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Indiana has straightforward knife laws. There are no significant restrictions to keep in mind, and most knives are allowed, but with a few limitations. Here is everything you have to know about knife laws in Indiana.
What knives are legal to own in Indiana?
Indiana is permissive regarding what knives you are allowed to own. For instance, balisongs are perfectly legal. Daggers, dirks, and stilettos are also allowed, not to mention assisted knives. Even disguised knives – like belt knives or lipstick knives are legal. While banned in other states, switchblades and other automatic knives are allowed in Indiana.
What knives are illegal to own in Indiana?
Ballistic knives are illegal in Indiana, just like many other states. The same goes for throwing stars. Other than these exceptions, all knives are legal in Indiana.
What are the limits on carry?
There are no limits on carry. You can take a knife with you or in your car if you want to, but make sure you stick to legal knives only. Carrying a banned knife is illegal and will get you in trouble.
Concealed Carry
There are no restrictions on concealed carry. You can carry a knife in the open, or you can carry it concealed – you will not get in trouble if the knife you have is a legal one.
Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances
School properties are illegal zones for knives. You cannot carry a knife in such an environment, regardless of the knife’s purpose or legal profile. Anything related to schools bans the use or carry of knives – simple as that.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer
There are not too many restrictions on the sale or transfer of knives. You can sell, manufacture, lend or give away most types of knives, as long as they are illegal in Indiana. You can do anything with most knives, apart from ballistic knives and throwing stars.
Is there a statewide pre-emption?
There is no statewide pre-emption in Indiana.
Major Cities in Indiana with Knife Ordinances
Westfield and South Bend do not allow carrying knives in public parts – no exceptions. On the other hand, Merrillville does not allow the concealed carry of knives, with one exception – pocket knives whose blades are shorter than two inches.
Exceptions
There are no exceptions regarding carrying legal knives on school grounds or owning banned knives. Military or police forces must follow the same rules too.
Summary of Knife Laws in Indiana
Indiana has some direct laws on knives. However, there are a few general things you need to remember. First, all knives are allowed, apart from ballistic knives and throwing stars. Other than that, even if the knife is legal, you cannot carry it on school grounds. Everything is allowed – no limits on concealed carry either unless any county has an ordinance.
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.
