Navigating knife laws can be challenging, but Nevada stands out for its relatively permissive and clear regulations governing the ownership and carrying of knives. Here is what you need to know about your knife rights in Nevada as of 2025.
Broad Legal Permission to Own and Carry Knives
Nevada law generally allows residents and visitors to legally own and carry almost any type of knife. This includes:
Pocket knives and folding knives
Fixed-blade knives and hunting knives
Switchblades (automatic knives)
Balisongs (butterfly knives)
Dirks and daggers
Gravity knives and machetes
Importantly, Nevada does not impose statewide restrictions on blade length, meaning you can carry a large hunting knife or a small pocket knife without concern for blade size under state law.
Open Carry is Allowed Without a Permit
You can openly carry knives in Nevada without needing a license or permit. Open carry means the knife is visible, such as in a sheath on your belt or clipped to your pocket. This applies to virtually all knife types across the state.
Concealed Carry Rules and Restrictions
Concealed carry of knives is subject to more restrictions, particularly in populated areas:
In Clark County (which includes Las Vegas), you need a permit (CCW permit) to carry a concealed knife with a blade 3 inches or longer.
Concealed carry of machetes requires a CCW permit statewide.
Concealed carry of switchblades with a blade longer than 2 inches is illegal and considered a felony.
Restricted Locations for Knife Carry
There are certain places where knives are strictly prohibited regardless of type:
Public and private schools, including universities and childcare facilities
Airports and certain government buildings
Carrying a knife in these restricted areas can lead to severe penalties, including misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor charges.
Penalties for Violations
Violating Nevada’s knife laws can result in a range of penalties:
Carrying a concealed knife without a permit in Clark County can be a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Possession of knives in schools or childcare centers is a gross misdemeanor, with up to 364 days in jail and/or a $2,000 fine.
Brandishing a knife in a threatening manner toward others is a misdemeanor, also punishable by jail time and fines.
Using a knife during the commission of a crime could lead to felony charges, with prison sentences of 1 to 5 years and/or substantial fines.
Brandishing vs Assault
Simply displaying or waving a knife in a threatening way in the presence of others is criminalized as brandishing (a misdemeanor). However, if the display of the knife causes someone to fear immediate bodily harm, it escalates to assault with a deadly weapon, a felony.
Exceptions and Additional Considerations
Operators of licensed home daycare centers may possess knives on the premises where they live, regardless of other prohibitions.
Nevada law preempts local governments from creating conflicting knife laws, so state law primarily governs knife possession and carry across all cities and counties.
Best Practices to Stay Compliant
Always carry knives openly or, if concealed, ensure compliance with local permit requirements.
Avoid carrying knives in schools, childcare facilities, and other restricted locations.
Do not brandish knives or display them in threatening ways.
When in doubt, consult local sheriff’s offices or legal professionals, especially regarding concealed carry permits.
Nevada offers a knife-friendly legal environment with strong protections for carrying and possessing a wide variety of knives. However, understanding key limits on concealed carry, restricted locations, and proper conduct with knives is essential to safeguard your rights and avoid legal trouble.
Sources
[1] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/nevada-knife-laws/
[2] https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/defense/laws/knife-laws/
[3] https://criminallawyerslasvegas.com/nevada-knife-laws/
[4] https://www.shouselaw.com/nv/blog/can-i-open-carry-a-knife-in-nevada/
[5] https://spartacuslawfirm.com/nevada-knife-laws/
