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Louis Martin Custom Knives

Reviewed September 2026

North Carolina Knife Laws

In North Carolina, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Only an "ordinary pocket knife" may be carried concealed; bowies, dirks, and daggers must be carried openly. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Legal to own; carry rules below apply.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Legal to own; concealed carry is restricted.

Concealed Carry

Only an "ordinary pocket knife" may be carried concealed; bowies, dirks, and daggers must be carried openly.

Local Ordinances

North Carolina has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Open carry is broadly legal; the concealed pocket-knife rule is the main line.

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.C. Gen. Stat. §§14-269, 14-269.2, 14-269.6

Carrying a concealed weapon under §14-269(a) is a Class 2 misdemeanor with up to 60 days jail and a $1,000 fine, while educational property violations are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to 120 days. In Matter of Dale B. (1989), the court wrestled with whether a concealed 4.5-inch knife fit the ordinary pocketknife exception, highlighting the statute's ambiguity on size. North Carolina has no statewide preemption, so municipalities may add restrictions.

North Carolina Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in North Carolina?
Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in North Carolina. Legal to own; carry rules below apply. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.
Are butterfly knives legal in North Carolina?
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in North Carolina. Legal to own; concealed carry is restricted.
Is it legal to carry a knife in North Carolina?
Generally yes, within limits: Only an "ordinary pocket knife" may be carried concealed; bowies, dirks, and daggers must be carried openly. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.
What size knife can you legally carry in North Carolina?
North Carolina has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Open carry is broadly legal; the concealed pocket-knife rule is the main line.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to North Carolina

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