Reviewed September 2026

New Jersey Knife Laws

In New Jersey, switchblades are prohibited and butterfly knives are prohibited. Carrying any weapon without a lawful purpose is chargeable; treat NJ as the most restrictive knife state. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Prohibited

Switchblades are prohibited without an "explainable lawful purpose," which courts read narrowly.

Butterfly Knives: Prohibited

Balisongs are treated as prohibited gravity knives.

Concealed Carry

Carrying any weapon without a lawful purpose is chargeable; treat NJ as the most restrictive knife state.

Local Ordinances

New Jersey has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Even possession at home of listed knives has been prosecuted; extreme caution advised.

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: N.J. Stat. §§2C:39-3, 2C:39-4, 2C:39-5

Violations of 2C:39-3 and 2C:39-5 are fourth-degree crimes (up to 18 months and a $10,000 fine), while 2C:39-4 possession for unlawful purposes is a third-degree crime carrying 3 to 5 years. In State v. Montalvo (2017), the court held that possessing a weapon for self-defense inside one's own home is an explainable lawful purpose, a protection that does not extend outside the home. New Jersey has no statewide preemption, so municipalities such as Camden add their own restrictions.

New Jersey Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in New Jersey?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are prohibited in New Jersey. Switchblades are prohibited without an "explainable lawful purpose," which courts read narrowly. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in New Jersey?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are prohibited in New Jersey. Balisongs are treated as prohibited gravity knives.

Is it legal to carry a knife in New Jersey?

Generally yes, within limits: Carrying any weapon without a lawful purpose is chargeable; treat NJ as the most restrictive knife state. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in New Jersey?

New Jersey has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Even possession at home of listed knives has been prosecuted; extreme caution advised.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to New Jersey

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