Knife Laws in Oklahoma

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Oklahoma knife laws are short and concise. However, the law also leaves lots of room for interpretation. All in all, if you are interested in getting a knife here is everything you need to know about knife laws in Oklahoma.

What knives are legal to own in Oklahoma?

Oklahoma city downtown
Oklahoma city downtown

You can own any stabbing knife you want in Oklahoma, from daggers and dirks to stilettos. Bowie knives and other large-blade knives are also accepted in Oklahoma without breaking the law. Switchblades or other automatic knives are legal, too, not to mention gravity knives. You can own a sword cane, too, as well as bali or butterfly knives.

What knives are illegal to own in Oklahoma?

Some types of knives are not mentioned in the Oklahoma knife laws. One can only assume they are legal if there are no regulations about them. In other words, there are no banned knives in Oklahoma, so you can own anything you want without worrying about the law.

What are the limits on carry?

You cannot carry an offensive weapon in the open. This is when the law becomes vague and confusing. Offensive weapons can include knives that are not specific, so discretion is mandatory in such instances. For example, a tomahawk or a machete can be considered an offensive weapon. Keep in mind that this rule also applies to items carried in a vehicle, not just on you.

Concealed Carry

The same rule applies to concealed carry. Offensive weapons cannot be carried whatsoever, despite these items not being mentioned. The purpose is more important – for instance, you can carry a hunting knife if you are out hunting.

Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances

It is illegal to carry a knife in schools, school safety zones, on school grounds, or school transportation. Activities organized by schools come with the same restrictions.

Restrictions on Sale or Transfer

There are no restrictions on the sale or transfer or any type of knife since there are no banned knives in Oklahoma.

Is there a statewide pre-emption?

There is a statewide pre-emption in Oklahoma. It bans municipalities or political subdivisions from enacting ordinances against knives.

Major Cities in Oklahoma with Knife Ordinances

There are no major cities in Oklahoma with knife ordinances.

Exceptions

Some exceptions apply in terms of carrying knives. Most of them target law enforcement and military personnel, as well as shooting teams and hunter safety education professionals.

Summary of Knife Laws in Oklahoma

Bottom line, Oklahoma knife laws are quite direct and easy to understand most of the time. All knives are legal, but carrying an offensive weapon is a crime. At this point, it is up to the court to determine the profile of an offensive weapon. Lawful purposes should be alright. There are also no critical dimensions to remember when about to purchase a knife since restrictions apply to carrying knives only.