Reviewed September 2026
Louisiana Knife Laws
In Louisiana, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Legal to carry; intentional concealment "as a dangerous weapon" can still be charged. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.
The switchblade ban was repealed in 2018.
Butterfly knives are legal.
Legal to carry; intentional concealment "as a dangerous weapon" can still be charged.
Louisiana has statewide preemption: cities and counties cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state. Statewide knife preemption took effect in August 2024.
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: La. R.S. 14:95, 14:95.2
Effective August 1, 2022, Louisiana repealed the ban on intentional concealment of switchblades, an AKTI-initiated reform that wrote the "bias toward closure" concept into R.S. 14:95(4)(b). Statewide preemption followed via SB 194, effective August 1, 2024. Louisiana otherwise imposes no statewide knife-type restrictions or minor-possession bans, though knives remain barred on school property, school buses, and at school functions.
Louisiana Knife Law FAQ
Are switchblades legal in Louisiana?
Are butterfly knives legal in Louisiana?
Is it legal to carry a knife in Louisiana?
What size knife can you legally carry in Louisiana?
Traveling Through?
Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas.
Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Louisiana
Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Louisiana. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.