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Ohio tries to make knife laws direct and straightforward, but there are a few aspects that can cause confusion. Fortunately, the main things are clear, and the purpose of the knife plays a significant role in its legal profile. Now, here is what you should know about knife laws in Ohio.
What knives are legal to own in Ohio?
Switchblades and other automatic knives might be illegal in many states, but they are perfectly allowed in Ohio. The same goes for gravity knives, as well as bali or butterfly knives. Even ballistic knives, which are widely banned around the country, are legal in Ohio. Stabbing knives – like stilettos, dirks, or daggers – are well accepted too. You can also own bowie knives and other large hunting knives without worrying about the law.
What knives are illegal to own in Ohio?
Not all types of knives are mentioned in the Ohio knife laws. However, apart from the above-mentioned knives, any knife can be legally owned in Ohio. If there are no regulations about it, it is legal. At this moment, there are no banned knives in this state.
What are the limits on carry?
Normally, you are allowed to carry any type of knife in the open. You can also carry a knife in your vehicle. Without any banned knives in Ohio, you can legally carry knives without any worries at all.
Concealed Carry
Generally speaking, concealed carry is accepted. You can conceal knives with no issues at all. But then, Ohio forbids concealing weapons that can be considered dangerous. At this point, ballistic knives should not be concealed carried. Other knives that could be considered dangerous include stabbing knives, switchblades, other automatic knives, gravity knives, and butterfly knives.
Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances
You are not allowed to carry a deadly or dangerous weapon – including the above-mentioned knives – around schools, in school safety zones, or on school transportation. Activities organized by schools come with the same restrictions, not to mention courthouses.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer
Since there are no banned knives in Ohio, there are obviously no restrictions on the sale or transfer of any type of knife.
Is there a statewide pre-emption?
There is not a statewide pre-emption in Ohio.
Major Cities in Ohio with Knife Ordinances
| City, State | Law Title/ Chapter/ Section | Concealed Carry Legal Yes/No Folder/Length | Short description from the law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akron, OH | 137.02 | Y 2.5" | on or about his person a pistol, a knife having a blade two and one-half inches |
| Highland Hts, OH | 549.11 | Y 2.5" | or any knife having a blade two and one-half inches in length or longer, |
| Bay Village, OH | 549.12 | Y 2.5" | or other knife having a blade of two and one-half inches in length or longer, |
| Cincinnati, OH | Sec. 7. Emergency Orders | Prohibit/restrict the carrying or possession on the public streets or public sidewalks or in any public park or square or any other public | |
| place a weapon including but not limited to firearms, bows and arrows, air rifles, sling shots, knives, | |||
| Cleveland, OH | § 627.10 | Y 2.5" | No person shall knowingly carry, have in his or her possession or ready at hand any knife having a blade (2-1/2) inches |
| Dayton, OH | 138.02 | ? | Must show affirmative defense for carrying weapon. |
| Strongville, OH | 672.11 | Y 2.5" | or other knife having a blade of two and one-half inches in length or longer, |
| Cuyahoga Falls, OH | 549.1 | Y 2.5" | or other knife having a blade of two and one-half inches in length or longer, |
| Warrensville Hts. OH | 741.07 | Y 2.5" | or other knife having a blade of two and one-half inches in length or longer, |
| Lyndurst, OH | 672.13 | Y 2.5" | in his or her possession any knife having a blade length of more than two and one-half inches |
| Rocky River OH | 549.06 | Y 2.5" | any knife having a blade two and one-half (2½) inches in length or longer |
| Tallmadge, OH | 549.13 | Y 2.5" | or other knife having a blade of two and one-half inches in length or longer, |
| Summit Co. OH | 549.09 | Y 2.5" | or other knife having a blade of two and one-half inches in length or longer, |
Exceptions
Military and law enforcement personnel benefit from exceptions in terms of conceal carrying dangerous weapons.
Summary of Knife Laws in Ohio
Knife laws in Ohio are general and permissive. There are no critical dimensions to keep in mind. Most of the restrictions apply to conceal carrying certain knives that can be considered deadly. Other than that, there are no banned knives in Ohio, and carrying in the open is accepted, regardless of the type of knife.
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.
