Idaho’s knife laws are highly permissive, allowing ownership, open, and concealed carry of pocket knives for adults without permits, thanks to constitutional carry under Idaho Code §18-3302. Statewide preemption (HB 620, effective July 2024) prevents local restrictions, making rules uniform.
Blades ≤6 inches are unrestricted; larger qualify as “deadly weapons” but follow the same carry freedoms for eligible adults.
Ownership and Types
All common pocket knives—folding, assisted-opening, switchblades, balisongs—are legal to own. No bans on automatics or mechanisms; federal ballistic knife prohibition applies (15 U.S.C. §1245).
Sales to minors (<18) restricted for dirks, bowies, daggers (§18-3302A); parental consent needed for others.
Carry Rules
Open Carry: Unlimited blade length; plain view exempts from licensing (§18-3302(4)(a)).
Concealed Carry: Constitutional carry for U.S. citizens ≥18, not disqualified (felons, etc.): applies to “deadly weapons” (§18-3302(4)(f)). Blades ≤6″ not “deadly,” fully unrestricted; >6″ legal concealed without permit.
No intent-to-harm exception beyond general assault laws.
Restricted Locations
- Schools: Blades >2.5″ prohibited on K-12 grounds/buses (§18-3302D).
- Courthouses/Jails: Concealed >6″ banned (§18-3302).
- Intoxicated: No concealed deadly weapons (§18-3302B).
Private property at owner discretion.
Knife Types Table
Penalties
School violation: Misdemeanor, up to 1 year/$2,000 fine (§18-3302D).
Concealed without qualification: Felony if prohibited person; otherwise, minimal for knives alone.
Assault with knife: Separate felony (§18-3301).
Recent Reforms
HB 620 (2024) enacted preemption, nullifying local bans (14th state). Constitutional carry expanded post-2020, covering knives explicitly.
No 2025–2026 changes; Idaho ranks top for knife freedom.
Practical Tips
Measure blade tip-to-butt; carry openly in doubt. LE/military exceptions apply. Document lawful use.
SOURCES:
- https://knifeinformer.com/state-knife-laws/idaho/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/are-switchblades-illegal/
