Reviewed September 2026
Alaska Knife Laws
In Alaska, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Adults 21+ may carry openly or concealed; tell an officer you are carrying if contacted. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.
Automatic knives are legal; the ban was repealed in 2013.
Butterfly knives are legal.
Adults 21+ may carry openly or concealed; tell an officer you are carrying if contacted.
Alaska has statewide preemption: cities and counties cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state. Statewide preemption since 2013: local governments cannot pass stricter knife rules.
Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.
The Law in Detail
Key statutes: Alaska Stat. §§11.61.200, 11.61.210, 11.61.220
In Liddicoat v. State, 268 P.3d 355 (2011), the Alaska Court of Appeals treated all knives as deadly weapons under state law. Fourth-degree weapons misconduct is a Class A misdemeanor with up to one year in jail and a $10,000 fine, while fifth-degree misconduct is a Class B misdemeanor. Alaska has statewide preemption under §29.35.145, and a quirk of §11.61.220 requires a person carrying a concealed deadly weapon to immediately inform a peace officer on contact.
Alaska Knife Law FAQ
Are switchblades legal in Alaska?
Are butterfly knives legal in Alaska?
Is it legal to carry a knife in Alaska?
What size knife can you legally carry in Alaska?
Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Alaska
Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.