Louisiana maintains some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States, allowing ownership, possession, open carry, and concealed carry of virtually all types of knives for law-abiding adults. Recent legislative reforms, including switchblade legalization and statewide preemption, have streamlined regulations, overriding stricter local ordinances. This guide details current rights, restrictions, and practical advice as of early 2026.
Overview of State Knife Laws
Louisiana Revised Statutes (R.S. 14:95) impose no restrictions on knife ownership or possession statewide. Adults 18 and older can own ballistic knives, switchblades, daggers, or any blade length without permits. The 2025 amendments fully decriminalized switchblades by repealing their classification as crimes of violence, building on 2018 repeals of possession bans and 2024 concealed carry prohibitions.
Statewide preemption via SB 194 (effective August 2024) ensures uniform enforcement, nullifying municipal rules in cities like New Orleans or Baton Rouge that once limited blades over 3.5 inches concealed. Knives qualify as legal “arms” under broad Second Amendment interpretations.
Open and Concealed Carry Rights
Open carry of any knife remains unrestricted across Louisiana, from pocket folders to fixed blades. Concealed carry follows suit post-reforms: no blade length limits or type prohibitions apply to civilians. A concealed handgun permit (CHP) enhances options but proves unnecessary for knives alone.
Intentional concealment for criminal purposes triggers penalties, but lawful self-defense or utility carry faces no scrutiny. Preemption protects travelers from patchwork city laws.
Prohibited Locations and Exceptions
Schools pose the primary restriction: R.S. 14:95.2 bans knives on K-12 campuses, buses, or events, with felony charges for violations. Courthouses, jails, and polling places extend prohibitions under secure facility statutes.
Law enforcement, military personnel, and security guards carry exemptions for duty. Private property owners dictate rules, so respect “no weapons” signs to avoid trespassing charges.
Minors and Special Considerations
Minors under 18 face no explicit statewide bans on possession or carry, unlike many states. Parental supervision suffices for most scenarios, though school rules apply universally. Retail sales to minors remain unregulated absent federal age limits on certain assisted-openers.
Hunters and fishers enjoy full rights during lawful activities, including large game knives.
Recent Legislative Changes
Louisiana’s knife law evolution accelerated since 2018: switchblade bans lifted, concealed carry expanded, and preemption enacted. The 2025 switchblade repeal aligned with national trends, recognizing utility in tools like maritime or rescue blades. Federal Knife Owners’ Protection Act proposals reinforce state autonomy.
These shifts reflect Second Amendment expansions post-Bruen (2022), treating knives as bearable arms.
Penalties for Violations
Misuse escalates charges: brandishing in threats constitutes assault (misdemeanor to felony). School violations carry 5–20 years imprisonment. Preemption violations by locals now face state override, reducing citizen confusion.
Fines start at $300 for minor infractions, scaling with intent or harm. Evidence suppression aids defenses against overreach.
Practical Tips for Compliance
Carry confidently but discreetly: sheath fixed blades visibly, pocket folders clipped out. Document purchases for provenance. When traveling, note border state variances despite Louisiana’s leniency. Join groups like Knife Rights for updates.
Self-defense claims succeed with proportionality; de-escalate when possible. Clean and maintain blades to avoid “dangerous weapon” misclassifications.
Safe Storage and Transportation
Home storage requires no locks, but secure from minors via habit. Vehicles allow knives anywhere except school transport; locked gloveboxes aid prudence. Air travel follows TSA: checked blades only, 7-inch limit for carry-on tools.
SOURCES:
- https://wearearmed.com/louisiana-legalizes-switchblades-expanding-knife-rights/
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/
