American Knife and Tool Institute

Keeping Knives in American Lives Since 1998

  • Join Today
  • Login

Keeping Knives in American Lives Since 1998

  • About
    • Board of Regents
    • Advisory Members
    • Premier Members
    • FAQs
    • History
    • Contact Us
    • Refund Policy
    • Terms of Service
  • Membership
    • Memberships for Knife Industry
    • Memberships for Individuals
    • Information For Members
    • Be a Grassroots Supporter!
  • Legislation
    • Follow Current Knife Legislation
    • Finding Knife Laws
    • Contacting Legislators
    • Success Stories
    • How a Bill Becomes Law
  • Education
    • For Law Enforcement
    • For Legislators
    • Kids and Knives
    • The Ivory Ban
    • Brand Protection
  • News & Resources
    • Latest AKTI News
    • Knife Industry Resources
    • Action Alerts
    • Free to Carry
    • Upcoming Events
    • Industry News
    • For Media
    • Career Center
    • Counterfeit Knives
    • Knives Save Lives!
    • Traveling With a Knife
    • Knife Standards
    • Brochures & Handouts
    • Buy an AKTI Luggage Tag
  • State Knife Laws
    • State Auto-Open Laws
    • Federal Switchblade Act
    • About Statewide Knife Preemption
    • Court Case Summaries
    • Encounters With Law Enforcement
    • The Legal Edge

About Statewide Knife Preemption

The American Knife & Tool Institute Supports Knife Preemption Laws to Protect Law-Abiding Citizens

Summary: Some cities, municipalities, counties, and other local governments have enacted their own law banning the sale, possession, manufacture, or carry of certain types of knives. Some of these laws have been in place for several years, and perhaps not enforced, and might include archaic terms (Refer to AKTI’s Approved Definitions), blade length, or other prohibitions that are more significant restrictions than the majority of the rest of the state.

It is the American Knife & Tool Institute’s position that knife owners should not be expected to know and understand knife laws in multiple local jurisdictions where they may travel within their home state for work or recreation with their knife or edged tools.  It is not unreasonable to expect individuals to research a patchwork of laws when carrying a valuable tool during everyday travel.

Preemption (statewide application and uniformity): Enacting knife preemption laws makes the state the sole authority on knife laws. No local government or political entity may enact any law more restrictive than the state law.  The statewide uniformity of laws is not a new concept or initiative.  It has been used in other circumstances, such as firearms, ammunition, etc., to protect individuals from a myriad of laws.

Legislation: The majority of states have firearms preemption laws enacted due to the National Rifle Association’s campaign to ensure consistency of laws for gun owners. We suggest that legislators include knives into these preemption laws, where appropriate. Legislators are encouraged to contact the American Knife & Tool Institute for assistance with wording or advice on knife legislation.

We proactively introduce and support knife preemption laws as essential to improving knife laws and protecting individuals.

These states have knife preemption laws enacted:

  • Alaska  (since 2013)
  • Arizona  (since 2010)
  • Georgia  (since 2012)
  • Iowa (included in firearms and other weapons definition)
  • Kansas  (since 2013)
  • Montana (effective April 3, 2019)
  • New Hampshire  (since 2011)
  • Oklahoma  (since 2015)
  • Tennessee  (since 2013)
  • Texas  (since 2015)
  • Utah  (since 2011)
  • West Virginia (effective May 31, 2020)
  • Wisconsin  (since 2016)

In these states, knife preemption is not necessary due to the nature of their state law or constitution or there is other protection:

  • Colorado – Limited Preemption  (No statewide preemption law, however, Section 18-12-105.6 offers limited protection to knife owners by providing that state law prevails when someone is traveling in a private vehicle or other private means of transportation.  However, if you are not traveling in a private vehicle, local laws may apply.)
  • Idaho
  • Mississippi
  • New Mexico
  • Vermont
  • Wyoming

Take Action

  • Become a Member (Industry)
  • Become a Member (Individual)
  • Stay Informed
Make a Contribution

Popular Resources

  • AKTI Knife Auction
  • AKTI Approved Knife Definitions
  • State Knife Laws
  • State Auto-Open Laws
  • What Every Knife Owner Should Know
  • Traveling with Knives
American Knife & Tool Institute

1 day ago

American Knife & Tool Institute
#KnowYourKnifeLaws - 1/3 of the states have special provisions for knives used while hunting.www.akti.org/knives-in-outdoor-pursuits/#carrywithconfidence #AKTİ #huntingwithknives ... See MoreSee Less

Knives in Outdoor Pursuits | American Knife and Tool Institute

www.akti.org

This article appeared in Knife Magazine, September 2021. By Daniel C. Lawson, Attorney and Knife Expert Statutes in one-third of the United States contain a provision for hunting knives or the carry.....
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

As a nonprofit association, AKTI’s role is to be the reasonable and responsible advocate for the knife-making and knife-using community; educating, promoting and informing that knives are important tools.

Copyright © American Knife and Tool Institute, all rights reserved
22 Vista View Ln, Cody, WY 82414
307-587-8296
Privacy & Security
| Terms of Service

  • Home
  • About
  • Membership
  • Legislation
  • Education
  • Brand Protection
  • Contribute Today
  • News
  • Resources
  • Contact

Follow AKTI:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Account

  • Login