Reviewed September 2026

Virginia Knife Laws

In Virginia, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are restricted. Concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, machetes, and similar listed weapons is prohibited; folders are generally fine. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Possession and sale were legalized in 2022, and switchblades were removed from the concealed-carry ban in 2023.

Butterfly Knives: Restricted

Legal to own; concealed carry of listed weapons remains restricted.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, machetes, and similar listed weapons is prohibited; folders are generally fine.

Local Ordinances

Virginia has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. The listed-weapon concealed ban is the main remaining restriction.

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: Va. Code §§18.2-308, 18.2-308.1, 18.2-282.1

Virginia repealed its switchblade possession and transfer restrictions effective July 1, 2022, and removed switchblades from the concealed carry prohibition as of July 1, 2023. Most knife violations are Class 1 misdemeanors carrying up to one year and a $2,500 fine. In Thompson v. Commonwealth (2009), the state Supreme Court reversed a butterfly knife conviction, holding it was not "substantially similar" to the enumerated weapons and limiting the weapon-of-like-kind catchall; Virginia has no general knife preemption, so localities may add restrictions.

Virginia Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Virginia?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Virginia. Possession and sale were legalized in 2022, and switchblades were removed from the concealed-carry ban in 2023. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Virginia?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are restricted in Virginia. Legal to own; concealed carry of listed weapons remains restricted.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Virginia?

Generally yes, within limits: Concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, machetes, and similar listed weapons is prohibited; folders are generally fine. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Virginia?

Virginia has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. The listed-weapon concealed ban is the main remaining restriction.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Tennessee, West Virginia.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Virginia

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