Virginia’s knife laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, providing more freedom for knife owners while maintaining certain restrictions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding your knife rights in Virginia as of 2025:
Legal Knives
As of July 1, 2023, Virginia allows:
- Open carry of most knives, including pocket knives, utility blades, and larger knives like dirks and Bowie knives.
- Concealed carry of switchblades (automatic knives).
- Possession and transfer of switchblades.
Restrictions
Despite the recent relaxations, some restrictions remain:
- Concealed carry of dirks, stilettos, and daggers is still prohibited.
- Knives with blades over 3 inches are not allowed in schools, courthouses, and airports.
Open Carry
Virginia is relatively lenient on open carry of knives:
- Most knives can be carried openly without restriction.
- This includes pocket knives, utility blades, and even larger knives like machetes.
However, it’s important to note that local ordinances may vary, especially in urban areas.
Concealed Carry
Recent changes have relaxed concealed carry laws:
- As of July 1, 2023, concealed carry of switchblades is legal.
- Pocket knives with blades less than 3 inches can be carried concealed in most places.
Location-Specific Restrictions
Certain locations have stricter regulations:
- Schools, courthouses, and airports prohibit carrying any knife except pocket knives with blades less than 3 inches.
- Religious places of worship may have specific restrictions.
Legal Implications
Violating knife laws in Virginia can lead to serious consequences:
- Carrying forbidden knives openly can result in a Class 4 felony, with penalties up to 10 years in prison or fines up to $100,000.
- Using a knife to intimidate others can lead to “brandishing” charges.
Recent Changes
Virginia has become more knife-friendly in recent years:
- Switchblade (automatic) knives were legalized for possession and transfer from July 1, 2022.
- Concealed carry of switchblades became legal from July 1, 2023.
Conclusion
While Virginia has relaxed many of its knife laws, it’s crucial to stay informed about specific restrictions, especially regarding concealed carry and location-specific rules.
Always check local ordinances, as they may be more restrictive than state laws. Remember, responsible knife ownership and use is key to maintaining your rights and ensuring public safety.
Sources:
- https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/knife-rights-celebrates-july-1-enactment-for-knife-law-bills-in-va-fl-tn/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/virginia-knife-laws/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/virginia/
- https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-virginia-a-detailed-guide-to-legal-carry/
- https://www.shieldon.net/virginia-knife-law-guide-a-comprehensive-look-at-carrying-and-using-pocket-knives/
I’m absolutely giddy about it it’s been coming ever since the enactment of those crippling restrictions albeit law as prescribed. Yes, it sucked bad for many years, but where there is no law and applications of said laws that you’ll have folks literally act a fool and hurt other folks. And generally not out of meaness but out of fear. Think about that (mouths, oh forbid alcohol)coupled with how some personality’s crumble under simple observation and the inability to apologize. Those things aforementioned here are unbelievably touchy, tender, raw, don’t touch or I’ll get mad and cut ya! Well then if that’s your order of business then get on with it,cause personally I believe that you couldn’t kick the shit outt of a litter box, you hear me? Well I didn’t mean it about cutting you up and stuff you didn’t have to be mean “Dude STFU” and “let me get that knife” before you hurt yourself or someone else.
That’s why they’ve moved in the manner that they have. Otherwise they would’ve done exactly what they’ve been doing. Drinking diet soda and eating little Debbie Cakes at our expense. And that simply won’t work any longer. If I may can I give your audience something to ponder. After swearing in the Mayor, City Counsel and the many more do you, have you ever seen them anywhere at all in the furtherance of City Business and Affairs?
Didn’t think so.