Massachusetts Knife Laws

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: M.G.L. ch. 269, §§10(b), 10(j), 12

Carrying a knife restricted under 269 §10(b), such as a stiletto, dagger, or double-edged knife, is punishable by two and one-half to five years in state prison or six months to two and one-half years in a jail or house of correction, though a court may instead impose a fine of up to $50 or up to two and one-half years in jail on someone with no prior felony conviction. On August 27, 2024, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled the ban on carrying switchblades violates the Second Amendment right to bear arms. A statutory oddity also prohibits devices that let a locking-blade knife be drawn already locked, language aimed at quick-draw sheaths, and there is no statewide preemption.

Checked Against the Statute Text

• •Carrying a firearm or other dangerous weapon in any building or on the grounds of a school, college, or university, including student transport, without written authorization is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 2 years of imprisonment, or both. (M.G.L. c. 269, §10(j))
• •The text of §12 still penalizes making or selling dirk knives, switch knives, automatic knives with blades over 1.5 inches, and ballistic knives, with a fine of $50 to $1,000 or imprisonment for up to six months. (M.G.L. c. 269, §12)

The FAQ answers below include statute details from these sources:

• Carrying a knife: M.G.L. c. 269, §10(b)

Each fact linked above, including those in the FAQ answers, was checked against the official statute or code text on October 13, 2026. General information, not legal advice.