Reviewed September 2026

Oklahoma Knife Laws

In Oklahoma, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. The dagger, bowie, and dirk carry restrictions were repealed in 2016; carry is broadly legal. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Legalized in 2015.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

The dagger, bowie, and dirk carry restrictions were repealed in 2016; carry is broadly legal.

Local Ordinances

Oklahoma has statewide preemption: cities and counties cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state. Schools and certain government buildings remain restricted.

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: Okla. Stat. tit. 21 §§1272, 1280.1

Oklahoma removed automatic knife restrictions in 2015 and eliminated restrictions on additional knife types in 2016. The unlawful carry statute explicitly protects carrying knives for self-defense, hunting, fishing, educational, or recreational purposes. Statewide preemption bars local jurisdictions from imposing stricter knife rules than state law.

Oklahoma Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Oklahoma?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Oklahoma. Legalized in 2015. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Oklahoma?

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

Is it legal to carry a knife in Oklahoma?

Generally yes, within limits: The dagger, bowie, and dirk carry restrictions were repealed in 2016; carry is broadly legal. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Schools and certain government buildings remain restricted.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Texas.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Oklahoma

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