Knife laws in Iowa provide a fair amount of freedom for ownership and open carry, but also set out clear restrictions—especially concerning concealed carry and specific types of knives. If you’re an Iowa resident or plan to travel through the Hawkeye State, here’s what you need to know about your knife rights as of 2025.
Knife Ownership: What’s Legal?
Iowa broadly permits the ownership of most types of knives. You can legally own and possess:
Folding knives
Fixed-blade knives (e.g., hunting or utility knives)
Balisong and butterfly knives
Dirks, daggers, stilettos, bowie knives
Disguised knives (like belt, cane, or lipstick knives)
Exception: Ballistic knives—knives with detachable, spring-propelled blades—are explicitly forbidden. Simply owning one is a felony, punishable by serious fines or prison time.
Open Carry: Generally Permitted
In nearly all cases, it is legal to openly carry any knife in Iowa. There are no statewide restrictions on blade length for open carry—long or short, concealed or visible, you can generally carry it as long as it’s not in a restricted area.
Concealed Carry: Where Limits Apply
The rules get stricter for carrying knives concealed on your person:
Any knife with a blade over 5 inches is considered a “dangerous weapon.”
Concealed carry of the following, without a valid weapon permit, is unlawful:
Any knife with a blade longer than 5 inches
Switchblades/automatic knives
Daggers, stilettos, razors
Butterfly (balisong) knives
Cane swords, lipstick knives, or any disguised knife
Carrying any of the above knives concealed can be charged as a serious misdemeanor or, in the case of ballistic knives, a felony. To legally carry these knives concealed, you must possess a valid Iowa weapons permit.
Where Are Knives Prohibited?
Certain locations are always off-limits for knives, regardless of blade size or how they’re carried:
Schools and within 1,000ft of a school (weapons-free zones)
Courtrooms, judicial buildings, and government facilities
Some private properties and public transport, if posted
Any place that federal law prohibits weapons
Penalties for violating these location-based restrictions may include doubled fines and criminal charges, especially in “weapons-free zones”.
State Preemption and Local Laws
As of January 1, 2025, Iowa law preempts local knife ordinances. This means city or county governments cannot enact knife rules that are stricter than state law. This legal uniformity protects your rights throughout Iowa, though challenges to preemption may still be litigated.
Other Important Knife Law Points
Under the Influence: Carrying a dangerous weapon, including qualifying knives, while intoxicated (0.08 BAC or higher) is prohibited—even in your vehicle.
Minors: Specific age and permit requirements may apply for minors (generally, at least 18 or 21 for concealed carry permits).
Intent Matters: Any knife can become illegal if carried with the intent to commit a crime or used for unlawful purposes.
Iowa Knife Rights (2025)
| Activity / Knife Type | Legal Open Carry | Legal Concealed Carry (w/o permit) | Legal Concealed Carry (with permit) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blade ≤5 inches | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Blade >5 inches (dangerous weapon) | Yes | No | Yes |
| Switchblade, dagger, stiletto, balisong | Yes | No | Yes |
| Ballistic knife | No | No | No |
Key Takeaways
Most knives are legal to own and open carry in Iowa.
A blade over 5 inches, daggers, switchblades, or disguised knives cannot be concealed without a permit.
Ballistic knives are always illegal.
State preemption now assures consistent knife laws across Iowa.
Location matters: never bring knives to schools or restricted government buildings.
Always check current statutes and consult legal resources for full details, as knife laws can be updated and local exceptions may occasionally arise. Stay informed—and enjoy your knife rights responsibly in Iowa.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/iowa/
[2] https://ravencresttactical.com/iowa-knife-laws/
[3] https://edc.ninja/iowa-knife-laws/
[4] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/iowa-knife-laws/
[5] https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
