Idaho maintains some of the most permissive knife laws in the U.S., allowing broad ownership and open carry of pocket knives with limited restrictions mainly on concealed carry for larger blades.
Ownership Rights
Adults can legally own virtually any type of pocket knife, including folders, fixed blades, switchblades, balisongs, and assisted-openers, without statewide bans on specific designs.
No restrictions apply to purchasing, selling, or possessing knives for personal use, though federal rules like the Switchblade Act limit interstate transport of automatics.
Carry Regulations
Open carry of pocket knives of any blade length is unrestricted for law-abiding adults across Idaho, thanks to constitutional carry principles.
Concealed carry allows blades up to 4 inches without a permit; longer blades (e.g., Bowie, dirk, dagger) require an enhanced concealed weapons license under Idaho Code § 18-3302. Pocket knives under 2.5 inches are permitted concealed on school grounds.
| Carry Type | Blade Limit | Permit Needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Open | Any length | No |
| Concealed (general) | ≤4 inches | No |
| Concealed (>4 inches) | >4 inches | Yes |
| Schools | ≤2.5 inches | N/A |
Restricted Areas and Exceptions
Knives are prohibited in schools (beyond small pocket knives), courthouses, jails, and certain government buildings.
Minors under 18 need parental permission for most knives; those under 12 face stricter limits. Statewide preemption (HB 620, effective 2024) blocks local ordinances conflicting with these rules.
Practical Guidance
Prioritize “constitutional carry” for everyday folders under 4 inches to avoid issues. Verify local nuances in cities like Boise, and consult Idaho Code or AKTI for updates—intent to use as a weapon voids protections.
SOURCES :
- https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
- https://www.knifeden.com/knife-laws-in-idaho/
