Colorado Knife Laws (2025)

Yes. Colorado allows open carry of most non-ballistic knives, including switchblades/automatics, folders, and fixed blades, as long as the knife is visible. Ballistic knives are unlawful to carry.

You generally cannot carry a knife concealed if the blade exceeds 3.5 inches. Knives at or under 3.5 inches are typically lawful to carry concealed.

Yes. Concealed carry of blades over 3.5 inches may be allowed at your own dwelling or property, at your place of business, in a private vehicle for lawful protection, and Hunting/fishing and similar sporting use can operate as an affirmative defense in specific contexts.

Yes. Switchblades and gravity knives are legal to own and carry in Colorado; however, the 3.5-inch limit still applies to concealed carry. Open carry is generally permitted.

Carrying a deadly weapon that is not a firearm (including many knives) on school, college, or university grounds is a class 6 felony. Law enforcement and authorized personnel are exceptions.

Colorado has no statewide knife preemption. Cities (e.g., Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs) may regulate automatic knives, concealed carry, and how a knife is displayed/brandished. Always verify the local code.

Ballistic knives are classified as dangerous weapons; possession is a Class 5 felony — punishable by 1 to 3 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $1,000 to $100,000.

Keep concealed blades at 3.5 inches or under, use exceptions narrowly (home, business, private vehicle, hunting/fishing), avoid ballistic knives, and check city/county rules—especially in Denver.