Pocket knives are fully legal to own and openly carry in Mississippi without blade length limits or type restrictions for most adults.
Ownership Rules
Adults over 18 who aren’t felons can possess any pocket knife, including folders, assisted-openers, and multi-tools. No state law caps blade length or bans mechanisms like one-hand openers for everyday carry.
Minors and felons face curbs: youth can’t own bowie, dirk, butcher, or switchblades; felons lose all deadly weapon rights.
Carry Regulations
Open carry of any knife is unrestricted on public streets or property. Concealed carry prohibits bowie knives, dirk knives, butcher knives, and switchblades under Miss.
Code § 97-37-1, but traditional pocket knives (non-prohibited types) are exempt and legal to conceal.
Exceptions allow concealed prohibited knives in vehicles (not on person), homes, businesses, or during fishing/hunting/sports.
Prohibited Locations
Knives are banned on school grounds (K-12 or college), courthouses, polling places, and government buildings during sessions. Ports restrict fixed blades over 5 inches and switchblades.
No issues at airports (checked baggage OK) or parks absent signs.
| Knife Type | Open Carry | Concealed Carry | Exceptions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket/Folding (non-prohibited) | Legal | Legal | None needed |
| Bowie/Dirk/Butcher | Legal | Illegal | Vehicle, sports |
| Switchblade/Automatic | Legal | Illegal | Vehicle, sports |
| Fixed Blade >5″ | Legal | Generally legal* | Port ban |
*Traditional fixed blades follow same concealed rules if not prohibited types.
Penalties and Tips
Violations are misdemeanors: up to 6 months jail, $3,000 fine; school carry escalates to felony. Police exempt from rules.
Carry confidently but discreetly—avoid brandishing. Verify local ordinances in cities like Jackson. Recent analyses confirm no 2026 changes tightening rules.
Mississippi’s permissive stance favors utility over restriction for pocket knives.
SOURCES :
- https://knifeup.com/mississippi-knife-laws/
- https://www.bladeaddict.com/pages/knife-laws-by-state
