Maine’s legal landscape regarding pocket knives is generally permissive, but there are important restrictions and nuances to be aware of. Most pocket knives are legal to own and possess, including folding knives, utility knives, hunting knives, and even automatic knives (commonly called switchblades), as the prohibition on automatic knives was repealed in 2015.
Ownership Rules: All Common Knife Types Are Legal
Maine has no statewide prohibition on owning any knife type. Legal knives include:
- Pocket knives (folding and utility)
- Hunting knives
- Bowie knives, dirks, and stilettos
- Fixed-blade knives (single-edged and double-edged)
- Machetes, swords, sword canes
- Throwing stars and throwing knives
- Belt knives and disguised knives
- All automatic/switchblade knives (repealed in 2015)
There are no statewide restrictions on blade length for pocket knives. The law does not specify a maximum blade length for knives carried either openly or concealed, with one exception: gravity knives or switchblades carried by one-armed individuals must have a blade shorter than three inches.
Open Carry Is Legal for All Knives
Open carry of knives is generally allowed throughout Maine, including pocket knives and most other types. No statute prohibits open carry of any knife type. However, displaying a knife in a threatening manner is prohibited and can result in criminal charges. This applies to all knives, not just those considered dangerous or deadly.
Concealed Carry Restrictions: The Key Legal Distinction
What You Can Conceal Carry
What You Cannot Conceal Carry
Concealed carry of “bowie knife, dirk, stiletto, or other dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person” is illegal without exception. Making no reference to knife length, this law is generally interpreted as chiefly exempting regular folding pocket knives from the concealed carry ban.
Restricted Locations
- Schools: Knives are generally prohibited on school premises under district rules
- Court Facilities: Carrying knives in court facilities is prohibited by judicial order
Local Ordinances May Be Stricter
No statewide preemption: Local governments (e.g., Augusta, Bangor, Lewiston) may enact their own knife laws, so individuals must check local ordinances for additional restrictions.
Penalties for Violations
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Concealed carry of restricted knife | Class D crime: up to 1 year jail, $2,000 fine |
| Threatening display of a knife | Class D crime: up to 1 year jail, $2,000 fine |
Bottom Line
Maine allows ownership of all knife types with no blade length limits, permits open carry of all knives (no threatening display), and allows concealed carry of ordinary pocket knives and utility knives. The main restriction is that concealed carry of Bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, and other knives “usually employed in attack or defense” is a Class D crime. Always check local ordinances, as cities may have stricter rules.
SOURCES :
- https://www.dot-news.org/articles/madison-news-dane-county-loc
- https://www.knifeden.com/knife-laws-in-maine/
