Is It Legal To Carry A Switchblade In Missouri?

When it comes to laws regarding weapons in Missouri, it can be somewhat confusing. Our state's gun laws prohibit several types of firearms, bullets, and projectiles.

When it comes to other weapons, some common nonlethal self-defense options like pepper spray and tasers are legal too. Brass knuckles, however, are not legal. So what about switchblade knives?

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At one time, switchblade knives were illegal in Missouri. However, that law changed in 2012. According to the American Knife and Tool Institute, there are "No forbidden or restricted knives under Missouri state law."

When it comes to switchblades, the American Knife and Tool Institute says in Missouri a switchblade knife, or automatic knife, with a blade four inches or less, is treated the same as a pocket knife in the state.

The Institute goes on to say, "Ordinary pocketknives are largely unrestricted and may be carried concealed." Other bladed, handled instruments are subject to a lot of different location-based restrictions regarding concealed carry laws.

I'm not going to get into a lot of specifics and nuance in the laws here. The Institute gets into a little more detail on its website, and of course, if you have questions about where you can take your switchblade or any other kind of knife, or ways in which you could get in legal trouble brandishing it or using it I'd suggest consulting a lawyer.

Missouri's law, by the way, still "Provides that it is a violation of state law to possess, manufacture, transport, repair, or sell a switchblade in violation of federal law." And there is the Federal Switchblade Act of 1953. Mostly, this law deals with the sale of automatic knives across state lines. The importation of these knives into the United States. And, mailing these knives through the United States Postal Service.

The bottom line, switchblades are legal in Missouri.