Reviewed September 2026
South Carolina Knife Laws
In South Carolina, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. No statewide length limit; carrying with intent to commit a crime is the offense. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.
Automatic knives are legal.
Butterfly knives are legal.
No statewide length limit; carrying with intent to commit a crime is the offense.
South Carolina has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Some municipalities restrict blades over 3 inches; check local rules.
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: S.C. Code §§16-23-460, 16-23-430, 16-23-490
State law permits concealed carry of dirks, knives, and razors unless used with intent to commit a crime, and §16-23-490 adds punishment for possessing a knife during a violent crime. Knives with blades over 2 inches are prohibited on elementary and secondary school property. Preemption rests on Article 8, Section 14 of the state constitution, and the Attorney General has concluded that older knife ordinances in Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville violate it.
South Carolina Knife Law FAQ
Are switchblades legal in South Carolina?
Are butterfly knives legal in South Carolina?
Is it legal to carry a knife in South Carolina?
What size knife can you legally carry in South Carolina?
Traveling Through?
Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Georgia, North Carolina.
Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to South Carolina
Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in South Carolina. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.