- Legal to Own and Carry:
Pocket knives, multitools, Swiss Army knives, and kitchen knives are generally legal to own and carry in Massachusetts, provided they are not used in a threatening or harmful manner. - No Statewide Age Restriction:
There are no statewide age restrictions for carrying legal knives. However, some localities, such as Boston and Cambridge, have additional rules (e.g., Boston prohibits the sale of knives with blades over two inches to individuals under 18).
Recent Legal Changes: Switchblades and Automatic Knives
- Switchblades Now Legal:
As of an August 2024 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court decision, the ban on carrying switchblade (automatic) knives was ruled unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. Residents can now legally purchase, carry, and use automatic knives with blades over 1.5 inches, subject to other restrictions. - Previous Restrictions:
Before this ruling, carrying automatic knives with blades longer than 1.5 inches was prohibited.
Location-Based Restrictions
- Schools and Government Buildings:
Carrying any knife—including pocket knives—is strictly prohibited in schools (including areas within 300 feet of a school), government buildings, and courthouses, unless you have written authorization from the relevant authority. - No Statewide Preemption:
Local cities and towns may have their own knife ordinances, so always check local laws, especially in cities like Boston and Cambridge.
Types and Features of Restricted Knives
- Double-Edged, Daggers, and Stilettos:
Carrying double-edged knives, daggers, stilettos, and similar “dangerous weapons” is generally prohibited. - Locking Blade Devices:
Massachusetts prohibits carrying devices that allow a knife with a locking blade to be drawn in the locked position. This was originally aimed at “quick-draw” sheaths but has sometimes been interpreted more broadly. - Intent and Use:
Any knife, including a pocket knife, becomes illegal if carried or used with the intent to harm, intimidate, or threaten others.
Open vs. Concealed Carry
- Open Carry:
Generally permitted for legal knives, but carrying large or intimidating knives openly in public may be considered a breach of the peace if perceived as threatening. - Concealed Carry:
Stricter rules apply. Concealed carry of any knife considered a “dangerous weapon” or with intent to use unlawfully is illegal.
Penalties for Violations
- Criminal Charges:
Possession or use of illegal knives, or carrying knives in prohibited locations, can result in misdemeanor charges, fines, or imprisonment. Repeat offenses may lead to harsher penalties.
Table: Pocket Knife Legality in Massachusetts
| Aspect | Legal Status / Rule |
|---|---|
| Pocket knives | Legal to own and carry if not used threateningly |
| Switchblades/automatics | Legal as of August 2024 court ruling, but not in schools/government buildings |
| Double-edged knives | Generally prohibited for carry |
| Schools/government | Knives of any kind prohibited without written authorization |
| Open carry | Permitted, but may be considered threatening if knife is large or displayed aggressively |
| Concealed carry | Illegal for “dangerous weapons” or with unlawful intent |
| Local ordinances | May impose stricter rules, especially in Boston and Cambridge |
| Age restrictions | No statewide rule, but some cities restrict sales to minors |
Key Takeaways
- Pocket knives are generally legal in Massachusetts, but there are important restrictions—especially regarding location, intent, and certain knife types.
- Recent legal changes have made automatic knives (switchblades) legal, but always check for local ordinances and avoid carrying knives in schools or government buildings.
- Carrying any knife in a threatening manner, or with intent to harm, is illegal regardless of type.
Sources
- https://www.shieldon.net/massachusetts-knife-laws-comprehensive-legal-guide/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/massachusetts/
- https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/massachusetts-knife-law-update-switchblades-now-legal
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/massachusetts-knife-laws/
- https://ravencresttactical.com/massachusetts-knife-laws/