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New Hampshire is one of the most permissive states in the country when it comes to knives. Here is what you should know about knife laws in New Hampshire.
What knives are legal to own in New Hampshire?
Believe it or not, any type of knife is legal in New Hampshire. There are no restrictions covering specific types of knives – not even for knives banned in many other states. From this point of view, you can legally own Balisong or butterfly knives, bowie, other massive knives, and even machetes. These rules apply to law-abiding citizens only.
What knives are illegal to own in New Hampshire?
No knives are illegal to own in New Hampshire, but it depends on your legal status. Restrictions apply to those with legal problems only. For example, those convicted of felonies against people or properties and those with felony drug-related offenses cannot own stilettos, daggers, dirks, or other stabbing knives.
Such people are not allowed to own switchblades either, not to mention knives, considered to be deadly weapons, and this is when the law becomes confusing. A deadly weapon is regarded as a weapon used with the purpose of causing death or serious injuries. Therefore, it is not necessarily about the actual knife but the purpose.
What are the limits on carry?
Before 2010, many knives – wildly stabbing knives – were banned from carrying. After 2010, all blades can be carried in the open without issues.
Concealed Carry
There are no restrictions regarding concealed carry either. As long as the owner is allowed to keep particular knives, they have no limitations. So Convicted felons will have some restrictions.
Restrictions on carrying in Specific Locations / Circumstances
Deadly weapons are prohibited in courthouses. Lethal weapons are pretty broad, but knives are also included.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer
There are no restrictions on selling, transferring, lending, or borrowing knives in New Hampshire – not even when it comes to minors.
Is there a statewide pre-emption?
New Hampshire does have a statewide pre-emption. It states that municipalities and political subdivisions in the state are not allowed to restrict knives.
Summary of Knife Laws in New Hampshire
The bottom line is that New Hampshire is a relaxed state regarding knives. There are no restrictions or critical dimensions to remember if you are a law-abiding citizen. Most limitations apply to convicted felons, and they target the possession and carrying of different types of 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.
