Reviewed September 2026

Mississippi Knife Laws

In Mississippi, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, and switchblades is restricted without a permit, with broad exemptions (hunting, sport, in-vehicle). There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives are legal.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, and switchblades is restricted without a permit, with broad exemptions (hunting, sport, in-vehicle).

Local Ordinances

Mississippi has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. The in-vehicle and sporting exemptions cover most everyday situations.

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: Miss. Code Ann. §§97-37-1, 97-37-5

A first conviction for concealed carry of a bowie knife, dirk, butcher knife, or switchblade under §97-37-1 carries a fine of $100 to $500 and up to six months in jail. In Summerall v. State, 41 So.3d 729 (2010), the Court of Appeals reversed a felon-in-possession conviction, holding a four-inch drop point hunting knife is not a dirk because a dirk must taper to a point and be designed primarily for stabbing. Article 3, Section 12 of the Mississippi Constitution reserves concealed-weapon regulation to the legislature and protects open carry.

Mississippi Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Mississippi?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Mississippi. Automatic knives are legal. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Mississippi?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Mississippi. Butterfly knives are legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Mississippi?

Generally yes, within limits: Concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, and switchblades is restricted without a permit, with broad exemptions (hunting, sport, in-vehicle). Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Mississippi?

Mississippi has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. The in-vehicle and sporting exemptions cover most everyday situations.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Mississippi

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