Ohio’s knife laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, making it easier for residents to carry and use knives for everyday purposes. The most recent update to these laws came with the passage of Senate Bill 140, which took effect on April 10, 2021.
This bill has greatly clarified and liberalized knife laws in the state, providing more freedom for knife owners while maintaining public safety.
Legal Types of Knives in Ohio
In Ohio, most types of knives are now legal to own and possess. This includes:
- Pocket knives
- Utility knives
- Hunting knives
- Folding knives
- Automatic knives (switchblades)
- Fixed blade knives
- Bowie knives
The state does not impose restrictions on blade length, allowing for a wide variety of knife sizes to be legally owned.
Carrying Laws
Open Carry
Open carry of knives is generally legal in Ohio. This means you can visibly carry any type of legal knife without significant restrictions.
Concealed Carry
Thanks to Senate Bill 140, concealed carry of knives has become much less restrictive. The new law states that knives are not considered weapons unless they are used as such. This means you can carry a concealed knife without fear of legal repercussions, as long as you don’t use it as a weapon.
Senate Bill 140 and Its Impact
Senate Bill 140 has brought about several key changes to Ohio’s knife laws:
- It removed knives from the automatic classification as “deadly weapons”.
- It legalized the manufacture and sale of automatic knives (switchblades) in Ohio.
- It clarified that carrying a concealed knife is not illegal unless the knife is used as a weapon.
These changes have significantly reduced the risk of legal trouble for knife owners who carry their knives for utility or self-defense purposes.
Restrictions and Considerations
While Ohio’s knife laws have become more permissive, there are still some important restrictions to keep in mind:
- Knives are still prohibited in certain locations, such as schools and courthouses.
- Local jurisdictions may have additional restrictions, although a knife law preemption statute limits their ability to create stricter regulations.
- Using a knife as a weapon can still result in legal consequences, including potential charges for carrying a concealed weapon.
Conclusion
Ohio’s knife laws have become significantly more lenient and clear with the passage of Senate Bill 140. Residents can now carry a wide variety of knives, both openly and concealed, without fear of legal repercussions as long as they use them responsibly.
However, it’s important to remember that knives can still be considered weapons if used as such, and certain restrictions still apply in specific locations. As always, responsible ownership and use of knives is crucial to maintaining both personal and public safety.
Sources:
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/ohio-knife-laws/
- https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/ohio-knife-laws-updated-2020-facts-you-must-learn-or-risk-prosecution
- https://owossoindependent.com/understanding-the-legal-landscape-of-pocket-knives-in-ohio/
- https://www.gafirm.com/legal-blog/what-are-the-ohio-knife-laws/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-ohio-a-comprehensive-overview-of-whats-legal/