Understanding the Legal Landscape of Pocket Knives in Delaware

Delaware’s knife laws are detailed and impose specific restrictions on the ownership, carrying, and use of knives. Here’s an overview:

Key Legal Provisions

Legal Knives

• Pocket knives: Folding knives with blades not exceeding 3 inches are considered “ordinary pocket-knives” and are legal to carry concealed without a permit.
• Fixed blade knives: Large knives like Bowie knives, dirks, and daggers are legal to own but cannot be concealed carried without a permit.
• Butterfly knives: Legal to own but subject to carrying restrictions.

Illegal Knives

• Switchblades and automatic knives: These are unlawful to possess, sell, or transfer.
• Gravity knives and undetectable knives: Also prohibited under Delaware law.
• Knuckle-combination knives and martial stars: Illegal to own or carry.

Carrying Laws

1. Open Carry:
   • Most knives can be openly carried unless they fall under the banned categories (e.g., switchblades).
   • Open carry does not require a permit.
2. Concealed Carry:
   • Only ordinary pocket-knives with blades under 3 inches can be concealed carried without a permit.
   • Concealing any other knife is considered carrying a “deadly weapon” and requires a concealed weapons permit. Violations may result in felony charges.

Restricted Locations

Carrying any knife is prohibited in sensitive areas such as:

• Schools and college campuses
• Public transportation
• State parks
• Government buildings
• Federal properties like airports and post offices.

Minors

It is illegal to sell or transfer deadly weapons, including certain knives, to individuals under 18 years old without parental consent.

Penalties for Violations

Violating Delaware’s knife laws can lead to severe consequences:

• Carrying a concealed deadly weapon without a permit is classified as a felony.
• Threatening or assaulting someone with a knife can result in fines up to $2,300 and imprisonment for one year.

While Delaware allows the open carry of most legal knives, strict regulations govern concealed carry. It is essential to comply with blade length limits for pocket-knives and avoid carrying restricted types of knives like switchblades. Always check local ordinances, as Delaware does not have statewide preemption laws.

Sources:

1. https://edc.ninja/delaware-knife-laws/
2.  https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/delaware-knife-laws-updated-2022
3.  https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/delaware/
4.  https://ravencresttactical.com/delaware-knife-laws/
5. https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/delaware-knife-laws/