Delaware Knife Laws Updated 2022

In Delaware, it is illegal to own or possess switchblades, automatic knives, gravity knives, undetectable (e.g., plastic) knives, martial stars (throwing stars), and knuckle knives.

You can legally own fixed-blade knives like Bowie, all folding knives, butterfly knives, dirks, and daggers, even if some of these are restricted for carry. There is a distinction between ownership and carrying permissions.

An ordinary pocket-knife is a folding knife carried in the closed position with a blade no more than 3 inches in length. Carrying any other knife concealed may be considered a crime.

Yes. Open carry of folding knives, butterfly knives, and fixed-blade knives (such as Bowie knives) is allowed, although some of these may still be illegal to carry concealed.

Any knife other than an ordinary pocket-knife (i.e., closed folding blade <= 3 inches) is considered a deadly weapon if carried concealed and generally requires a license.

Yes. Legislation effective July 30, 2025 eliminated restrictions on automatic (switchblade) knives and expanded the definition of an ordinary pocket-knife to include folding knives with blades up to 3.75 inches.

Under 11 Del. C. Section 1446, selling, offering for sale, or possessing a switchblade (blade spring- or gravity-released) is an unclassified misdemeanor.