Reviewed September 2026

West Virginia Knife Laws

In West Virginia, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Adults 21+ may carry concealed deadly weapons without a license. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Legalized in 2016.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Adults 21+ may carry concealed deadly weapons without a license.

Local Ordinances

West Virginia has statewide preemption: cities and counties cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state. Knife-law preemption took effect in 2020; no knife type is prohibited.

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: W. Va. Code §§61-7-2, 61-7-3, 61-7-11a

West Virginia enacted statewide knife preemption effective May 31, 2020, overriding a patchwork of common municipal ordinances. The definitions statute uses a 3.5-inch blade threshold for daggers, dirks, stilettos, and pocket knives. Possessing a deadly weapon on school or court premises is a felony carrying 2 to 10 years and fines up to $5,000, while concealed carry violations by 18-to-20-year-olds are misdemeanors.

West Virginia Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in West Virginia?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in West Virginia. Legalized in 2016. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in West Virginia?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in West Virginia. Butterfly knives are legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in West Virginia?

Generally yes, within limits: Adults 21+ may carry concealed deadly weapons without a license. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in West Virginia?

West Virginia has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Knife-law preemption took effect in 2020; no knife type is prohibited.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to West Virginia

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in West 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.