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Master Louisiana Knife Laws: Your Trusted Legal Guide

Are you a knife enthusiast in Louisiana, wondering what you can legally carry in your pocket or belt? Curious about the Louisiana knife laws that dictate the boundaries of your blade-wielding rights? 

Louisiana’s knife laws offer a surprising degree of freedom regarding ownership and carry. While the Pelican State generally permits the possession and open carry of a wide array of knives, some exceptions do apply. One crucial restriction to remember is the prohibition on concealed carry of automatic switchblades and other automatic knives. 

However, if your knife employs a lock biased to the closing position and requires a flick of the wrist or fingers to open, you’re in the clear to conceal or openly carry it without worry. Stay tuned for a closer look at Louisiana’s knife laws.

What Is Louisiana Law Knife Blade Length?

Closeup shot of a fixed military knife with brown handle | Louisiana Knife Laws explained.

Louisiana knife laws do not have a specific maximum blade length for knives just like Hawaii knife laws, providing knife owners with considerable freedom in this regard. The absence of statewide restrictions means that the length of a knife’s blade is not explicitly regulated. 

However, it’s crucial to be mindful of potential local ordinances or municipal regulations that may impose blade length limits in certain areas within the state. 

Legal & Illegal Knives To Carry | Conceal In Louisiana:

Type of Knife/WeaponLegal to OwnLegal to Conceal Carry
Balisong (Butterfly) KnivesYesYes
Dirks, Daggers, Stilettos, Slim KnivesYesYes
Disguised Knives (e.g., Belt Knives)YesYes
Undetectable KnivesYesYes
Throwing Stars and Throwing KnivesYesYes
Bowie Knives and Large KnivesYesYes
Switchblades and Automatic KnivesYesNo

Fixed Blade Knife Laws In Louisiana:

In Louisiana knife laws , fixed-blade knives are legal to own and carry openly, and they are not subject to specific length restrictions. This means you can legally possess and carry fixed-blade knives of various sizes without concealing them. 

Although Louisiana’s knife laws generally allow you to openly carry and own knives. You should be aware of local ordinances or regulations that may place additional restrictions on knife possession in certain areas or municipalities.

1. Can you carry a switchblade in Louisiana?

Yes, it is legal to own and openly carry a switchblade in Louisiana similar to Alabama knife laws. However, it is illegal to conceal and carry a switchblade according to Louisiana knife laws. Openly carrying a switchblade is permitted, but keeping it hidden from view is against the law.

2. Are butterfly knives legal in Louisiana?

Yes, butterfly knives, also known as Balisong knives, are legal to own and openly carry as per Louisiana knife laws. The state allows the possession and open carrying of these knives. 

Can a Convicted Felon Carry a Knife in Louisiana?

Convicted felons in Louisiana are subject to certain restrictions when it comes to carrying knives. Louisiana knife laws generally allow them to possess and carry knives, but federal law prohibits convicted felons from possessing any type of firearm or ammunition. 

Additionally, if a knife is classified as a “dangerous weapon” under state or federal law, its possession by a convicted felon could still lead to legal repercussions.

What are Louisiana Pocket Knife Laws?

Louisiana’s pocket knife laws are relatively permissive. It is legal to own and carry most types of pocket knives, including folding knives and multi-tools. 

However, it is essential to be aware that while the state permits ownership and open carrying of these knives, concealed carry restrictions apply to certain types of knives, such as switchblades. Concealed carry of a switchblade is prohibited as stated by Louisiana knife laws.

Other State Laws|Comparing Louisiana Knife Laws:

Overhead shot of a metal knife over black gloves on a  white surface - Understanding Louisiana Knife Laws.

1. Baton Rouge Knife Laws: 

Baton Rouge, as part of Louisiana, follows the state’s knife laws. While state law allows the open carry of most knives, it’s crucial to be aware of any local ordinances that might impose additional restrictions on knife possession or carrying within the city.

2. New Orleans Knife Ordinance: 

New Orleans, like other municipalities in Louisiana, follows state knife laws. It’s legal to own and openly carry various types of knives, but concealed carry of specific knives, such as switchblades, remains prohibited. Local regulations may add further restrictions, so residents and visitors should be informed.

3. Texas Knife Laws: 

Texas has its own set of knife laws, which allow for the ownership and open carry of many types of knives. However, Texas law does specify certain blade length limits for pocket knives carried in certain locations, such as schools. Restrictions also apply to certain types of knives, so it’s essential to be familiar with these state regulations.

4. Mississippi Knife Laws: 

Mississippi’s knife laws permit the possession and open carry of various knives. However, there are concealed carry restrictions for certain knives, such as switchblades. Local ordinances may also affect knife regulations in specific areas, so staying informed about any regional rules is advisable for residents and visitors.

Final Verdict:

In Louisiana knife laws, knife enthusiasts can enjoy a surprising degree of freedom in owning and carrying various types of knives. While there are no statewide restrictions on blade length, concealed carry of automatic knives, like switchblades, is prohibited. 

Moreover, The legal landscape becomes more nuanced when considering local ordinances, so staying informed is crucial. The table illustrates the types of knives legal to own and whether they can be concealed in Louisiana. Meanwhile, fixed-blade knives are legal to own and openly carry, with no specific length restrictions. 

However, local regulations may vary. While it’s legal to openly carry switchblades and butterfly knives, concealed carry of the former is prohibited as per Louisiana knife laws. Convicted felons must exercise caution regarding knife possession due to federal restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

What size knife can you carry in Louisiana?

Fortunately, Louisiana knife law workers will not experience such a situation. Knives of any size or number can be legally carried in your pocket without any restrictions

Are katanas legal in Louisiana?

The mere possession of a sword does not constitute a violation of any federal, state, or local law.

Are guns illegal in Louisiana?

Once you reach the age of 18, you are permitted to open carry as per Louisiana knife laws. Conversely, concealed carry requires a minimum age of 21. While it is important to note that all gun laws must be followed at all times,

Are brass knuckles illegal in Louisiana?

In addition to Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, brass knuckles are legal with a permit in seventeen states.

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