1. Legal Knife Ownership in Georgia
- Most knives are legal to own: Georgia law allows the possession of a wide variety of knives, including pocket knives, Bowie knives, butterfly (balisong) knives, switchblades, daggers, stilettos, throwing knives, and even disguised knives like belt or cane knives.
- No outright forbidden knives: There are no specific types of knives that are completely banned for ownership under Georgia law, except for certain restrictions on ballistic knives.
2. Carrying Knives: Blade Length Matters
| Blade Length | Open Carry (No Permit) | Concealed Carry (No Permit) | Permit Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 inches or less | Legal | Legal | No |
| Over 12 inches | Restricted | Restricted | Yes, with weapons license |
- Knives with blades 12 inches or less: You may carry these openly or concealed anywhere in Georgia without a permit.
- Knives with blades longer than 12 inches: These are considered “weapons” under Georgia law. You may only carry them (openly or concealed) outside your home, property, vehicle, or place of business if you have a valid Georgia weapons carry license or a license from a state with reciprocity.
- Within your home, property, car, or business: You may carry any knife, regardless of blade length, without a permit.
3. Restricted Locations
Carrying any knife-regardless of blade length-is prohibited in certain places:
- Schools and school grounds: No knives with blades over 2 inches are allowed.
- Government buildings, courthouses, jails, mental institutions, places of worship, and other designated locations: Carrying knives is strictly forbidden and can result in serious criminal charges.
4. Preemption and Local Laws
- Statewide preemption: Georgia law preempts local knife ordinances, meaning cities and counties cannot enact knife restrictions stricter than state law. This ensures uniform knife laws across the state.
5. Age Restrictions
- Minors: There are age-based restrictions. Generally, individuals under 18 cannot carry knives, especially those considered weapons (blades over 12 inches). Always verify the most current age-related provisions.
6. Penalties for Violations
- Carrying a knife with a blade over 12 inches without a permit: This is a misdemeanor and can result in up to a year in jail and fines.
- Carrying a knife in a restricted location: This can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances, and may result in significant jail time and loss of firearm rights.
- Using a knife in the commission of a crime: Enhanced penalties apply, potentially resulting in felony charges and lengthy prison sentences.
7. How to Obtain a Weapons Carry License
- Application: Apply through your county probate court.
- Requirements: Submit fingerprints, undergo a background check, and pay the required fees.
- License covers: Knives with blades over 12 inches, as well as firearms.
Table: Knife Laws in Georgia
| Situation | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrying knife ≤12” (open/concealed) | Yes | No permit required |
| Carrying knife >12” (open/concealed) | With permit only | Weapons carry license required |
| Carrying any knife at home/in car/business | Yes | No permit required |
| Carrying knife >2” on school grounds | No | Strictly prohibited |
| Carrying knife in government buildings | No | Strictly prohibited |
| Local knife law stricter than state law | Not enforceable | State law preempts local ordinances |
Key Takeaways
- You can freely own and carry most knives with blades up to 12 inches in Georgia without a permit.
- Knives with blades over 12 inches require a weapons carry license to be carried outside your home, vehicle, or business.
- Never carry knives in schools, government buildings, or other restricted areas.
- Georgia law preempts local knife ordinances, ensuring uniformity statewide.
- Violations can result in serious criminal penalties.
For the most up-to-date and situation-specific guidance, consult the official Georgia Code or a qualified attorney.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/georgia/
[2] https://www.abtlaw.com/criminal-defense/weapon-crimes/knife-charges/
[3] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/georgia-knife-laws/
[4] https://ravencresttactical.com/georgia-knife-laws/
[5] https://edc.ninja/georgia-knife-laws/