Quick Summary: Colorado Knife Laws
- Legal to own: All knives, including switchblades (legalized 2024), butterfly knives, Bowie knives, daggers, and gravity knives
- Legal to carry (open): All knives — no restrictions on open carry
- Restricted/banned: Ballistic knives are prohibited. Concealed carry of knives with blades over 3.5 inches is restricted.
- Concealed carry: Legal for knives with blades 3.5 inches or shorter; longer blades require a concealed carry permit or must be carried openly
- Blade length limit: 3.5 inches for concealed carry without a permit
- Preemption: No — local municipalities may enact their own knife restrictions
Last updated: February 2026. This is not legal advice.
Overview of Colorado Knife Laws in 2026
Colorado’s knife laws have undergone significant reform in recent years. Most notably, in 2024 the state legalized switchblades and automatic knives, removing one of the last major prohibitions on knife types. Today, Colorado allows ownership of virtually all knives and permits open carry without restriction. However, the state maintains a 3.5-inch blade length limit for concealed carry without a permit, and the lack of statewide preemption means local ordinances can create a patchwork of additional rules.
Whether you’re hiking in the Rockies, living in Denver, or just passing through, understanding these laws is essential for any knife carrier.
Legal Definitions
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-12-101, a “knife” means any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over 3.5 inches in length, or any other dangerous instrument capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds. The 3.5-inch threshold is critical because it determines concealed carry restrictions.
A “deadly weapon” under Colorado law is broadly defined and includes any knife that could cause death or serious bodily injury.
What Knives Are Legal to Own in Colorado?
Colorado allows ownership of virtually all knives:
- Switchblades and automatic knives — Legal as of 2024 reform
- Butterfly knives (balisongs) — Legal
- Bowie knives — Legal
- Dirks and daggers — Legal
- Stilettos — Legal
- OTF knives — Legal
- Gravity knives — Legal
- Fixed-blade knives — Legal
- Folding knives and pocket knives — Legal
- Machetes and swords — Legal
The only knife prohibited in Colorado is the ballistic knife — a knife with a blade that can be propelled as a projectile.
Open Carry of Knives in Colorado
Open carry of any knife is legal in Colorado regardless of blade length or knife type. There are no state-level restrictions on openly carrying a knife. You may wear a large fixed-blade knife in a visible sheath, carry a machete, or openly display any legal knife.
Concealed Carry of Knives in Colorado
Colorado’s concealed carry rules center on the 3.5-inch blade length threshold:
- Blades 3.5 inches or shorter: May be carried concealed without any permit
- Blades over 3.5 inches: Cannot be carried concealed without a concealed handgun permit (CHP). Open carry of larger blades remains legal.
Under CRS § 18-12-105, carrying a concealed knife with a blade over 3.5 inches without a valid permit is a class 2 misdemeanor. Note that the concealed handgun permit in Colorado does cover the concealed carry of knives over 3.5 inches.
Blade Length Restrictions
The 3.5-inch limit applies only to concealed carry. There is no blade length restriction for open carry or ownership. The blade is measured from the tip to where the blade meets the handle (not including the handle).
Local Knife Laws (No Preemption)
Colorado has no statewide preemption for knife laws. Local jurisdictions can enact stricter knife ordinances:
- Denver: Has historically had stricter weapon regulations, including knife restrictions
- Boulder: May have additional restrictions on certain knife types
- Other cities: Check local ordinances before carrying
Always research the specific city or county you are visiting within Colorado.
Restricted Locations
- Schools: Possessing a dangerous weapon (including knives) on school grounds is illegal under CRS § 18-12-105.5
- Government buildings: Many restrict weapons
- Courthouses: Weapons are generally prohibited
- Private property: Property owners may prohibit weapons
Recent Changes
The most notable recent change was the 2024 legalization of switchblades and automatic knives. Prior to this reform, switchblades were illegal to own or carry in Colorado. The new law removed switchblades from the prohibited weapons list, bringing Colorado in line with the national trend toward more permissive knife legislation.
As of February 2026, no additional significant knife law changes have been enacted.
Penalties for Violations
- Concealed carry of knife over 3.5″ without permit: Class 2 misdemeanor — up to 120 days in jail and/or $750 fine
- Possession of ballistic knife: Class 5 felony — 1-3 years in prison
- Weapons on school grounds: Class 6 felony
For a nationwide perspective, see our US Knife Laws guide. Check the laws for Kansas, Arizona, and California if traveling to neighboring states.
Are switchblades legal in Colorado?
Can I carry a concealed knife in Colorado?
What is the maximum blade length in Colorado?
Are butterfly knives legal in Colorado?
Can I carry a knife on school grounds in Colorado?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with local authorities before carrying any knife.
Explore Knife Laws in Other States
Knife laws vary significantly from state to state. If you travel with knives, make sure you understand the regulations in each state you visit.