Mississippi maintains some of the most permissive knife laws in the U.S., allowing ownership and open carry of virtually all types without blade length restrictions. Concealed carry faces limits on specific knives like bowies and switchblades, but exceptions abound for vehicles and activities. This guide breaks down rights for residents and visitors to stay compliant amid evolving preemption efforts.
Ownership Rights
All knives—pocket, Bowie, dirk, butcher, switchblade, automatic, or OTF—are legal to own for adults, with no statewide bans or size limits. Felons and minors face restrictions under Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1, prohibiting possession of bowie, dirk, butcher, or switchblades. State preemption ensures uniform rules, blocking stricter local ordinances.
Open Carry Rules
Open carry of any knife is fully legal statewide for adults, regardless of type or length, except on educational property or ports. Sheaths or clips making blades partially visible satisfy concealment tests for listed knives. Minors cannot open carry deadly weapons.
Concealed Carry Limits
Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-1 bars concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, or switchblades on your person, but allows them in vehicles (not touching body) or during hunting, fishing, or sports. Other knives, like folders or assisted-openers, face no explicit bans; pocket clips may qualify as non-concealed if visible. A dirk requires a sharpened, tapered blade designed for stabbing per court precedent.
Restricted Locations
Knives are prohibited on school grounds (Miss. Code Ann. § 97-37-17), including buses and events—felony for adults. Ports ban fixed blades over 5 inches or spring-activated types during commerce. Courtrooms and government buildings may post additional rules.
Exceptions for Professions
Law enforcement, military on duty, and authorized security exempt from restrictions. Sports participants (e.g., fishing with a filet knife) or vehicle storage bypass concealed bans.
Penalties and Enforcement
Violations are misdemeanors with fines up to $3,000 and/or one year jail; school carry escalates to felony. Enforcement targets intent or misuse, not casual carry; 2026 bills like HB 298 and SB 2382 reinforce uniformity without tightening rules.
SOURCES:
- https://knifeup.com/mississippi-knife-laws/
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/mississippi-knife-law-preemption-bill-introduced-3/
