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.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives are legal.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

No statewide length limit; carrying with intent to commit a crime is the offense.

Local Ordinances

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?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in South Carolina. Automatic knives are legal. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in South Carolina?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in South Carolina. Butterfly knives are legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in South Carolina?

Generally yes, within limits: No statewide length limit; carrying with intent to commit a crime is the offense. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in South Carolina?

South Carolina has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Some municipalities restrict blades over 3 inches; check local rules.

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.