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Keeping Knives in American Lives Since 1998

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Indiana Knife Laws

Quick Legal Facts

Indiana

Statewide Preemption:

No.

Concealed Carry:

There are no limitations on concealed carry.

Schools:

Knives may not be possessed on school property.

Critical Dimensions:

None.

At a Glance:

The State of Indiana forbids the possession of ballistic knives and “Chinese throwing stars.” The possession and carry of knives is otherwise unrestricted with the exception of school grounds.

Relevant Statutes:

35-47-5-2 Knife with blade that opens automatically or may be propelled
35-47-5-2.5 Possession of knife on school property; violations; exceptions
35-47-5-12 Chinese throwing star defined; related offenses

Restricted Knives:

It is unlawful to manufacture, possess, display, offer, sell, lend, give away, or purchase Ballistic knives and “Chinese throwing stars.”

Concealed Carry:

Concealment is not an issue.

Restrictions on Sale or Transfer:

It is unlawful to manufacture, possess, display, offer, sell, lend, give away, or purchase Ballistic knives and “Chinese throwing stars.”

Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations/Circumstances:

It is unlawful to possess any cutting instrument or knife which is “intended to be used as a weapon,” on school grounds.

Statewide preemption:

None.

Selected Indiana cities with knife restrictive ordinances:

Indianapolis – § 451-1. Sharp objects or instruments on the person.

South Bend – None noted.

Fort Wayne – None noted.

Discussion:

Automatic Knives

A prohibition pertaining to automatic knives enacted in 1957 was removed in 2013. While the caption of 35-47-5-2 Knife with blade that opens automatically or may be propelled, contains the words “blade that opens automatically”, the statute proscribes ballistic knives only. See AKTI Approved Definitions.

Chinese Throwing Star

35-47-5-12 Chinese throwing star defined; related offenses, defines “Chinese throwing star” as “a throwing-knife, throwing-iron, or other knife-like weapon with blades set at different angles.”

Most members of the knife community will appreciate that the Indiana legislature intended to restrict that category of items often referred to as shuriken and which were developed by the Samurai in feudal Japan.

The definition uses the plural “blades” and further describes the “blades” as being “set at different angles.” Accordingly, we do not interpret this statute as restricting a “throwing knife” if it has a single “blade.”

Consequences

Violations of  35-47-5-2 (ballistic knives) and 35-47-5-2.5 (possession of knife on school property) are Class B misdemeanors punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Possession of a “Chinese throwing star” is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500.

Law Enforcement/Military

There are no statutory exemptions whereby police or military members may possess or carry ballistic knives or throwing stars.

_________

Updated August 3, 2020, by Daniel C. Lawson

This information is presented as a brief synopsis of the law and not as legal advice. AKTI is not, and cannot be, a legal service provider. Use of the site does not create a lawyer/client relationship. Laws are interpreted differently by enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, and judges. AKTI suggests that you consult legal counsel for guidance.

The complete State Knife law information is now available to AKTI members and non-members alike. If you find the State Knife Laws useful please consider an AKTI membership or making a contribution to AKTI.

Last Revised: February 21, 2021

Back to all AKTI State Knife Laws

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American Knife & Tool Institute

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American Knife & Tool Institute
Remember SASS when teach knife safety Stop – Make sure no one else is within arm’s reachAway – Always cut away from your finger or other body partsSharp – A sharp, clean knife is a safe knifeStore – Knives closed, in a sheath or knife block ... See MoreSee Less

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