With arguably some of the most tolerant knife laws in the U.S., Arizona has earned its reputation as a knife-friendly state. In fact, other than perhaps Alaska, no state has more lenient knife laws. There are no municipal knife laws, meaning anyone in Arizona age 21 or older can own and carry any type of blade they wish throughout the state without fear of legal repercussions.

Prior to 2011, Arizona's knife laws varied greatly from city to city, often causing confusion and legal inequity. To create a universal understanding and interpretation of their laws surrounding the use and possession of knives, Arizona passed A.R.S. 13-3120, an amendment that stated:

“…a political subdivision of this state shall not enact any ordinance, rule or tax relating to the transportation, possession, carrying, sale, transfer, purchase, gift, devise, licensing, registration or use of a knife or knife making components in this state.”

This new proclamation took away local jurisdiction on most knife laws and provided much-needed clarity concerning what is legal or illegal regarding knives.

It’s important to note that, although Arizona is incredibly lenient when it comes to knife laws, there are still some legal restrictions. Being aware of what is or is not legal in the state of Arizona can save you time, money, and stress. Let’s take a look at some of the details surrounding knife laws in the Grand Canyon State.

What I.S. Legal?

Anyone age 21 or older can legally own and carry, either concealed or open, most any type or length of knife across the state of Arizona. These include:

• Folding or Pocket Knife
  There is no single legal definition used for what constitutes a pocket knife. However, any folding knife that opens manually and is under four inches can be considered a pocket or folding knife.
• Switchblade
  A switchblade knife is a pocket knife with a spring-operated blade. The blade opens when a release is pressed and causes the blade to fly open.
• Stiletto
  With a needle-like point and a long, slender blade, a Stiletto knife is intended for stabbing.
• Machete
  Machetes are a large knife with heavy blades, traditionally used to cut brush and sugar cane in regions such as South and Central America.
• Dagger
  A dagger is generally made of relatively thin metal with both edges of the blade sharpened. They are light and most often used for combat or self-defense.
• Ballistic Knife
  A ballistic knife launches a removable blade that ejects from a hollow section in its handle after pressing on a lever or trigger.
• Dirk
  A dirk is a stabbing knife, either with or without a handguard, with an exposed blade that locks into position.
• Butterfly Knife
  Originating in the Philippines, a butterfly knife is a folding style of a pocketknife with two handles that conceal the blade within its handles' grooves.
• Gravity Knife
  Gravity knives are small and easily open (via gravity) with a flip of the wrist.
• Bowie Knife
  With a curved back edge shaped to a sharpened point, the Bowie Knife is traditionally known as a strong hunting knife.
• Sword
  The long-bladed sword typically has a hilt with a handguard and is designed for striking and thrusting.

What IS NOT Legal?

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to own or possess any knife other than a pocketknife. To be clear, a pocketknife is a folding knife smaller than 4 inches long. Pocketknives can be carried by anyone, either via their transportation mode or on their person.

It's also important to know that if for any reason you are stopped by a law enforcement officer in Arizona, you must disclose if you are in possession of any type of knife other than a pocketknife.

There are also some places where it is illegal to possess a knife. Some of these restricted locations include certain public events, schools, and nuclear or hydroelectric facilities. And any private establishment can legally ban knives from their premises. Generally, an accurate guideline of where you may not carry a knife is listed in the Phoenix, Arizona Weapons and Firearms Laws F.A.Q. Document. They list other prohibited areas as well, including polling places on election days, military installations, national parks, correctional facilities, and federal buildings.

Using A Knife To Commit A Crime

In Arizona, you can use a knife in any way, given that you do not participate in an activity that would be considered a crime. When a knife is used in a crime, the knife is then categorized as a lethal weapon, and charges are elevated.

Of course, it is illegal in Arizona to commit a crime using a knife. A knife can be many things legally, such as a tool or collector’s item, and does not automatically qualify as a weapon as a firearm does. However, a knife becomes a deadly weapon when it is used lethally to commit a crime. A knife used in a crime is treated like any other weapon, similar to a firearm.

Arizona has a long list of misconduct involving weapons that constitute a crime. Among them are the following:

• Carrying a deadly weapon except a pocketknife concealed on his person or within his immediate control in or on a means of transportation.
• Manufacturing, possessing, transporting, selling, or transferring a prohibited weapon, except that if the violation involves dry ice, a person commits misconduct involving weapons by knowingly possessing the dry ice with the intent to cause injury to or death of another person or to cause damage to the property of another person.
• Possessing a deadly weapon or prohibited weapon if such person is a prohibited possessor.
• Defacing a deadly weapon.
• Trafficking in weapons or explosives for financial gain in order to assist, promote or further the interests of a criminal street gang, a criminal syndicate or a racketeering enterprise.
• Using, possessing or exercising control over a deadly weapon in furtherance of any act of terrorism as defined in section 13-2301 or possessing or exercising control over a deadly weapon knowing or having reason to know that it will be used to facilitate any act of terrorism as defined in section 13-2301.

What Is The Difference Regarding Open Or Conceal And Carry Knife Laws As Opposed To Gun Laws?

If you are 21 or older in the state of Arizona, you can lawfully possess and carry any length or type of knife. Arizona open and conceal and carry knife laws are identical to their corresponding gun laws.

Can Someone Convicted Of A Felony Carry A Knife?

Felons put on the list of banned possessors cannot own or carry a deadly weapon. The question becomes, what constitutes a deadly weapon? Most pocketknives or household knives do not classify as a deadly weapon. However, switchblades and hunting knives often do, therefore, are likely to be included on the list.

Of most significant legal importance is always the intent behind why someone would carry any particular kind of knife in the first place. Felons and other individuals can be designated a “Prohibited Possessor” for a wide variety of reasons. The state of Arizona lists specific details regarding who may be named as such, including those who are found to present a danger to themselves or others and anyone found incompetent as defined by rule 11 of Arizona’s Rules of Criminal Procedure.