Delaware Knife Laws (2026)

Simply owning a knife is not a crime. Legal consequences arise only if the knife is carried unlawfully, concealed without a permit, brought into restricted locations, or used with criminal intent.

Delaware law allows the ownership of nearly all common knife types, including automatic knives (switchblades), folding knives, pocket knives, and fixed blades. There is a distinction between ownership and carrying permissions.

A knife with a blade no longer than 3.75 inches, when carried in the closed position. Carrying any other knife may be considered a DEADLY WEAPON.

Yes. Delaware law does not prohibit the open carry of ordinary pocketknives. These knivesmay be carried openly without a permit.

Any knife other than an ordinary pocket-knife (i.e., closed folding blade <= 3.75 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 knives with blades up to 3.75 inches.

Carrying a concealed deadly weapon — including any knife outside the “ordinary pocketknife” definition — is a Class G felony under 11 Del. C. § 1442. (several years in prison, depending on the severity and aggravating factors)