Understanding Your Knife Rights in Delaware: A Legal Guide

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While enforcing limits to maintain public safety, Delaware’s knife regulations achieve a compromise between permitting residents to own and carry a variety of knives. A thorough guide to knowing your knife rights in the Blue Hen State can be found here:

Legal Ownership

People in Delaware are permitted to lawfully possess a large range of knives, such as:

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  Folding knives (all types, including those that can be opened with one hand)
  
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  Fixed blade knives (such as Bowie knives and daggers)
  
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  Butterfly knives (legal to own but subject to carrying restrictions)
  

Nonetheless, it is expressly unlawful to own some knives:

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  Switchblades and automatic knives (defined as knives with blades released by a spring mechanism or gravity)
  
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  Gravity knives
  
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  Undetectable knives
  
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  Knuckle knives and throwing stars
  

Carrying Laws

Delaware law makes a distinction between carrying blades in a covert or open manner.

Open Carry: Without a permit, the majority of permitted knife types may be carried in public.

Concealed Carry: You need a concealed carry permit in order to lawfully carry a knife that isn’t your typical pocket knife. A folding knife with a blade length of no more than three inches is referred to as an ordinary pocket knife.It’s crucial to remember that, according to Delaware law, any knife that isn’t a regular pocket knife kept closed is a lethal weapon.

Restricted Locations

It is forbidden to carry blades in some places, such as:

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  School grounds and college campuses
  
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  Public transportation
  
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  State parks
  
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  Government buildings
  
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  Federal properties (e.g., airports)
  

Local Regulations

When it comes to knife laws, Delaware does not have statewide preemption. Hence, local governments have the authority to enforce more stringent rules than those stipulated by the state. Before carrying a knife in any part of the state, it is important to check local ordinances.

Recent Legislative Developments

The Delaware General Assembly has been debating updating current legislation pertaining to automatic knives since January 2025.

The purpose of a proposed law (Senate Bill 323) is to eliminate restrictions on the possession or ownership of specific kinds of one-handed opening folding knives.

This bill, if approved, would permit people to lawfully use these technologies while still holding them responsible for any abuse. Once the bill is signed into law, it will go into force.

Penalties for Violations

There are severe penalties for breaking Delaware’s knife regulations. A Class G crime, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in jail, is carrying a hidden lethal weapon without a license.Using a switchblade knife illegally is an unclassified misdemeanor that carries a maximum fine of $575 and a maximum jail sentence of 30 days.

Constitutional Protections

Established in 1776, the Delaware Constitution guarantees the right to keep and carry guns for recreational purposes, home defense, family protection, and self-defense.However, the restrictions set forth in state legislation apply to this privilege.

Conclusion

Both locals and visitors should be aware of Delaware’s knife restrictions. Although many types of knives are permitted to be owned and carried in public by the law, concealed carry and certain sorts of blades that are considered prohibited are severely restricted.

Always keep up with the latest legislation and any prospective revisions. For specific knife-related inquiries, it’s preferable to err on the side of caution and seek clarification from local law enforcement or legal experts.

Sources:

• [1] https://owossoindependent.com/understanding-your-knife-rights-in-delaware-a-legal-guide/
• [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_legislation
• [3] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/delaware-knife-laws/
• [4] https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/delaware-knife-laws-updated-2022