Understanding Your Knife Rights in Nevada: A Legal Guide

Published On: April 27, 2025

Understanding Your Knife Rights in Nevada A Legal Guide

Overview of Knife Rights in Nevada

Nevada’s knife laws are considered relatively permissive at the state level, but local ordinances-especially in places like Clark County and Las Vegas-can impose stricter regulations. Understanding where, what, and how you may carry knives is essential to avoid criminal charges.

Legal Knife Types and Ownership

All knives are legal to own in Nevada, including switchblades, daggers, balisong (butterfly) knives, and machetes.
There are no statewide restrictions on the types of knives you may possess, but local laws may limit certain knives or blade lengths, particularly regarding concealed carry.

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry

Carry Type	State Law (General)	Clark County / Las Vegas (Local)
Open Carry	Legal for all knives, except in restricted locations	Legal, but check for local restrictions
Concealed Carry	Generally legal, but some knives require a permit (e.g., machetes)	Permit required for knives with blades ≥ 3 inches

Open Carry: You may openly carry any legal knife in most public places, provided it is visible and not concealed by clothing or bags.
Concealed Carry: Concealing certain knives-especially those with blades longer than 3 inches in Clark County-requires a CCW (concealed carry weapon) permit. Concealing a machete anywhere in Nevada always requires a permit.

Blade Length and Restrictions

State Law: There is no general statewide blade length restriction for open carry. The previous statewide ban on automatic knives with blades over 2 inches was repealed in 2015, except for schools and childcare facilities.
Clark County: Concealed carry of any knife with a blade 3 inches or longer requires a permi.
Las Vegas: Knives with blades under 3 inches can be carried concealed; over 3 inches must be carried openly.

Prohibited Locations

Regardless of type or blade length, knives are prohibited in the following places:

Schools, public universities, and childcare facilities
Government buildings
Airports (beyond security checkpoints)
Certain private establishments with posted signs

Carrying a knife in these locations can result in severe penalties, including gross misdemeanor or felony charges.

Brandishing and Intent

It is a misdemeanor to brandish or draw a knife (such as a dirk, dagger, or sword) in a threatening manner, especially with two or more people present.
Using a knife in a threatening or violent way, regardless of its legality to carry, can lead to assault or other criminal charges.

Penalties for Violations

Offense	Penalty (First Offense)
Carrying a concealed knife ≥ 3 inches (Clark County) w/o permit	Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months jail and/or $1,000 fine
Possessing a knife at school/university/childcare facility	Gross misdemeanor: Up to 364 days jail and/or $2,000 fine
Brandishing a knife in a threatening manner	Misdemeanor: Up to 6 months jail and/or $1,000 fine
Assault with a deadly weapon (e.g., threatening with a knife)	Felony: 1–6 years prison and/or up to $5,000 fine

Local Ordinances and Preemption

Nevada does not have statewide preemption for knife laws, so local governments may enact stricter rules than state law.
Always check local county and city codes before carrying knives, especially in urban areas like Las Vegas and Reno.

Self-Defense

Knives can be used for self-defense if you reasonably believe you or someone else is in immediate danger and the force used is proportional to the threat.
Excessive or unjustified force can result in assault or manslaughter charges.

Practical Tips

Check local laws before carrying any knife, especially when traveling between counties or cities.
Keep knives visible if you do not have a CCW permit for concealed carry.
Never carry knives in prohibited locations (schools, government buildings, airports).
If you use knives for work, carry documentation of your profession.
Transport knives securely in your vehicle, preferably in the trunk.

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