Delaware legalized switchblades and other automatic knives on July 30, 2025, ending a 72-year ban, and now allows residents to carry most knife types openly and many concealed. The key change is that an “ordinary pocketknife” is now defined as any knife with a blade of 3.75 inches or less, which can be carried concealed without a license.
Switchblades Are Now Legal to Own and Carry
Senate Bill 108 (SB 108), effective July 2025, repealed the old prohibition on selling or possessing switchblades, making automatic knives fully legal to own, sell, and carry in Delaware. A switchblade with a blade of 3.75 inches or less qualifies as an “ordinary pocketknife,” while larger switchblades require a concealed carry license if carried concealed.
Open Carry Is Legal With No Blade Length Limit
Open carry of knives is legal in Delaware, and no statute prohibits openly carrying a knife of any type or length. There is no blade length restriction for open carry, so you may openly carry large fixed-blade knives, Bowie knives, dirks, daggers, and butterfly knives without a license.
Concealed Carry Is Limited by Blade Length and Knife Type
The 3.75-inch threshold distinguishes an “ordinary pocketknife” (can carry concealed without a license) from a “deadly weapon” (requires a concealed carry license for concealed carry). This limit was increased from 3 inches by SB 108, and the word “folding” was removed, so the exception now covers all knife types, not just folding knives.
To conceal carry any knife with a blade longer than 3.75 inches, or any knife classified as a deadly weapon, you must have a valid concealed deadly weapon license. It is illegal to concealed carry dirks, Bowie knives, ballistic knives, machetes, razors, throwing stars, or “any weapon of like kind” without a license.
All Common Knife Types Are Legal to Own
You can legally own:
- Large fixed-blade knives like Bowie knives
- All dirks and daggers
- All folding knives
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- Switchblades and automatic knives
- Assisted-opening knives
Knives That Remain Illegal or Restricted
- Undetectable knives: Knives not detectable by metal detectors are a Class G felony under § 1446A and may not be possessed at all.
- Knuckles-combination knives: Knives combined with knuckle rings are a Class B misdemeanor under § 1452 and are prohibited.
- Throwing stars / martial stars: These are illegal to own in Delaware.
- Ballistic knives: No specific state ban, but likely classified as a “deadly weapon” requiring a concealed carry license; federal law also restricts manufacture and sale.
No Statewide Preemption, So Local Rules May Apply
Delaware does not have statewide preemption of knife laws, so local municipalities may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. This means some cities or towns could have stricter rules about where or how you can carry knives.
Knives Are Prohibited in Schools and Safe Zones
No deadly weapon may be carried in a safe school or recreation zone under Delaware law. Carrying a knife classified as a deadly weapon on school property is prohibited under § 1457.
Quick Reference: Delaware Knife Rights Summary
Always check local ordinances in your city or town, carry knives responsibly, and avoid classified “deadly weapons” in schools or restricted zones.
SOURCES :
- https://knifeinformer.com/state-knife-laws/delaware/
- https://congressionalsportsmen.org/news/delaware-introduces-pro-sportsmen-knife-legislation/
