(This site is reader-supported. When you buy something using retail links on our articles, we may earn a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)
Knife laws in Colorado can be quite tricky. There are certain aspects that you can easily understand without too much hassle. But then, there are a few things that leave room for misinterpretation. Here is everything you need to know about knife laws in Colorado.
What knives are legal to own in Colorado?
Many types of knives are perfectly legal in Colorado. For example, daggers, push knives, dirks, and stilettos are perfectly legal. Unlike many other states, Colorado has also legalized bowie knives and other large knives. Disguised knives are accepted too – from cane and penknives to lipstick and belt knives. But then, bali and butterfly knives are in a gray area. Switchblades and gravity knives are allowed too.
What knives are illegal to own in Colorado?
Ballistic knives are illegal to carry in Colorado. Any knife with a blade measuring more than 3.5 inches in length is unlawful. Local laws also state that it is unlawful to possess a dangerous weapon, so knives may also go in this category – hence the confusing part of the regulation.
What are the limits on carry?
Normally, carrying a knife is legal, but there are some restrictions regarding concealment. For example, ensure the blade does not exceed 3.5 inches in length, or you might be in trouble.
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry is perfectly legal if you have a small blade – under 3.5 inches. Of course, the knife should also go in the legal category.
Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances
You cannot carry deadly weapons on school grounds. This rule applies to any educational level, including kindergartens and universities. Even if the blade is shorter than 3.5 inches, carrying a knife in a school is still illegal.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer
There are no restrictions on the sale or transfer of a knife. But, of course, the knife must belong to the legal category. You cannot manufacture, sell or transfer illegal knives.
Is there a statewide pre-emption?
Colorado has a statewide pre-emption that brings in some limitations regarding traveling within the state in private transportation, meaning you cannot conceal knives in your vehicle unless you have a specific use – such as a hunting knife on a hunting trip. Other than that, there are no rules or regulations.
Major Cities in Colorado with Knife Ordinances
Colorado is a big state with small communities and large urban centers. As a result, there are some knife ordinances out there. Denver and Boulder are the major cities with local ordinances, and they restrict the possession and use of certain knives.
| City, State | Law Title/ Chapter/ Section | Concealed Carry Legal | Max Size Restriction | Short description from the law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aspen, CO | Sec. 15.04.170 | unlawful for any person to knowingly carry a knife or firearm concealed on or about his or her person. | ||
| Aurora, CO | 94-141. | Yes | 3.5" | Knife means any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3 1/2 inches in length, |
| Bayfield, CO | Sec. 9-37 | Yes | 3.5" | A knife shall mean any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length, |
| Boulder CO. | 05-08-2009 | Yes | No person shall have a knife or firearm concealed on or about such person's body | |
| Commerce City, CO | 14-111. | Yes | 3.5" | with a blade over three and one-half (31/2) inches in length |
| Cortez, CO | Sec. 15-311 | No firearms, knives, or other weapons shall be permitted in a marijuana center except those carried by sworn peace officers. | ||
| Denver CO. | 38-117 & 38-119. | Yes | 3.5" | having a blade greater than three and one-half (3 1/2) inches in length, |
| Durango, CO | 17-116 | Yes | 3.5" | Knife or knives means dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over (3½) inches in length |
| Englewood, CO | 7-6C-0: thru 7-6C5 | Yes | 3.5" | Knife means any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3 1/2 inches in length, |
| Federal Heights, CO | 38-156 | Yes | 3.5" | Carrying a folding-type knife with a blade not exceeding 3½ inches in length. |
| Fowler, CO | 9.36.010 | Yes | 3.5" | knife with a blade over 3 1/2" in length, Does not apply to those with Permit/License to Carry. |
| Lafayette, CO | 75-46. thru 75-52 | Yes | 3.5" | Knife means any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3 1/2 inches in length, |
| Leadville, Co | 9.36.010 | Yes | 3.5" | knife, or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length, |
| Longmont, CO | 10.02.010 & 10.28.020 | Yes | 3.5" | knife or stiletto with a blade more than three and one-half inches in length |
| Manitou Springs, CO | 9.52.010 & 9.52.020 & 9.52.030 | Yes | 3.5" | with a blade over three and one-half inches in length |
| New Castle, CO | 9.64.010 & 9.64.050 | Yes | 3.5" | with a blade over three and one-half inches in length, |
| Oak Creek, CO | 9.40.030 | Yes | 3.5" | Carries a knife with a blade over three and one-half inches in length concealed on or about his person; |
| Pueblo, CO | Sec. 11-1-601 | Yes | 3.5" | a. Any dagger, dirk, knife or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half (3½) inches in length; |
| Sheridan, CO | 50-288. thru 50-294 | Yes | 3.5" | Knife means any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3 1/2 inches in length, |
| Silt, CO | 9.32.020 | Yes | 3.5" | knives having blades less than three and one-half inches shall not be considered dangerous or deadly weapons |
| Steamboat Sps. CO | 10-169. | Yes | 3.5" | any knife having a blade of more than 3 1/2 inches in length |
| Thornton, CO | 38-236 thru 38-239 & 42-156. | Yes | 3.5" | as measured from the hilt, over three and one-half inches in length, |
| Wheat Ridge, CO | 16-81. thru 16-86 | Yes | 3.5" | with a blade over three and one-half (3 1/2) inches in length, |
| Woodland Park, CO | 9.70.010 thru 9.70.060 | Yes | 3.5" | knives having blades less than three and one-half inches shall not be considered dangerous and deadly weapons. |
Exceptions
There are additional exceptions regarding concealment and blade length if the knife is kept at the user’s place of business and in a private vehicle. Fishing or hunting trips also come up as exceptions.
Summary of Knife Laws in Colorado
Colorado has some clear rules and regulations. Knives with a blade exceeding 3.5 inches in length are illegal. Exceptions are straightforward too, and many things make sense. Should any issues arise, the intent to use the blade as a weapon or not will matter.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.
