Pocket knives are generally legal to own and carry openly in New Mexico with no blade length restrictions for most types, but concealed carry and certain knives like switchblades face limits.
Ownership and Open Carry
New Mexico has permissive laws under NMSA § 30-7-8, allowing ownership and open carry of folding pocket knives, fixed-blades, hunting knives, daggers, Bowie knives, and similar without blade limits.
Switchblades (automatic knives opening by hand pressure) are prohibited statewide as petty misdemeanors, punishable by up to 6 months jail and $500 fine.
Concealed Carry Rules
Concealed carry is banned for “deadly weapons” like switchblades, daggers, dirks, Bowie knives, or poniards under NMSA § 30-7-2, but standard folding pocket knives are not classified as such per precedent (e.g., State v. Nick), allowing concealed pocket carry if used as a tool, not weapon. Intent matters—carrying as a utility item avoids issues.
Restrictions and Penalties
Minors under 18 cannot possess knives; schools, courthouses, and government buildings ban all knives. Violations are typically petty misdemeanors (fines/jail up to 6 months); escalates if used threateningly.
| Knife Type | Open Carry | Concealed Carry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket/folding (non-auto) | Legal | Legal (tool use) | No length limit |
| Switchblade/auto | Illegal | Illegal | Petty misdemeanor |
| Fixed-blade/Bowie | Legal | Restricted (deadly weapon) | Open preferred |
| Dagger/dirks | Legal (open) | Illegal | Sharp-pointed banned concealed |
Key Advice
Carry openly or in pockets as a tool; avoid autos and restricted areas. No 2026 changes noted—verify via NMSA statutes or local PD for cities like Albuquerque.
SOURCES :
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/new-mexico-knife-laws/
- https://knifeflow.com/new-mexico-knife-laws/
