Oklahoma’s knife laws are relatively permissive, allowing for the ownership and carry of a wide variety of knives. Here’s an overview of the legal landscape for pocket knives in Oklahoma:
Ownership and Possession
In Oklahoma, there are no restrictions on the types of knives that can be owned or possessed. This includes:
- Pocket knives
- Bowie knives
- Daggers
- Dirk knives
- Automatic knives (switchblades)
- Sword canes
Carrying Laws
Open Carry
Oklahoma law allows for the open carry of most types of knives. There are no restrictions on blade length for open carry.
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry of knives is generally unrestricted in Oklahoma. The state does not differentiate between open and concealed carry for most knives.
Recent Legal Changes
Oklahoma has made several changes to its knife laws in recent years:
- In 2015, automatic knives (switchblades) became legal to carry openly.
- In 2016, Senate Bill 1159 removed daggers, bowie knives, dirk knives, and sword canes from the list of prohibited items.
Restrictions and Considerations
While Oklahoma’s knife laws are generally permissive, there are some important considerations:
- School Property: Knives are typically prohibited on school grounds, with some exceptions for law enforcement, hunter safety education, and shooting teams.
- Intent: While not explicitly stated in the law, the intended use of a knife could potentially affect its legal status. Knives intended for self-defense or as weapons may be viewed differently than those for utility purposes.
- Federal Property: Federal regulations may restrict knife carry on federal property, regardless of state law.
Legal Definition
Oklahoma law does not provide specific definitions for different types of knives. The state recognizes that knives have many “proper” uses, including self-defense, hunting, fishing, educational, and recreational purposes.
Conclusion
Oklahoma’s knife laws are among the more lenient in the United States. Most types of knives can be legally owned, carried openly, and carried concealed. However, it’s always important to exercise caution, especially in restricted areas like schools, and to be aware of any local ordinances that may impose additional restrictions.
Sources:
- https://ravencresttactical.com/oklahoma-knife-laws/
- https://www.newson6.com/story/5e3603792f69d76f620326a5/knife-law-adds-sword-canes-to-list-of-items-oklahomans-can-legally-carry
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/oklahoma/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/oklahoma-knife-laws/