Reviewed September 2026

Pennsylvania Knife Laws

In Pennsylvania, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. No general length limit; carrying any knife with intent to harm remains a crime. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives were removed from the prohibited offensive weapons list in January 2023.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

No general length limit; carrying any knife with intent to harm remains a crime.

Local Ordinances

Pennsylvania has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Philadelphia's local knife-carry ban was declared unenforceable by a federal court in 2023.

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: 18 Pa.C.S.A. §§907, 908, 912

Effective January 3, 2023, Pennsylvania removed automatic knives from the §908 prohibited offensive weapons list. Philadelphia's ordinance 10-820 bans cutting weapons on public streets, but a 2023 federal settlement in Knife Rights v. Philadelphia rendered it unenforceable. Section 912 prohibits any knife on K-12 school property, public or private, and §907 requires proof of criminal intent, so concealment alone is not enough to convict.

Pennsylvania Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Pennsylvania?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Pennsylvania. Automatic knives were removed from the prohibited offensive weapons list in January 2023. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Pennsylvania?

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

Is it legal to carry a knife in Pennsylvania?

Generally yes, within limits: No general length limit; carrying any knife with intent to harm remains a crime. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Philadelphia's local knife-carry ban was declared unenforceable by a federal court in 2023.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, West Virginia.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Pennsylvania

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