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Louis Martin Custom Knives

Reviewed September 2026

New Mexico Knife Laws

In New Mexico, switchblades are prohibited and butterfly knives are prohibited. Concealed carry of any "deadly weapon" (including many knives) is prohibited; open carry is generally legal. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Prohibited

Switchblades are prohibited.

Butterfly Knives: Prohibited

Case law treats balisongs as switchblades.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of any "deadly weapon" (including many knives) is prohibited; open carry is generally legal.

Local Ordinances

New Mexico has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. The concealed deadly-weapon statute is broad; open carry is the safe route.

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.M. Stat. §§30-7-2, 30-7-8, 30-7-2.1

Concealed carry and switchblade violations are petty misdemeanors (up to 6 months and $500), while carrying on school premises is a fourth-degree felony. In State v. Riddall (1991), the court held that butterfly knives fall within the switchblade prohibition, while State v. Nick (2009) required proof of intent to carry a pocketknife as a weapon. Courts have not resolved the tension between §30-7-8's broad switchblade possession ban and §30-7-2's allowances for carry at home and in private vehicles.

New Mexico Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in New Mexico?
Switchblades (automatic knives) are prohibited in New Mexico. Switchblades are prohibited. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.
Are butterfly knives legal in New Mexico?
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are prohibited in New Mexico. Case law treats balisongs as switchblades.
Is it legal to carry a knife in New Mexico?
Generally yes, within limits: Concealed carry of any "deadly weapon" (including many knives) is prohibited; open carry is generally legal. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.
What size knife can you legally carry in New Mexico?
New Mexico has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. The concealed deadly-weapon statute is broad; open carry is the safe route.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to New Mexico

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