Updated for 2021
Familiarizing yourself with the knife laws in your home state is an important way to keep yourself safe from any kind of prosecution in the future. The state of Idaho has pretty clear and straightforward knife laws, but does have a few restrictions on carrying and possessing a knife within its borders.
The state allows you to carry any knife, concealed or open, if you have a weapons permit issued by the state. However, there are other regulations that you must know when it comes to carrying and owning knives.
This article is designed to guide you through the different restrictions of carrying knives within the state of Idaho. So, let’s take a look.
What Knives are Explicitly Illegal in Idaho
Idaho law does not forbid owning or buying any type of knife. However, restrictions may apply to knives with a blade length of more than 6.5 inches.
Knife Size Regulations in Idaho
Under Idaho law, it is illegal to carry any knife, open or concealed, with a blade longer than 2.5 inches (pocket knives) to a school. It is also unlawful to conceal carry any bowie, dirk, or dagger knife with a blade length exceeding 4 inches without a weapons permit.
Local Municipality Knife Laws in Idaho
The state of Idaho enforces statewide preemption of law concerning the carrying of weapons. It does not allow any county or city to make and enforce regulations related to the carrying of weapons that may come in conflict with the general laws.
Concealed Carry
Under section 18-3302 (2), a person who wants to carry a knife, dagger, bowie knife, or dirk with a blade larger than 4 inches must have a concealed weapons permit. No one is allowed to conceal carry weapons without a permit, except:
- In the person’s home or fixed place of business;
- On property that the person owns or has a leasehold interest;
- On private property where the person has permission to carry concealed weapons from any person with an ownership or leasehold interest;
- Outside the borders of any city, if the person is more than eighteen (18) years of age and is not otherwise disqualified from being issued a license under subsection (11) of this section.
So, according to the law, you can open carry any knife you want in Idaho. However, conceal carrying a dirk, dagger, bowie, or other dangerous or deadly weapons without a valid concealed weapons license is illegal under the law. The license can be obtained from your local sheriff’s office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Karambits Legal in Idaho?
Karambits are legal to own in Idaho. The law allows you to own any type of knife and carry it openly within the state. However, you may require a concealed weapon permit to conceal carry a knife with a blade longer than 4 inches.
Are Throwing Knives Legal in Idaho?
Under Idaho law, it is legal to own throwing knives. You may open carry any knife in Idaho anywhere except in some locations that include courthouses, government buildings, schools, prisons, and nuclear power plants.
Are Balisongs Legal in Idaho?
It is legal to own and open carry balisongs in Idaho. However, the law restricts the carrying of knives that have blades longer than 4 inches.
Are Swords Legal in Idaho?
Swords are legal to own and open carry in Idaho. No knife or blade is allowed to be carried, concealed, with a blade longer than 4 inches. To do so, one requires a concealed weapons permit issued by the state.
Is it Legal to Carry a Knife on School Grounds or College Campuses?
As per section 18-3302D, firearms, weapons, knives, and blades are illegal on school grounds or educational institutes. Anyone who violates the law is punishable by a fine up to $1000.
Thus, avoid carrying any type of deadly weapon to the educational institute. You must seek permission from the peace officer of the state or the authority of the state if you require a knife in school for any purpose.
Can a Minor Carry a Knife in Idaho?
Under section 18-3302E, minors under 18 years may carry pocket knives. However, minors will require the written permission of their parents if they want to carry any kind of blade or knife.
Minors below 12 years can carry knives only with the approval of their parents. Anyone breaching the law shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and will have to pay $500.
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