Colorado’s knife laws aim to balance individual rights with public safety. Here’s a comprehensive overview of your knife rights in the state as of 2025:
Legal Knives
In Colorado, you can legally own and possess most types of knives, including:
- Daggers, dirks, and stilettos
- Bowie knives and other large fixed blade knives
- Switchblades and gravity knives (legal since 2017)
- Disguised knives (e.g., pen knives, belt knives)
The only type of knife explicitly prohibited is the ballistic knife, possession of which is a class 5 felony.
Open Carry
Colorado generally allows open carry of legal knives, including:
- Fixed blade knives
- Folding knives
- Switchblades and automatic knives
However, some municipalities may have additional restrictions, so it’s essential to check local ordinances.
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry laws in Colorado are more restrictive:
- You can conceal carry knives with blades shorter than 3.5 inches
- Concealing knives with blades over 3.5 inches is illegal without a permit
- Hunting and fishing knives are exempt from length restrictions when carried for sports use
Restricted Locations
Knife carry is prohibited in certain locations, regardless of blade length:
- School property (K-12 and universities)
- Federal buildings
- Courthouses
- Some municipal buildings (check local laws)
Penalties for Violations
Violating Colorado’s knife laws can result in serious consequences:
- Carrying a concealed knife with a blade over 3.5 inches: Class 1 misdemeanor (up to 364 days in jail and/or $1,000 fine)
- Possessing a ballistic knife: Class 5 felony (1-3 years in prison and/or $1,000-$100,000 fine)
- Carrying a knife on school grounds: Class 6 felony (1-18 months in prison and/or $1,000-$100,000 fine)
Recent Changes and Outlook
Colorado has been moving towards more permissive knife laws:
- In 2017, switchblades and gravity knives were legalized at the state level
- Some cities, like Denver, may still have local restrictions on certain knife types
As laws can change, it’s advisable to stay informed about any new legislation that may affect your knife rights in Colorado.
Remember, while this guide provides an overview of Colorado knife laws, it’s always best to consult with a legal professional for specific questions or concerns about your rights and responsibilities as a knife owner in the state.
Sources:
- https://edc.ninja/colorado-knife-laws/
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/colorado-knife-laws/
- https://www.shouselaw.com/co/defense/laws/knife-laws/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/colorado/
- https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/colorado-knife-laws-what-you-can-cannot-1765261/
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