Is It Illegal To Carry A Swiss Army Knife? [Things You Should Know]

Last Updated August 25, 2022

There’s a lot of confusion around what is and isn’t legal to carry, especially when it comes to knives. So, is it illegal to carry a Swiss Army knife?

The Swiss Army knife is one of the most versatile tools you can have, and it’s not just for soldiers. It has a wide range of uses, whether on hiking adventures or everyday use around the house. But with its versatile capabilities also comes some confusion about what is and isn’t legal to carry.

Many people carry a Swiss Army knife because of the multiple tools it provides. However, many people are not aware if it is illegal to carry one or if you can be arrested for carrying a Swiss Army knife.

Here is a related article that might intrest you on Why Are Ka-Bar So Expensive? [Fantastic Guideline Here]

This article will answer several questions regarding this matter and provide information about the legality of carrying this type of pocket knife. We will also examine some safety precautions that can be taken in order to avoid any legal problems while carrying a Swiss Army knife.

5 Things You Need To Know Before Carrying A Swiss Army Knife

There are five main things that you should know before carrying a Swiss Army knife.

1. Is it Legal to Carry One?

In general, it is legal to carry a Swiss Army knife. However, if the knife has a blade that is over three inches long then it is illegal to carry it in certain cities and states. If you are travelling, make sure that there is no knife with a blade longer than three inches in your checked luggage, or you may have problems when going through security.

2. What are the Laws Regarding the Carry of a Swiss Army Knife?

Different states and cities have different laws regarding carrying knives. For example, in New York it is legal to carry any type of knife, while in California it is illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than 2.5 inches. Make sure that you are aware of the knife laws in the state that you are travelling to or living in.

3. What is the Fine or Penalty for Carrying a Swiss Army Knife?

Penalties for carrying a Swiss Army knife vary depending on the state or municipality. However, they are usually small fines and not jail time.

4. Will I Be Arrested for Carrying a Swiss Army Knife?  

If you are carrying a Swiss Army knife, there is a chance that you may be stopped by the police. The main reason for this is because Swiss Army knives are so versatile, so there is a chance that somebody could use them as a weapon. However, the chances of being arrested are slim to none if you have a knife with a blade under three inches.

5. Is my Swiss Army Knife Considered a Deadly Weapon?

It depends on the state or municipality. Some states consider Swiss Army knives to be deadly weapons, while others do not. Some states or cities might also have certain restrictions on what type of Swiss Army knife is legal to carry. Make sure that you are aware of the deadly weapon laws in your state or city.

Also, make sure to check out my post on What Size Knife Is Best For Bushcraft? [All You Need To Know About]

Legal Ways To Carry A Knife Without Breaking The Law

Now that you are aware of the legalities of carrying a Swiss Army knife, let’s look at some of the safest ways to carry this type of knife.

Carry the Knife in Your Pocket

The most common way to carry a Swiss Army knife is in your pocket. This is a very safe way to carry one, however, you should make sure that the knife’s pocket clip is facing your hand so you can quickly grab it in an emergency situation.

Use a Knife Sheath

Another way to carry a Swiss Army knife is by using a sheath. This is especially useful for people who do not feel comfortable putting their Swiss Army knife in their pocket. Just make sure that the sheath is attached to your body in a way that is easily accessible.

Keep the knife in your car

If you are not comfortable carrying the knife in your pocket or sheath, another option is to keep the knife in your car. Make sure to secure it so nobody can see it and get it out as quickly as possible if needed.

Use a Multi-tool That is Legal to Carry

Many people find it practical to carry a multi-tool instead of a Swiss Army knife. Multi-tools do not have a blade that is over three inches, so they are legal to carry in most states.

Just make sure that the multi-tool that you are carrying does not have any other weapons such as a screwdriver or a hammer.

Recommended Our Choice To Carry A Swiss Army Knife

#Victorinox Swiss Army Multi-Tool, SwissChamp Pocket Knife

Our Review:

The Victorinox 1.6795 SwissChamp Pocket Knife is a great choice for those looking for a compact and durable Swiss Army knife. This knife has all the features you’d expect from a Swiss Army knife, but with compact durability.

Its bright red ABS scales are easy to spot in your pocket or bag and the precision-honed sharpened edge is perfect for everyday use.

The multi tool features a corkscrew, a magnifying glass, a disc saw and more. There is even a toothpick and tweezers included with the knife.

This is a great choice for people who want the durability of a traditional Swiss Army knife but in a more compact form.

Conclusion

Even though Swiss Army knives are so versatile and practical, there are certain laws about carrying them in some states. Luckily, carrying a Swiss Army knife is legal in most places provided that the blade is under three inches long. It is best to check your local laws about carrying either an actual Swiss Army knife or any other type of pocket knife.

However, when choosing a Swiss Army knife, make sure to pick one that is compact and durable with a number of features. The Victorinox 1.6795 SwissChamp Pocket Knife is a great choice for those looking for a compact and durable Swiss Army knife.

We hope this article helps you to understand what is legal and not when it comes to carrying a Swiss Army knife. If you have a question please leave a comment.

Thank you for reading.

MORE FROM bestpickszone.com