Legal Definition for Knives in Nevada
Nevada is one of the few states that doesn’t ban specific types of knives; instead, it regulates them. It is not illegal to carry knives in Nevada, but there are some restrictions on their size and type.
Nevada does not have any particular knife legislation. The only way Nevada has to regulate knives is through possession and ownership laws, which prohibit the possession of a switchblade or other deadly weapon on school grounds or in a public building without a permit.
Laws about carrying knives vary by jurisdiction but generally restrict the size of a blade you can carry openly and concealed. Carrying a pocketknife, specifically, is generally legal so long as it isn’t classified as a “deadly weapon.”
In Nevada, there are different ways that people can be charged with knife-related crimes:
- carrying a knife or trying to buy one if you’re under 18
- threatening someone with a knife
- carrying a knife that’s banned
- a murder where the victim was stabbed with a knife
- a robbery or burglary where a thief carried a knife as a weapon
Nevada Knife Law Essentials
Nevada does not prohibit possessing a knife or carrying a concealed knife openly. However, if you conceal a knife and then use it to stab someone, you will be charged with attempted murder. The Nevada legislature has enacted certain regulatory restrictions on the sale of switchblade knives and restricts which types of blades may be sold to minors.
As per NRS 202.350, it is illegal to possess metal knuckles in Nevada; this includes brass knuckles and knuckle knives (a folding blade attached to the grip). These weapons are considered dangerous per NRS 202.350(1)(b
Nevada knife law has three categories:
- Only knives with blades under 2 inches or under can be carried around in public places, but they must be concealed.
- Knives with blades over 2 inches can only be carried around if they are not concealed, or if it is a part of your job (police officer, military personnel).
- Switchblades and other automatic knives are illegal for both concealed and open carry.
Nevada law prohibits the possession or sale of switchblades, also known as automatic knives. The possession or sale of all other types of knives is generally lawful. Knives that are sold in Nevada must have blades that are no longer than 12 inches in length and, if they do not have fixed blades, must be double-edged.
Nevada Knife Carry Restrictions & Rules
Different states have different knife carry restrictions and rules. Some states allow people to carry knives of any length, while others prohibit carrying even a butter knife, while some other states have an outright ban on knives that are not used in the preparation or consumption of food.
In Nevada, you must have a license to carry a concealed weapon or a deadly weapon. You must also be 18 years old to be able to carry either of these weapons.
Nevada law prohibits the carrying of a concealed knife or razor blade.
Knives that are openly carried can be transported into a courthouse or jail, with exceptions.
Knives carried openly may not exceed four inches in length and may not be sharpened to a point.
Knives that are concealed with intent to harm another person are illegal. Knives that are open but not concealed may only be used for lawful purposes, such as hunting or fishing.
Use of any weapon is unlawful if it is committed in an angry manner, with the intent to cause fear in another person, or during an altercation where there was no apparent danger of death or serious bodily injury to others at the time of committing the offense.