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Knife laws in Nebraska are pretty straightforward, despite certain parts that may seem a bit vague. Some of these laws can be interpreted differently, but overall, what you can or cannot own or carry is crystal clear. Here is what you need to know about knife laws in Nebraska.
What knives are legal to own in Nebraska?
It is legal to own a butterfly knife in Nebraska. You can also own stabbing knives like stilettos, daggers, or dirks. Disguised knives are perfectly legal, too, and automatic knives.
Although they might be considered illegal in many states, bowie and ballistic knives are legal in Nebraska.
What knives are illegal to own in Nebraska?
Some knives are not mentioned as legal or illegal, meaning one can only assume they are legal since there are no regulations. What you cannot own does not necessarily depend on the knife, as there are no banned knives in Nebraska. Instead, it depends on certain circumstances.
People who have been convicted of felonies, fugitives, and those subject to domestic violence protective orders cannot own knives, regardless of the type.
What are the limits on carry?
All knives can be carried in the open in Nebraska.
Concealed Carry
Things get restrictive when it comes to conceal carry. For example, you are not allowed to conceal carry a knife with a blade longer than 3.5 inches.
Dangerous instruments cannot be carried concealed either. Unfortunately, knives with small blades can also be considered dangerous instruments, so the law is vague.
Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances
Schools have some restrictions on weapons, and officials can exclude or punish students caught with knives.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer
There are no restrictions on the sale or transfer of knives in Nebraska.
Is there a statewide pre-emption?
Nebraska does not have a statewide pre-emption.
Major Cities in Nebraska with Knife Ordinances
Switchblades are illegal in Lincoln – you cannot own, use, sell, transfer or buy automatic knives in Lincoln. Omaha also has a knife ordinance – concealed carry is illegal, regardless of the size of the blade. However, those with a permit are exempt from this rule.
| City, State | Law Title/ Chapter/ Section | Concealed Carry Legal | Max Size Restriction | Short description from the law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE | 20-192 & 20-206 | No | Unlawful to carry concealed. Permit to carry voids unlawful carry. | |
| Nebraska City, NE | 24-89. | No | Must have NE Permit to Carry to Carry any Concealed Knife. | |
| North Platte, NE | 93.05 | No weapons of any kind in any park, pathways or other recreation facilities. | ||
| South Sioux City, NE | 66-377 | Yes | 4" | a weapon concealed on or about his person any knife or edged weapon fixed or folding and a blade length in excess of four inches |
Exceptions
There are no exceptions regarding knife laws in Nebraska. Even law enforcement personnel and military staff must follow the rules.
Relevant Statutes
A deadly weapon shall mean any firearm, knife, bludgeon, or another device, instrument, material, or substance, whether animate or inanimate, which in the manner it is used or intended to be used is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury;
Knife means:
(a) Any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length and which, in the manner, it is used or intended to be used, is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury; or
(b) Any other dangerous instrument which is capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds and which, in the manner, it is used or intended to be used, is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury;
28-1202. Carrying a concealed weapon; penalty; affirmative defense.
28-1206. Possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person; penalty.
79–267. Student conduct constitutes grounds for long-term suspension, expulsion, or mandatory reassignment; enumerated; alternatives for truant or tardy students.
14-102. Additional powers.
16-239. Hospitals; jails; other institutions; erection; regulation.
17-556. Public safety; firearms; explosives; riots; regulation.
Summary of Knife Laws in Nebraska
There are no banned knives in Nebraska, but possession is limited to those with certain convictions or legal issues. Concealed carry comes with major restrictions – not more than 3.5 inches for the blade. Anything longer than that is illegal, so this is the critical dimension you have to remember. This rule applies to all knives, regardless of the type.
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.
