Idaho upholds robust knife rights for law-abiding adults, allowing ownership and open carry of virtually all knives statewide with few restrictions. Since HB 620’s 2024 preemption law, local governments can’t impose stricter rules, ensuring uniform application under state statutes like Idaho Code § 18-3302.
Ownership Rights
Idaho imposes no bans on knife types—pocket knives, switchblades, balisongs, fixed blades, or automatics are all legal to own for those over 18. Minors under 18 can possess pocket knives but need parental consent for larger blades; sales to minors are restricted. No registration or permits required for purchase.
Carry Rules
Open carry of any knife is unrestricted anywhere lawful, including blades over 6 inches. Concealed carry follows “constitutional carry”: blades ≤6 inches qualify as non-deadly weapons, fully permitted without license. Larger dirks, bowies, or daggers (>6 inches) concealed require no permit if you’re eligible for firearms carry (21+, no felonies).
Restricted Locations
Knives >2.5 inches banned on school grounds; deadly weapons (>6-inch blades) prohibited in courthouses, jails, or juvenile facilities. Federal properties, bars (while consuming), and government buildings may add limits—check signage. No carry with unlawful intent, elevating to felony.
Prohibited Persons
Felons, fugitives, those adjudicated mentally ill, illegal aliens, or dishonorably discharged military lose carry rights under concealed weapons statutes. Permits from Idaho or reciprocal states restore access for qualifying knives.
Preemption Strength
HB 620 nullifies conflicting local ordinances as of July 2024, overriding past city rules in Boise or Coeur d’Alene. State constitution (Article XII §2) reinforces uniformity, preventing patchwork enforcement.
Penalties Overview
Misdemeanor violations (e.g., school carry) draw up to 1 year jail/$1,000 fine; intent to harm makes felonies (up to 5 years/$50,000). Courts dismiss honest mistakes if no criminal use.
Self-Defense Use
Knives qualify as arms under Idaho’s stand-your-ground law (Idaho Code § 19-202), justifying proportional force without retreat duty. Document reasonableness to avoid charges.
Traveler Tips
Interstate transport follows FOPA: unloaded, inaccessible in locked cases for non-residents. No blade length caps on private property with permission.
SOURCES:
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/idaho-governor-signs-knife-rights-preemption-bill/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/idaho/
