Quick Summary: New Hampshire Knife Laws
- Legal to own: All knives – no restrictions on any type including switchblades, daggers, dirks, stilettos, and butterfly knives
- Legal to carry (open): All knives without restriction
- Restricted/banned: None – all knife types are legal since the 2010 repeal of knife restrictions
- Concealed carry: Yes – all knives may be carried concealed without a permit
- Blade length limit: No statewide limit
- Preemption: No specific knife preemption, but the state has a strong constitutional carry framework
Last updated: February 2026. This is not legal advice.
Overview of New Hampshire Knife Laws in 2026
New Hampshire is one of the most knife-friendly states in the entire United States. Following the landmark 2010 repeal of the state’s restrictions on switchblades, dirks, daggers, and stilettos, New Hampshire effectively removed all knife-specific restrictions from its books. Today, residents and visitors can own, carry openly, and carry concealed any type of knife without a permit.
New Hampshire’s permissive stance on knives aligns with its broader “Live Free or Die” philosophy and its constitutional carry laws. The state was one of the first to repeal knife restrictions at the urging of knife rights advocates, and has since gone even further by passing legislation prohibiting the enforcement of any future federal knife laws, rules, or executive orders within the state.
What Knives Are Legal to Own in New Hampshire?
All knives are legal to own in New Hampshire, including:
- Switchblades and automatic knives (legalized in 2010)
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- Gravity knives
- Daggers, dirks, and stilettos (restrictions removed in 2010)
- Bowie knives and fixed-blade knives of any length
- Folding knives and pocket knives
- Machetes and swords
- Throwing knives and stars
- OTF (out-the-front) knives
- Multi-tools with blades
Open Carry Laws
There are no restrictions on the open carry of knives in New Hampshire. Any type of knife of any blade length may be carried openly anywhere in the state where weapons are not specifically prohibited (such as certain government buildings or schools). New Hampshire does not require any permit, license, or registration for openly carrying knives.
Concealed Carry Laws
New Hampshire allows the concealed carry of any type of knife without a permit. This is consistent with the state’s constitutional carry framework that eliminated concealed carry permit requirements. Whether you carry a small pocket knife or a large fixed-blade knife concealed under your clothing, you are within your legal rights in New Hampshire.
The only restriction is that you may not carry any weapon — including a knife — with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person. Carrying a knife for self-defense, utility, or any other lawful purpose is fully protected.
Restricted Locations
Schools
New Hampshire RSA 159:26 prohibits the possession of firearms and dangerous weapons in school zones. While the statute primarily addresses firearms, knives carried with criminal intent on school property could result in charges. Individual school districts may have their own policies regarding knives on school grounds.
Courthouses and Government Buildings
Some courthouses and secure government buildings in New Hampshire may restrict weapons through posted signage and security screening. Always comply with facility-specific rules.
Federal Property
Federal regulations may apply on federal property within New Hampshire, including post offices, federal buildings, and military installations.
New Hampshire’s Anti-Federal Enforcement Law
New Hampshire has taken the extraordinary step of passing legislation that prohibits state and local law enforcement from enforcing any federal laws, rules, regulations, or executive orders that restrict knife rights beyond what New Hampshire state law allows. This makes New Hampshire one of the strongest knife-rights states in the nation, providing an additional layer of protection for knife owners.
Penalties for Violations
Since there are virtually no knife-specific restrictions in New Hampshire, penalties would arise primarily from the misuse of a knife rather than its mere possession or carry. Using a knife to commit an assault, robbery, or other crime will result in enhanced penalties. Carrying any weapon with criminal intent is a separate offense.
Knife Laws for Minors
New Hampshire does not have specific age restrictions on knife possession for minors in its state statutes. However, parents should exercise good judgment, and individual retailers may set their own age requirements for knife sales.
Traveling to Neighboring States
If you plan to travel from New Hampshire, be aware that neighboring states have significantly different knife laws:
- Vermont prohibits switchblades with blades 3 inches or longer
- Massachusetts has strict knife restrictions including switchblade bans
- Maine is relatively permissive but has some concealed carry nuances
For a complete overview of knife laws nationwide, visit our US Knife Laws guide.
Are switchblades legal in New Hampshire?
Can I carry a concealed knife in New Hampshire?
What is the maximum blade length in New Hampshire?
Are butterfly knives legal in New Hampshire?
Can I carry a knife on school grounds in New Hampshire?
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While New Hampshire has very permissive knife laws, always ensure you are in compliance with any applicable regulations, particularly regarding restricted locations. Consult with a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
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.