South Carolina maintains permissive knife laws, allowing open and concealed carry of most pocket knives without blade length limits statewide. Local ordinances in cities like Charleston and Greenville impose stricter rules, while schools ban blades over two inches.
Legal Framework
State laws under South Carolina Code Sections 16-23-405, 16-23-430, and 16-23-460 define weapons but exempt common pocket knives from major restrictions. No bans exist on folding knives, dirks, daggers, or utility knives for general ownership or carry, reflecting a focus on individual rights. Switchblades and gravity knives face limits only if used unlawfully.
Open vs. Concealed Carry
Open carry permits visible knives on belts or sheaths in public spaces without permits. Concealed carry works for pocket knives unless intent involves crime; blades over two inches prohibit school carry. No statewide blade length cap applies outside restricted areas.
Restricted Locations
Schools bar knives with blades exceeding two inches, except for law enforcement. Government buildings and private property often prohibit carry via posted rules. Airports follow federal TSA guidelines, allowing checked pocket knives but not carry-ons over 2.36 inches.
Local Ordinances
No full preemption exists; cities regulate tighter. Charleston bans concealed blades over three inches. Columbia and Greenville restrict knives or infer weapon status for blades over three inches. Check municipal codes before urban carry.
Penalties and Exceptions
Violations like unlawful concealed carry or school possession count as misdemeanors, with fines up to $1,000 and up to one year jail. Law enforcement and military gain exemptions during duties. Intent to harm escalates charges.
- https://www.battlbox.com/blogs/carry-laws/can-you-open-carry-a-knife-in-south-carolina-understanding-the-laws-and-regulations
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/south-carolina-knife-laws/
