Washington State knife laws balance utility with restrictions on concealment, automatics, and certain locations, with no statewide blade length limits. Adults 21+ can generally carry pocket knives openly or concealed if not furtively, but local rules and intent matter—2026 bills like SB 5098 propose public land bans, pending outcome.
Concealed Carry Rules
RCW 9.41.250 bans furtive concealment of daggers, dirks, or “other dangerous weapons” like fixed-blade knives—a gross misdemeanor (up to 364 days jail, $5,000 fine). Folding pocket knives, bias-toward-closure assisted openers, and small blades evade this if not used threateningly. Spring blade knives (automatics, switchblades, gravity knives) remain prohibited statewide unless for law enforcement/military.
Recent Legislative Changes
SB 5534 (2025 session) aimed to declassify spring blade knives as “dangerous,” but stalled in Senate Rules “X” file by February 2026—no repeal yet. SB 5098 seeks to ban “any knife” possession on millions of acres of public lands/parks, passing Senate but facing House hurdles.
Local Ordinances
No statewide preemption—cities like Seattle, Tacoma, Vancouver ban “dangerous knives” (blades over 3.5 inches) open or concealed. Check municipal codes before urban carry.
Prohibited Places
Knives banned in schools, jails, courts, law enforcement facilities, and liquor establishments (21+ areas). Exceptions for LE, military, and transport to storage.
Key Knife Types Table
| Type | Legal to Carry? |
|---|---|
| Pocket Folder | Yes (open/concealed) |
| Automatic | No statewide |
| Fixed Blade | No concealed if dangerous |
| Multi-tool | Yes |
Age and Penalties
21+ for carry; under 21 risks juvenile charges. Violations: gross misdemeanors, escalating to felonies if used in crimes.
Best Practices
Carry openly when possible, avoid furtive actions, and verify city rules. Monitor Knife Rights for auto repeal updates.
Washington favors practical knives but scrutinizes concealment—stay informed amid 2026 reforms.
SOURCES :
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/washington/
- https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/knife-laws-by-state
