same year, and has maintained a hands-off approach since.

If you own a knife or plan to carry one in Tennessee, you face fewer legal hurdles than residents of most other states. The remaining rules are specific, predictable, and written in plain terms under Tennessee Code Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13.

Tennessee law determines where you can and cannot carry, and the penalties for crossing the line. If you carry a knife daily or keep one in your vehicle, the following sections provide key information.

Knife Carry Rules Across Tennessee

• Tennessee places no restrictions on knife ownership by type, including automatic, ballistic, switchblade, butterfly, and assisted-opening knives

• No blade length limits exist for carried knives

• Open and concealed carry are both permitted without distinction

• State preemption since 2013 means local cities and counties cannot create their own knife restrictions

• School grounds remain off-limits for knife possession, with violations classified as Class E felonies

• Adults voting on school property may carry concealed pocket knives under a 2023 exception

• No permit or license is required to carry any knife

• Criminal use of a knife as a deadly weapon can result in up to 6 years imprisonment and fines up to $6,000 for switchblades

Legal Knife Types in Tennessee

Tennessee permits ownership of every knife category. The state does not restrict possession or sale based on opening mechanism, blade design, or intended purpose. This means the following knife types are all legal to own and carry:

The 2014 repeal of the switchblade ban and 4-inch carry limit removed the last meaningful restrictions on knife carry. Before that year, Tennessee residents faced prosecution for carrying a blade over 4 inches or possessing an automatic knife. Those provisions no longer exist in state law.

Carrying Knives: Open and Concealed

Tennessee makes no distinction between open and concealed knife carry. You may carry a knife in your pocket, on your belt, in a sheath under your clothing, or openly displayed. The law does not require you to inform anyone that you are carrying, nor does it require any permit, license, or registration.

Many states treat concealed knives differently from openly carried ones. In Tennessee, the method of carry has no legal relevance. Where you carry it and what you intend to do with it are the only factors that matter.

No Blade Length Limits

The state removed all blade length restrictions in 2014. Before that legislative session, a 4-inch limit applied to carried knives. You may carry a 2-inch folder or a 12-inch fixed blade under the same legal framework. Blade length does not affect the legality of carry.

No Permit Requirements

Unlike firearms, knives in Tennessee do not require a permit for concealed carry. You do not need to apply for permission, complete a training course, or notify any government body. Carrying a knife is unrestricted for anyone without criminal intent.

State Preemption: Why Local Laws Cannot Override State Rules

In 2013, Tennessee enacted knife law preemption under Tennessee Code Section 39-17-1314(f). This provision prevents cities, counties, and metropolitan governments from creating their own knife regulations. The language states: “It is the intent of the general assembly that this part is preemptive with respect to the transfer, ownership, possession, or transportation of knives.”

Before preemption, dozens of local knife restrictions existed across Tennessee. Nashville and Memphis, the two largest cities, both had their own rules. Preemption eliminated those local ordinances and blocked future attempts to create new ones.

Statewide uniformity applies. The rules in Knoxville are identical to the regulations in Chattanooga, Johnson City, or any rural county. You do not need to research local ordinances when traveling within the state.

Restricted Locations: Where Knives Are Prohibited

Tennessee permits knife carry almost everywhere. State law prohibits carrying knives in specific locations. Schools are the primary restriction.

School Grounds

Under Tennessee Code Section 39-17-1309(b), possessing any knife on school property is prohibited. This applies to:

• Public elementary, middle, and high schools

• Private K-12 schools

• Universities and colleges

• School buses

• School-sponsored events on school grounds

The restriction covers students, staff, and visitors. A violation is classified as a Class E felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and fines of up to $3,000.

The Voting Exception

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation in 2023 that created a narrow exception to the prohibition on school grounds. Adults who are not students may carry a concealed pocket knife on school property when they are there solely to vote in an election. The knife must remain concealed and cannot be handled during voting.

The law defines “pocket knife” as a knife with one or more blades that fold or collapse into an attached handle and can fit inside a pocket when closed. This exception does not apply to fixed-blade knives and does not permit handling or display of knives on school property.

Other Restricted Areas

Beyond schools, Tennessee restricts knife possession in certain government buildings and properties that post specific prohibitions. Private property owners may also prohibit knives on their premises. Entering such areas with a knife may result in trespassing charges or other penalties depending on the circumstances.

Penalties for Criminal Knife Use

Owning and carrying a knife is legal in Tennessee. Using one to commit a crime, or carrying it with the intent to harm, can result in severe penalties. Tennessee Code Section 39-17-1307 addresses unlawful possession and use of weapons.

Subsection (d) covers any “deadly weapon other than a firearm.” Knives qualify when used or intended for use in a criminal manner. A violation under this provision is a Class E felony with the following potential penalties:

• Imprisonment: Up to 6 years

• Fine: Up to $3,000, doubled to $6,000 if the weapon is a switchblade

Intent determines the distinction between lawful carry and criminal possession. Carrying a knife for utility, self-defense preparation, or hobby purposes is lawful. Carrying a knife with the specific intent to use it unlawfully against another person is a felony.

Manufacturer and Seller Protections: 2025 Update

Governor Lee signed Knife Rights-supported Senate Bill 1360 into law, effective July 1, 2025. This legislation extends existing firearm manufacturer liability protections to cover knives, saps, and other bladed or blunt-impact defensive weapons.

The bill shields manufacturers, distributors, sellers, and those who transfer these products from liability for actions committed by third parties using the products. This protection mirrors existing provisions for firearm manufacturers.

This legislation does not change carry or possession rules for knife owners. It affects the business and liability sides of the knife market in the state.

Practical Considerations for Everyday Carry

Tennessee’s permissive knife laws create straightforward conditions for those who carry knives daily. Here are the practical takeaways:

What you can do:

• Carry any knife type without a permit.

• Carry openly or concealed without legal distinction.

• Carry any blade length.

• Travel throughout the state without researching local ordinances.

What you should avoid:

• Carrying any knife onto school property, except pocket knives, when voting.

• Entering posted properties with prohibited items.

• Carrying with the intent to harm or intimidate.

What to keep in mind:

• Intent matters in Tennessee law.

• Criminal use elevates penalties substantially.

• School violations result in felony charges.

• Using a switchblade in a crime carries doubled fines.

Final Thoughts on Tennessee Knife Laws

Tennessee removed type restrictions, blade-length limits, and carry distinctions, while preventing local governments from imposing their own rules. Knife owners have a predictable legal environment across the entire state.

The remaining restrictions are narrow and location-based, primarily affecting schools. Criminal misuse carries severe penalties, particularly for switchblades, but lawful possession and carry face no meaningful barriers.

If you carry a quality folder, a fixed blade, or an automatic knife in Tennessee, the law gives you wide latitude. Stay off school grounds, comply with posted restrictions, and avoid criminal intent.