Tennessee has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States. As of 2026, residents and visitors can legally own, carry, and purchase virtually any type of knife without blade length restrictions or permits.
All Knife Types Are Legal to Own
Tennessee permits ownership of every knife category without restriction. This includes switchblades, automatic knives, ballistic knives, butterfly knives (Balisongs), daggers, Bowie knives, and assisted-opening knives.
The state repealed its switchblade ban and 4-inch carry limit in 2014, making all blade types fully legal. There are no restrictions on the sale or transfer of any knife type in Tennessee.
No Blade Length Restrictions
Tennessee does not impose any statewide blade-length restrictions on knives. You can legally carry knives with any blade length, whether fixed blade or folding. This is significantly more permissive than many other states that limit blades to 3-4 inches for concealed carry.
Open and Concealed Carry Are Both Legal
Tennessee makes no distinction between open and concealed carry of knives. Concealed carry is “not an issue” under state law, meaning you can carry any knife openly or concealed without a permit. There are also no restrictions distinguishing fixed-blade knives from folding knives.
Statewide Preemption Protects Knife Rights
A critical protection for Tennessee knife owners is statewide preemption under statute § 39-17-1314(f). Only the state legislature can regulate knives—no city, county, or metropolitan government can create local knife restrictions. This preemption was enacted in 2013, repealing dozens of local knife restrictions including those in Tennessee’s two largest cities and preventing future local restrictions.
Key Location Restriction: School Property
The primary restriction on knife carry in Tennessee concerns school property. It is unlawful to possess or carry any knife on school grounds, including public and private schools from kindergarten through university. Violating this law is a Class E felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.
However, the offense requires “intent to go armed”—prosecutors must prove you carried the knife with the purpose of being armed, not merely possessing it. Exceptions exist for law enforcement, school security personnel, and approved knife shows on school property.
Criminal Intent Still Matters
While Tennessee allows unrestricted knife carry, possessing a knife with criminal intent remains illegal. Under § 39-17-1307(d), carrying any deadly weapon (including knives) with intent to use it during a dangerous offense is a Class E felony. The maximum fine doubles to $6,000 if the weapon is a switchblade.
New Liability Protection Takes Effect in 2025
As of July 1, 2025, Tennessee’s new SB1360 law adds knives to the state’s liability protection statute, protecting knife manufacturers and sellers from liability caused by third-party actions. This is the third knife-rights bill supported in Tennessee, following preemption (2013) and switchblade repeal (2014).
Practical Summary
Tennessee knife law is exceptionally favorable to knife owners:
SOURCES:
- https://urbanedc.com/blogs/analog-field-guide/tennessee-knife-laws
- https://midsouthgunlawyer.com/tennessee-weapon-laws/pocket-knives-tn/
