Tennessee is recognized as one of the most knife-friendly states in the U.S., with broad legal allowances for owning and carrying pocket knives and most other blade types. However, there are important nuances and location-based restrictions to understand.
Types of Knives Allowed
- All types of knives—including pocket knives, switchblades, automatic knives, butterfly knives, fixed blades, and more—are legal to own and carry in Tennessee.
- There are no restrictions on blade length for any knife.
- Both open carry and concealed carry of knives are generally permitted, and the law does not distinguish between the two for most situations.
Key Restrictions and Exceptions
- Schools and School Property:
Carrying any knife on school grounds (public or private, K–university) is strictly prohibited and constitutes a serious offense. Violations can result in a Class E felony, with penalties including up to six years in prison and up to a $6,000 fine. - Weapons-Free Zones:
Knives are also banned in other designated weapons-free zones, such as certain government buildings and most state-owned or operated properties. - Intent to Go Armed:
Carrying a knife with the intent to use it as a weapon can result in criminal charges, regardless of the knife type or how it is carried. - Misleading or Undetectable Knives:
Knives designed to be disguised as other objects (e.g., cane knives, belt buckle knives) or made from undetectable materials are prohibited. - Use in a Crime:
Using a knife in the commission of a crime significantly increases penalties.
Statewide Preemption
- Tennessee law preempts local governments from enacting their own knife regulations. This means knife laws are uniform across the state, and cities or counties cannot impose stricter rules.
Recent Legislative Changes
- In 2014, Tennessee repealed its ban on switchblades and knives with blades over 4 inches.
- In 2024, the state repealed the ban on adults carrying pocket knives while voting on school grounds during elections (effective July 1, 2024).
Table: Pocket Knife Laws in Tennessee
| Aspect | Status/Rule |
|---|---|
| Types Allowed | All types (including automatics, butterfly, fixed, etc.) |
| Blade Length Limit | None |
| Open/Concealed Carry | Both permitted |
| Schools/Weapons-Free | Strictly prohibited |
| Intent to Go Armed | Illegal if intent to use as a weapon |
| State Preemption | Yes (no local knife laws) |
| Misleading/Undetectable | Prohibited |
| Use in Crime | Increases penalties |
Tennessee law allows for broad ownership and carry of pocket knives and other blades, with no blade length restrictions and no general ban on open or concealed carry.
The main exceptions are strict prohibitions on carrying knives on school property or in weapons-free zones, and criminal penalties for carrying with the intent to use as a weapon or for use in a crime. State preemption ensures uniformity of knife laws throughout Tennessee.
Sources
- https://midsouthgunlawyer.com/tennessee-weapon-laws/pocket-knives-tn/
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/tn-knife-carry-at-polls-bill-signed-by-governor/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/tennessee/
- https://mrbailinc.com/legal-aspects-of-owning-and-carrying-a-knife-in-tennessee/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-tennessee-a-guide-to-legal-carry-and-use/
