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Nevada is relatively permissive when it comes to knives. While many things may seem straightforward, some of the laws are wordy and explained in a difficult manner, making the process a bit sophisticated. Here is what you have to know about knife laws in Nevada.
What knives are legal to own in Nevada?
In Nevada, stabbing or slim knives like daggers, dirks, and stilettos are legal. The same goes for butterfly knives, which you can legally own. Likewise, Bowie and other large knives – as well as hunting knives – are perfectly legal.
Even throwing knives and stars can be owned in Nevada without breaking the law. Some knives are not mentioned in the laws at all. Since there are no regulations about them, they are legal.
What knives are illegal to own in Nevada?
Despite their popularity in other states, switchblades and other automatic knives are not legal in Nevada. Besides that, knives made as integral parts of belt buckles cannot be owned in Nevada. However, any knife that is not banned is legal.
What are the limits on carry?
Legal knives can be carried in the open with no issues at all. In other words, the knife must be visible should you decide to carry it.
Concealed Carry
This is where most restrictions kick in. You can conceal carry a pocketknife, and this is pretty much it. Also, stabbing knives are banned from concealed carry – dirks, daggers, etc. Machetes go in the same category – conceal carry is illegal.
The law can get a bit confusing because it is illegal to conceal carrying any knife that can be considered a deadly or dangerous weapon. All knives can go in this category, though.
Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances
You cannot carry a dagger, dirk, stiletto, or other stabbing knives around schools or childcare facilities. School activities also ban such knives, not to mention school or childcare transportation and vehicles.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer
There are no restrictions on the sale or transfer of knives in Nevada, as long as you only deal with legal knives.
Is there a statewide pre-emption?
Nevada does not have a statewide pre-emption regarding knives.
Major Cities in Nevada with Knife Ordinances
Places like Las Vegas or Reno do not have knife ordinances in place. However, Clark County has one.
You cannot carry a concealed weapon – including a knife, regardless of the type. Knives with blades measuring more than three inches that can be concealed are also illegal.
The ordinance also mentions a permit from the sheriff. Las Vegas is in Clark County, but it is an incorporated municipality, so the rule does not apply there.
| City, State | Law Title/ Chapter/ Section | Concealed Carry Legal | Max Size Restriction | Short description from the law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clark Co. NV. | 12.04.180 | Yes | 3" | concealed weapon of any description, including a knife with a blade of three inches |
| Henderson, NV | 8.98.010 | Yes | 3" | including a knife with a blade of three inches or more, |
| Las Vegas, NV. | 10.70.010 | Yes | 3" | (B) Any knife with a blade three inches or more in length; |
| N. Las Vegas, NV | 9.32.040 | Yes | 3" | knife with a blade three inches or more in length |
| Reno, NV | 8.23.140. | Yes | 2" | While carrying in a Park/Recreation area a Dangerous knife means a knife having a blade that is 2" or more |
Exceptions
There are exceptions for law enforcement officers who are on duty.
Relevant Statutes:
202.265. Possession of dangerous weapon on property or in vehicle of school or child care facility; penalty; exceptions
202.320. Drawing deadly weapon in threatening manner
202.350. Manufacture, importation, possession or use of dangerous weapon or silencer; carrying concealed weapon without permit; penalties; issuance of permit to carry concealed weapon; exceptions
Summary of Knife Laws in Nevada
Bottom line, there are a few banned knives in Nevada, but other than that, the only thing you need to remember is that you cannot conceal carry stabbing knives, machetes, or illegal knives.
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.
