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Louis Martin Custom Knives

Reviewed September 2026

Iowa Knife Laws

In Iowa, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Since a 2021 rewrite of the carry statute, knife carry (open or concealed) is broadly legal; dangerous-weapon charges attach to criminal use. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives are legal to own and carry.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Since a 2021 rewrite of the carry statute, knife carry (open or concealed) is broadly legal; dangerous-weapon charges attach to criminal use.

Local Ordinances

Iowa has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Blades over 5 inches still meet the dangerous-weapon definition for other statutes.

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: Iowa Code §§702.7, 724.4A, 724.28

Iowa classifies any knife with a blade longer than 5 inches as a dangerous weapon, and names daggers, razors, stilettos, and switchblades as dangerous weapons regardless of length. Merely owning a ballistic knife is a felony punishable by up to five years and a $750 to $7,500 fine, and offenses in weapons-free zones under §724.4A draw twice the otherwise applicable maximum fine. Statewide preemption is codified in §724.28.

Iowa Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Iowa?
Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Iowa. Automatic knives are legal to own and carry. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.
Are butterfly knives legal in Iowa?
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Iowa. Butterfly knives are legal.
Is it legal to carry a knife in Iowa?
Generally yes, within limits: Since a 2021 rewrite of the carry statute, knife carry (open or concealed) is broadly legal; dangerous-weapon charges attach to criminal use. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.
What size knife can you legally carry in Iowa?
Iowa has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Blades over 5 inches still meet the dangerous-weapon definition for other statutes.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, Wisconsin.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Iowa

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Iowa. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.