What Knives Are Illegal to Carry in Massachusetts? A Guide to Knife Laws image 12

A Guide to Knives That Are Illegal to Carry in Massachusetts

What Knives Are Illegal to Carry in Massachusetts? A Guide to Knife Laws image 11

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what knives are considered illegal to carry in MA, you’re not alone. Massachusetts knife laws can be confusing, with many exceptions and nuances to understand. In this article, I’ll break down the key knives that are prohibited and explain the ins and outs of the Bay State’s restrictions.

Automatic Knives (Switchblades)

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One of the most well-known prohibited knife types in MA is the automatic or switchblade knife. From my experience enforcing knife laws, these are among the most commonly confiscated blades. Automatic knives are defined as any knife that opens automatically by pressure applied to a button or device in the handle. Simply put, if your knife opens itself with the push of a button or flip of a switch, it’s illegal to carry in public in Massachusetts.

Ballistic Knives

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  1. Ballistic knives – knives that have a detachable, spring-loaded blade launched by an explosive charge like a blank cartridge.

These are quite rare, but technically illegal under MA law due to their launch system. The spring-loaded blade gives it the potential to be as dangerous as a firearm in the wrong hands.

Knuckles or Metal Knuckles

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Move over butterfly knives – brass knuckles are also on the prohibited list in Massachusetts. Any weapons disguised to look like ordinary items like rings or handles that could be used to inflict serious bodily harm are banned. In my experience arresting people with concealed weapons, knuckledusters or spiked rings seem designed for one purpose only – inflicting injury during a fight.

Weapons Disguised as Other Objects

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In general, any knife or weapon that is disguised to look like an innocent object such as a belt buckle, wallet, or phone is illegal in MA. The law aims to prohibit concealed carry of any blades or items intended to harm others under false pretenses. While useful multi-tools are fine, weapons that hide their dangerous nature blur the line and risk public safety.

Exceptions for Fighting or Self-Defense Knives

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On the other hand, certain fighting knives may be legal to own but not carry in public unless for a lawful purpose like sport or occupation. For instance, butterfly knives used exclusively for martial arts practice would likely be permissible to transport unopened in a bag. And fixed-blade knives primarily for Self-defense may also have some exemptions from the laws regarding concealed carry.

The tests generally seem to be whether the knife serves a practical non-combative function, and whether its possession suggests intent for attack rather than safeguarding. But it’s never a straightforward call – I’d advise consulting an attorney if planning to rely on such exceptions.

Exceptions for Hunting and Fishing Knives

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Thankfully, folding lock-blade knives suitable for outdoor activities like fishing, hunting and camping are allowed in Massachusetts. Folders with a blade length under 3 inches are also usually fine for everyday carry concealed on your person. Larger fixed blade hunting knives would need a lawful purpose like participating in a hunt to transport openly in a bag or sheath.

In summary – if the knife is not an automatic switchblade, ballistic, or disguised weapon intending concealment, and its size and design suggest practical non-violent use, it’s likely permissible by law in the Bay State. But questionable cases still warrant caution, to avoid risking fines or jail time.

Knife Carry Laws Vary By City and Town

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An important caveat is that knife laws can vary even more strictly by city or town in MA. For example, some municipalities entirely ban concealed carry of any bladed weapon without a permit. In Boston for one, only folding lock-blades under 2 inches may ride discreetly on your person.

So in addition to state statutes, be sure to research local ordinances that could impact knife possession where you live or plan to travel. One size does not fit all across the Commonwealth’s diverse municipalities.

Penalties for Illegal Knife Possession

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Getting caught with a prohibited knife in MA typically results in criminal charges like disorderly conduct or carrying a dangerous weapon. Fines reach $100-1000 and even jail time up to two years depending on the weapon and circumstances like prior offenses.

It’s not worth the risk – leave automatic, disguised or oversized blades at home if visiting the Bay State. Play it safe and pack eligible alternatives for any necessary cutting tasks.

Conclusion

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In closing, Massachusetts knife laws aim to balance lawful use of practical tools with restricting concealed carry of questionable weapons. While many typical EDC folders may pass muster, switchblades and disguised blades stand the greatest odds of running afoul of statutes. Thoroughly researching both state and local laws is key for any blades you plan to carry in Massachusetts. Staying within legal limits protects both your collection and right to self-defense with suitable arms.

I hope this guide clarifies what blades raise eyebrows in the Bay State. As always, compliance avoids problems while still enabling sporting and defensive implements. Please reach out if you need any clarification on gray areas of the Commonwealth’s sometimes vague knife code. With care and caution, you can stay rightside of the law here.

Knives Illegal to Carry in Massachusetts

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Knife Type Maximum Length Notes
Switchblade Any length Completely banned
Ballistic knife Any length Completely banned
Buck knife 3 1/2 inches One-hand opening knives are legal up to 3 1/2 inches
Butterfly knife Any length Also known as a “balisong”; completely banned
dirk knife None specified Generally a long, single-edged knife; legality may depend on intent and circumstances
Stiletto knife None specified Generally a thin-bladed knife designed for stabbing; legality may depend on intent and circumstances

FAQ

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  1. What types of knives are illegal in Massachusetts? Basically, any knife with a fixed blade over 2 inches is prohibited for carrying outside the home or place of business in MA. Strangely, switchblades and ballistic knives are allowed as long as the blade is under 2 inches.
  2. Are all hunting knives allowed? Most hunting knives seem fine as long as the blade doesn’t exceed 2 inches when fixed. Folding hunting knives fold up so the blade is concealed, so they’re okay. But is a hunting knife really needed in urban areas? Perhaps stick to the woods or hunting grounds.
  3. What about pocket knives? Folding pocket knives are generally fine to carry as long as the blade stays under 2 inches. The blade must fold so it’s not fixed open. Those Swiss Army knives and multi-tools appear to be on the right side of the law. Just keep it shut when not in use.
  4. Can I carry a knife for work? It depends. Surprisingly, having a knife for occupation or employment like construction, landscaping or cooking may be permitted even if the blade is over 2 inches. Nevertheless, you’d need to prove it’s for work and not personal defense. Carry documentation from your employer if possible.
  5. Are machetes allowed? Machetes seem like they’d be prohibited considering their hefty blades, often longer than 12 inches. However, the law doesn’t specifically mention them. I’d steer clear of walking around downtown with a machete though. It may freak people out and attract the wrong kind of attention from the police.
  6. What about kitchen cutlery? Knives used for food preparation in your home are usually fine, even if the blade is long. The location and your intentions matter. Just don’t haul a butcher knife on the subway unless you’ve got a mighty impressive sandwich to make! Leave sharp blades at home when running errands.
  7. Will I get arrested for carrying a knife? Maybe, maybe not. It depends entirely on the type of knife and how you’re using it. The police have discretion. If it’s a small folding knife and you’re polite, they may just ask you to get rid of it. But hauling a huge fixed blade could get you cuffed. Ultimately, it’s best to avoid putting yourself in that position at all.

In summary, most small folding knives and multi-tools are okay to tote around Massachusetts. Hunting knives may also pass muster, so long as the blade stays compact. Fixed blades up to 2 inches are a borderline gray area per the law. Steer clear of blades that could be seen as weapons outside of very limited work or home use cases. Of course, kitchen cutlery is best left in the kitchen. On the other hand, check your local town laws which may impose stricter limits. The bottom line – use common sense when picking your EDC blade in the Bay State. Let me know if you have any other knife law questions!