Knife Rights

posted on June 26, 2013
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
rackley2015_fs.jpg (5)

While I’ll always believe that a handgun is the best concealed option for self-defense (notice I said concealed option), I’ve been taking a look at knife laws because of a recent discussion with Doug Ritter, chairman of Knife Rights.

In my research I’ve found that knife laws can be even more confusing than gun laws in some areas. Some states have laws that limit the type of knife—fixed versus folding—and even the blade length that can be carried. To make matters worse, cities have jumped into the fray by making their own laws that often conflict with state laws.

My discussion with Ritter revealed that I’ve probably broken a few knife laws over the years, but there is no way I’m going to divulge where those transgressions occurred. Suffice it to say that my research showed that I might have skirted the law with a knife in a state where I was legal to have my .45 on my hip. Does that make any sense?

Thankfully, some states are realizing the ignorance of some of their knife laws, and are working to remedy the situation. If you’ve ever looked into the knife laws of your state, post your knowledge to help others. Who knows I might get the opportunity to visit your state, and I’ll want a knife to come along.

Latest

H&K G36 .22 LR
H&K G36 .22 LR

Review: Heckler & Koch G36 .22 LR

What was once a service rifle for a brave new world all those wasted years ago is now running free as a rimfire option for armed citizens.

Steyr's At Series Handguns: All-Metal & Modular

Designed as a collaboration between Steyr Arms and Arex Defense, the At series of handguns are built on metal frames and have several user-customizable features not seen in other offerings.

The Armed Citizen® March 16, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Teddy Roosevelt Library to Display His Famed A.H. Fox Shotgun

The A.H. Fox F. Grade shotgun that accompanied Roosevelt on his 1909-1910 African safari, and later during his Amazon River expedition, will be on display when the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opens on July 4, 2026.

CZ to Supply Pistols to the German Army

The Bundeswehr has selected a CZ pistol as its new standard-issue sidearm, a move the gun company hails as one of its most significant milestones.

The Lever Action Supreme Rifle: Henry's 21st Century Lever Gun

The Henry Lever Action Supreme Rifle (LASR) is a step away from the company’s traditional-styled lever-actions, providing a number of features that carry the lever gun into the 21st century.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.