- Pocket knives—specifically defined in Maryland as “penknives,” meaning any knife with a blade that folds into the handle—are generally legal to own and carry, both openly and concealed, provided they are not switchblades or spring-activated knives.
- There is no statewide blade length restriction for pocket knives under Maryland law, but some local jurisdictions may impose their own limits.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
| Type of Knife | Open Carry | Concealed Carry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary pocket knife/penknife (manual folding) | Legal | Legal | Must not be a switchblade or spring-activated |
| Switchblade/automatic knife | Open only* | Illegal | Concealed carry requires a special permit |
| Fixed blade (e.g., Bowie, dagger) | Legal | Illegal | Concealed carry prohibited; open carry allowed if no intent to harm |
*Automatic knives are generally banned for concealed carry, but may be carried openly with a permit in some circumstances.
Intent Matters
- Intent to use as a weapon: Carrying any knife (including a pocket knife) with the intent to injure or as a weapon is illegal. Defensive carry or carrying to deter an aggressor is also considered unlawful intent under Maryland law.
- Lawful purposes: Carrying a pocket knife for utility, work, or daily chores is generally permitted.
Prohibited Locations
- Schools: Possession of any knife on public school property is strictly prohibited.
- Certain public buildings: Courthouses, airports, prisons, and some government buildings may ban all knives regardless of type or purpose.
Local Ordinances
- No statewide preemption: Maryland does not have statewide preemption for knife laws, meaning cities and counties can set stricter rules than the state.
- Baltimore and Ocean City: These cities have specific ordinances, such as stricter bans on switchblades or blade length limits. Always check local laws before carrying a knife in a new area.
Minors
- Restrictions for minors: In certain non-rural counties, minors may not carry dangerous weapons—including knives—between one hour after sunset and one hour before sunrise, except for specific activities like hunting.
Summary Table: Pocket Knife Law in Maryland
| Legal Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knife (penknife) | Legal to carry openly or concealed, unless local law prohibits |
| Switchblade/automatic knife | Illegal to conceal; open carry may require permit |
| Fixed blade knife | Open carry legal; concealed carry illegal |
| Blade length restriction | No statewide limit, but local ordinances may apply |
| Intent to use as weapon | Illegal to carry any knife with intent to injure or for self-defense |
| Schools/public buildings | Knives prohibited in schools and some public buildings |
| Local laws | May be stricter than state law; always check local ordinances |
- Ordinary pocket knives (manual folding, non-automatic) are generally legal to carry in Maryland, both openly and concealed, except where local laws or specific location bans apply.
- Switchblades, automatic knives, and gravity knives are heavily restricted, especially for concealed carry.
- Intent and location are crucial: carrying with intent to harm or in prohibited places is illegal.
- Always check local ordinances before carrying a knife, as Maryland allows cities and counties to enact their own stricter rules.
Violating Maryland’s knife laws can result in fines or imprisonment, so careful compliance is essential.
Sources
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-maryland-navigating-legal-carry-and-restrictions/
- http://weaponlaws.wikidot.com/maryland-knife-laws
- https://www.reddit.com/r/knives/comments/1d3btu3/law_on_size_of_knife_allowed_to_cary_in_md_more/
- https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/maryland-law-on-fixed-blades.1774546/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/maryland/