New York Knife Laws: Which Knives Are Legal to Carry in NY in 2026
Short answerPartly. You can legally carry an ordinary folding or fixed-blade knife in New York State, but Penal Law § 265.01(1) bans switchblades and other automatic knives, and § 265.01(2) covers daggers and similar knives carried with unlawful intent. Gravity knives have been legal since May 30, 2019.
Last verified: October 29, 2026 against Penal Law §§ 265.00, 265.01, 265.05, 265.10, 265.15 and 265.20, Chapter 34 of the Laws of 2019 and NYC Administrative Code § 10-133
New York knife laws are not a simple yes or no. The state does not set a blade length limit for ordinary knives, yet it bans several specific types outright and treats others as weapons when you carry them to hurt someone. New York City adds its own rule on large knives in public. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Key facts
- Banned to possess: switchblade knives, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives and cane swords. This is a class A misdemeanor under
Penal Law § 265.01(1). - Banned with unlawful intent: daggers, dangerous knives, dirks, machetes, razors, stilettos and undetectable knives under
§ 265.01(2). - Gravity knives: removed from the ban by Chapter 34 of the Laws of 2019.
- Blade length: we found no statewide limit in the Penal Law.
- New York City: carrying a knife with a blade of four inches or more in public is barred by Administrative Code § 10-133.
- Minors: anyone under 16 cannot possess a dangerous knife under
Penal Law § 265.05.
Is it legal to carry a knife under New York knife laws?
Yes, for most everyday knives. Penal Law Article 265 does not ban pocket knives, kitchen knives, hunting knives or folding knives by name. Carrying one becomes a crime only when it falls on the banned list or when you carry it with intent to use it unlawfully against another person.
What knives are illegal in New York State?
Two groups of knives are covered, and the difference is whether intent matters.
| Knife | Statute | What the law requires |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblade (blade opens automatically from a button, spring or other device in the handle) | § 265.00(4), § 265.01(1) | Possession alone is a class A misdemeanor |
| Pilum ballistic knife (blade projected from the handle) | § 265.00(5-a), § 265.01(1) | Possession alone is a class A misdemeanor |
| Metal knuckle knife (works as both knuckles and a knife) | § 265.00(5-b), § 265.01(1) | Possession alone is a class A misdemeanor |
| Cane sword (blade hidden in a cane) | § 265.00(13), § 265.01(1) | Possession alone is a class A misdemeanor |
| Dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, machete, razor, stiletto, undetectable knife | § 265.01(2) | Crime only if you possess it with intent to use it unlawfully against another |
| Throwing stars (shuriken) | § 265.01(1) | Possession alone is a class A misdemeanor |
A class A misdemeanor carries a jail term of up to 364 days under Penal Law § 70.15.
Are gravity knives legal in NY?
Yes, since 2019. Chapter 34 of the Laws of 2019 was signed May 30, 2019 and took effect immediately. It removed “gravity knife” from the automatic knife definition in § 265.00(5-c) and from the weapons list in § 265.01(1).
Are automatic knives legal in NY?
Automatic knives are not legal to own. The Penal Law defines a switchblade as a knife whose blade opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle.
There are narrow exceptions. Penal Law § 265.20 lets a person with a valid hunting, trapping or fishing license possess a switchblade while doing those activities, and it exempts cutlery and knife museums for automatic knives.
Are pocket knives legal in NY, and are machetes illegal?
Pocket knives are legal. Machetes are listed in § 265.01(2), but you commit the offense only if you possess one with intent to use it unlawfully against another person. Carrying a machete to clear brush or cut firewood is not that.
Under Penal Law § 265.15(4), possessing a dagger, dirk, stiletto, dangerous knife or other weapon designed or adapted primarily as a weapon is presumptive evidence of unlawful intent.
Can you buy or sell banned knives?
No. Penal Law § 265.10 makes it a class A misdemeanor to manufacture a switchblade, pilum ballistic knife, metal knuckle knife or undetectable knife. Disposing of weapons listed in § 265.01(1) is also a class A misdemeanor, and it becomes a class D felony if the person has a prior conviction.
New York City knife rules
New York City follows the state ban and adds a city rule. Under Administrative Code § 10-133, it is unlawful to carry or possess a knife with a blade length of four inches or more in a public place, street or park. It is also unlawful to wear a knife outside your clothing or carry one in open view, unless you are using it for a lawful purpose listed in the code.
Exceptions include police and peace officers, on-duty EMTs, and people using knives for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or work that customarily requires them. A violation is punishable by a fine of up to $300, up to 15 days in jail, or both.
Upstate versus the city: outside New York City, we found no county or state rule that sets a blade length limit. The state list in Penal Law Article 265 applies everywhere, including Buffalo, Rochester, Albany and Long Island.
Myths versus facts
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| New York bans all knives over 3 inches. | The Penal Law has no statewide blade length limit. Only New York City sets a four-inch limit, in public places. |
| Gravity knives are still illegal in New York. | They were removed from the ban on May 30, 2019. |
| Carrying any machete is a crime. | The offense requires intent to use it unlawfully against another person. |
What to do if you are stopped or charged
Stay calm and do not argue about the law at the scene. A New York criminal defense attorney can challenge whether the knife meets the legal definition and whether intent can be proved.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to carry a knife in NY?
Yes, for an ordinary folding or fixed-blade knife, with limits. Switchblades, metal knuckle knives, pilum ballistic knives and cane swords are banned. In New York City, a blade of four inches or more in public is also barred by Administrative Code § 10-133.
What knives are illegal in New York State?
Switchblades, pilum ballistic knives, metal knuckle knives, cane swords and throwing stars are illegal to possess. Daggers, dangerous knives, dirks, machetes, razors, stilettos and undetectable knives are illegal when carried with unlawful intent against another person.
Are gravity knives legal in NY?
Yes. Chapter 34 of the Laws of 2019 removed gravity knives from the weapons list in Penal Law § 265.01(1) effective May 30, 2019. Carrying one with unlawful intent can still be charged under the dangerous or deadly instrument clause.
Are automatic knives legal in NY?
No. Switchblades and other automatic knives are on the banned list, and possession is a class A misdemeanor. A narrow exception lets licensed hunters, trappers and anglers possess a switchblade while hunting, trapping or fishing.
Are machetes illegal in NY?
Not by themselves. A machete is listed in Penal Law § 265.01(2), but it is a crime only if you possess it with intent to use it unlawfully against another person. Using one for yard work or camping is lawful.
What changed on this page
- October 29, 2026: first publication, checked against the Penal Law sections above, Chapter 34 of the Laws of 2019 and NYC Administrative Code § 10-133. Spotted a mistake? See our corrections page and editorial policy.
If this affects you
If you were stopped or charged, talk to a New York-licensed criminal defense attorney. The New York State Bar Association lawyer referral service can help you find one. For related rules, read our New York gun laws, pepper spray and Penal Law pages, or browse guns, knives and self-defense laws.
