Tennessee Knife Laws (2026)

You can legally own virtually any type of knife in Tennessee—including automatic knives, folders, fixed blades, Bowie knives, daggers, stilettos, penknives, disguise knives, and even butterfly (balisong) knives.

No. Tennessee has no category of knives that are outright prohibited for possession. The state removed its switchblade ban in July 2014, making all types of knives legal to own.

Legally speaking, Tennessee law is relaxed regarding carry, yet there's a grey area. The legality of open vs. concealed carry often depends on intent rather than the method of carry—i.e., whether you're carrying to commit a crime, in which case it becomes illegal.

Yes—carrying any weapon, including knives, with intent to go armed is illegal in schools (buildings, grounds, buses, athletic fields) and is classified as a Class E felony.

Yes. Tennessee has statewide preemption of knife laws, meaning local jurisdictions cannot create stricter regulations on knife possession, ownership, or carry—making the laws uniform across the entire state.

No. Tennessee has no blade length restrictions for knife ownership or carry. The previous 4-inch limit was removed in 2014.

No. Tennessee does not require any permit, registration, or license to carry a knife, whether open or concealed.

Intent. Carrying a knife becomes illegal if there is intent to use it as a weapon in a crime, which can elevate the offense to a felony.