South Carolina maintains some of the most permissive knife laws in the U.S., allowing broad ownership and carry rights for most blades without strict blade length limits or bans on common types.
Key statutes like Section 16-23-460 exempt ordinary knives from concealed weapon prohibitions, emphasizing lawful use over restriction. Residents benefit from these freedoms for everyday tasks, self-defense, and recreation, though local rules and restricted areas demand awareness.
Statewide Ownership Rules
South Carolina imposes no restrictions on owning folding knives, fixed blades, dirks, daggers, or pocket knives of any size for adults. Automatic knives like switchblades face no explicit state ban, aligning with the state’s hands-off approach unless tied to criminal intent. Minors under 18 may face limits on sales or possession, but general ownership remains legal outside correctional facilities.
Open and Concealed Carry
Open carry of any knife enjoys full legality across the state, from belt sheaths to visible holsters, without permits required. Concealed carry follows suit under 16-23-460, excluding knives from deadly weapon definitions unless used in or intended for crime. Blades over two inches cannot enter school grounds, but elsewhere, even large hunting knives stay permissible.
Restricted Locations
Schools ban knives with blades exceeding two inches, extending to college campuses for K-12 equivalents, with exceptions for law enforcement. Government buildings, courthouses, and airports enforce no-knife policies via federal or local signage. Private property owners dictate rules, so posted prohibitions must be respected to avoid trespass charges.
Local Ordinances to Watch
No statewide preemption exists, allowing cities like Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston stricter measures. Greenville’s code infers locked-blade or sporting knives over three inches as potential weapons, risking inference of unlawful intent. Charleston limits concealed blades over three inches, while Columbia broadly restricts carry—always verify municipal codes before urban travel.
Penalties and Self-Defense
Violations carry misdemeanor charges, escalating to felonies if linked to violent crimes under 16-23-490, with fines up to $2,500 and jail time. Lawful self-defense justifies knife use under stand-your-ground laws, but display alone cannot imply criminal threat. Courts assess intent, favoring responsible owners in disputes.
Staying Compliant in 2026
No legislative changes through early 2026 alter these core rights, though advocacy monitors urban expansions. Secure knives responsibly, document purchases, and consult attorneys for edge cases like travel. Education ensures exercise of freedoms without unintended violations.
SOURCES:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/south-carolina/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/south-carolina-knife-laws/
