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Louis Martin Custom Knives

Reviewed September 2026

Washington Knife Laws

In Washington, switchblades are prohibited and butterfly knives are legal. Concealed carry of dirks and daggers is prohibited; furtively carrying any weapon is a gross misdemeanor. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Prohibited

Spring-blade (automatic) knives remain prohibited to possess, manufacture, or sell; reform bills have been introduced but have not become law.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal (manual operation).

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of dirks and daggers is prohibited; furtively carrying any weapon is a gross misdemeanor.

Local Ordinances

Washington has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Seattle bans carrying fixed blades in public; no preemption.

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: Wash. Rev. Code §§9.41.250, 9.41.270, 9.41.280

Spring blade knives, including automatics and gravity knives, remain prohibited except for law enforcement, fire, rescue, and military personnel on duty, and violations are gross misdemeanors. In State v. Myles (1995), a 3-inch paring knife qualified as a dangerous weapon based on the circumstances of possession rather than the blade itself. Seattle, Tacoma, and Vancouver each ban carry of any "dangerous knife" with a blade over 3.5 inches, stricter than state law.

Washington Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Washington?
Switchblades (automatic knives) are prohibited in Washington. Spring-blade (automatic) knives remain prohibited to possess, manufacture, or sell; reform bills have been introduced but have not become law. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.
Are butterfly knives legal in Washington?
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Washington. Butterfly knives are legal (manual operation).
Is it legal to carry a knife in Washington?
Generally yes, within limits: Concealed carry of dirks and daggers is prohibited; furtively carrying any weapon is a gross misdemeanor. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.
What size knife can you legally carry in Washington?
Washington has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Seattle bans carrying fixed blades in public; no preemption.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Idaho, Oregon.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Washington

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