Colorado’s knife laws allow most pocket knives with blades under 3.5 inches to be carried openly or concealed statewide, with key restrictions on longer blades and certain locations. Understanding these rules helps avoid misdemeanor or felony charges.
Legal Definitions
Colorado defines a “knife” under C.R.S. 18-12-101 as any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3.5 inches, or other dangerous cutting instrument, excluding hunting or fishing knives used for sports. Ballistic knives—those ejecting blades via spring or explosive—are illegal statewide as a class 5 felony. Switchblades and gravity knives became legal under state law in 2017, though local bans persist in cities like Denver.
Open vs. Concealed Carry
Pocket knives with blades 3.5 inches or shorter can be openly carried or concealed anywhere allowed, including schools if not deemed deadly weapons. Blades over 3.5 inches may be openly carried but cannot be concealed outside your home, business, property, or private vehicle, except for hunting/fishing. Concealment means out of ordinary sight, like in a pocket; a visible pocket clip on a long blade may still risk charges.
Local Variations
While state preemption limits some local rules (e.g., vehicles), cities like Denver and Boulder have stricter ordinances banning switchblades or limiting blade lengths. Denver prohibits concealed carry of certain knives mirroring state limits but adds switchblade bans. Always check municipal codes, as violations can lead to citations despite state allowances.
Prohibited Locations
Knives fitting the “knife” definition (over 3.5 inches) are banned on all school grounds (K-12 to university) as a class 6 felony, unless locked in a vehicle at higher education sites or for approved programs. Exceptions apply to law enforcement, self-defense in vehicles, and resource officers.
Penalties and Defenses
Unlawful concealed carry of a long blade is a class 2 misdemeanor: up to 12 months jail and $1,000 fine. School violations carry 1-18 months prison and up to $100,000 fine. Defenses include proving hunting use (affirmative), lack of knowledge, illegal search, or preemption for travelers.
Practical Tips
Measure blades tip-to-hilt per court standards; opt for under 3.5 inches for pocket knives to stay compliant everywhere. For construction, gardening, or daily use—common in youth programs—short blades suit most needs without legal hassle.
SOURCES:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/colorado/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNs29pG8qR4
