Arizona is known for having some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States, offering residents and visitors broad rights regarding the ownership and carrying of knives. However, there are important exceptions and responsibilities to understand to remain compliant with the law.
Definition of a Knife
- Arizona law defines a knife as any cutting instrument with a sharpened or pointed blade, including pocket knives, hunting knives, utility blades, and switchblades.
Who Can Carry Knives and How
- Adults (21+): Anyone 21 or older may openly or concealed carry any type of knife, regardless of blade length or style, anywhere in Arizona except in certain restricted locations.
- Ages 18–20: May openly carry any knife, but concealed carry of anything other than a pocket knife is not permitted.
- Minors: There is no state minimum age to purchase a knife, but minors may only carry pocket knives and are prohibited from possessing knives in certain locations, such as schools.
Open vs. Concealed Carry
- There is no legal distinction between open and concealed carry for those 21 and older; both are permitted for all knife types and sizes.
- For those under 21, only pocket knives may be carried concealed.
Legal Knife Types and Blade Length
- All knife types are legal, including switchblades, balisongs, and large fixed-blade knives.
- There are no restrictions on blade length for any knife, including switchblades.
- Pocket knives (typically folding knives with blades under 4 inches) can be carried by individuals of any age.
Location-Based Restrictions
Carrying knives is prohibited in the following places, regardless of age:
- School grounds (including K-12 and college campuses)
- Government buildings and courtrooms
- Secured areas of airports
- Nuclear and hydroelectric generating stations
- Polling places on election day
- Private property where knives are specifically prohibited by the owner
Statewide Preemption
- Arizona state law preempts all local knife ordinances, meaning cities and counties cannot enact more restrictive knife laws than those at the state level.
- Any local rules that are more restrictive than state law are null and void.
Duty to Disclose to Law Enforcement
- If stopped by law enforcement while carrying any knife other than a pocket knife, you must disclose that you are carrying a knife.
Knives as Weapons
- Knives are generally considered tools under Arizona law. However, if a knife is used or intended to be used as a weapon (e.g., in the commission of a crime), it may be classified as a deadly weapon, which can lead to enhanced criminal charges.
Prohibited Possessors
Certain individuals may not legally possess knives classified as deadly weapons, including:
- Convicted felons whose rights have not been restored
- Individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others
- Those serving time or on probation
- Undocumented or certain nonimmigrant aliens
- Persons found incompetent under court order
Summary Table: Arizona Knife Laws
| Category | Rule |
|---|---|
| Age 21+ | Open/concealed carry of any knife, any length, legal |
| Age 18–20 | Open carry any knife; concealed carry only pocket knives |
| Under 18 | May carry pocket knives; no state minimum purchase age |
| Blade Length | No restrictions |
| Switchblades/Automatics | Legal to own and carry |
| Restricted Locations | Schools, government buildings, airports, polling places, nuclear sites |
| State Preemption | Yes – local laws cannot override state law |
| Duty to Disclose | Must inform law enforcement if carrying non-pocket knife |
| Prohibited Possessors | Felons, certain others barred from deadly weapons |
Key Takeaways
- Arizona’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the country, but strict rules apply in sensitive locations and for certain individuals.
- Always respect private property rules and be aware of your duty to disclose to law enforcement.
- Knives become illegal when used with criminal intent or carried in prohibited locations.
Understanding and following these guidelines will help you exercise your knife rights legally and responsibly in Arizona.
Sources
- https://www.jacksonwhitelaw.com/criminal-defense-law/blog/arizona-knife-laws/
- https://www.belenlawfirm.com/blog/criminal-defense-attorney/arizona-knife-laws/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/arizona-knife-laws/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/arizona/
- https://law.justia.com/codes/arizona/title-13/section-13-3120/