Indiana has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States, but there are important exceptions and local variations every knife owner should know. Here’s a comprehensive guide to your rights and responsibilities regarding knives in Indiana as of 2025.
What Knives Are Legal in Indiana?
- Most knives are legal: Indiana law allows the ownership, open carry, and concealed carry of nearly all types of knives, including switchblades (automatic knives), folding knives, fixed blades, daggers, balisongs, bowies, assisted openers, and even swords.
- No blade length restrictions: There are no statewide limits on blade length for knives carried either openly or concealed
Prohibited Knives
Despite the general freedom, Indiana law explicitly bans certain types of knives:
- Ballistic knives: These are knives with detachable blades that can be ejected or propelled from the handle. Manufacturing, possessing, selling, or displaying a ballistic knife is a Class B misdemeanor.
- Chinese throwing stars (shuriken): It is illegal to manufacture, possess, sell, or give away these multi-bladed throwing weapons. Violations are a Class C misdemeanor.
Where You Cannot Carry Knives
Even legal knives are restricted in certain locations:
- Schools and school buses: Carrying any knife on school property or school buses is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
- Government buildings and airports: Knives are banned in courthouses, airports, and other government facilities designated as weapon-free zones.
- Local ordinances: Some Indiana cities and towns have their own knife restrictions. For example, in Merrillville, pocket knives with blades longer than two inches are banned, and in some cities, knives are prohibited in public parks. Indiana does not have statewide preemption, so always check local laws before carrying.
Open vs. Concealed Carry
- No restrictions: Indiana law does not distinguish between open and concealed carry of knives. You may carry your knife openly or hidden, except in restricted locations.
- Intent matters: Carrying a knife with the intent to use it unlawfully or as a weapon in a threatening or violent manner is illegal and can result in felony charges.
Other Important Points
- No age restrictions in state law: There are no statewide age limits for carrying knives, but federal laws and local ordinances may impose restrictions.
- Supplying knives: It is illegal to provide a deadly weapon, including knives, to intoxicated persons or habitual drunkards.
- Law enforcement and military: There are no statutory exemptions for police or military personnel regarding ballistic knives or throwing stars.
Penalties for Violations
- Ballistic knives: Class B misdemeanor—up to 180 days in jail and a fine up to $1,000.
- Chinese throwing stars: Class C misdemeanor—up to 60 days in jail and a fine up to $500.
- Knives in schools or prohibited areas: Class B misdemeanor.
- You can legally own and carry most knives in Indiana, openly or concealed.
- Ballistic knives and Chinese throwing stars are strictly prohibited.
- Knives are banned in schools, government buildings, and some localities.
- Always check for local ordinances before carrying a knife in a new area.
- Using a knife in a threatening or violent way is a serious crime.
Sources
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-indiana-understanding-your-rights-and-limits/
- https://www.delewislaw.com/blog/indiana-laws-regarding-knives-and-blades/
- https://edc.ninja/indiana-knife-laws/
- https://ravencresttactical.com/indiana-knife-laws/
- https://www.changeitindiana.org/what-is-indiana-state-law-on-knives