Tennessee’s knife laws are known among the most permissive in the United States, making it a popular state for carrying various types of knives, including pocket knives. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, understanding the legal framework surrounding pocket knives is essential to ensure responsible and lawful carry.
Pocket Knife Laws in Tennessee: What’s Allowed?
In Tennessee, carrying a pocket knife is largely unrestricted. The state law permits the possession and carry of all types of knives, including pocket knives, without limitations on blade lengths or style. This includes folding knives, switchblades, and automatic knives, which are legal to carry openly or concealed. There is no specific mention of pocket knives separately because they are generally covered under the broader protection for all knives.
The permissive statute reflects Tennessee’s respect for personal rights and self-defense, allowing individuals considerable freedom to choose and carry knives as tools or for protection.
Concealed and Open Carry of Pocket Knives
Tennessee law does not require a permit for carrying knives, so pocket knives can be carried either openly or concealed without legal consequence. This means you can keep a pocket knife in your pocket, purse, or clipped inside a waistband without any special permissions.
However, possessing a knife with the intent to use it unlawfully can result in criminal charges. The key is lawful intent and responsible carry, ensuring the knife is used appropriately and not brandished in a threatening manner.
Location Restrictions
While Tennessee’s knife laws are broad, certain restrictions apply, especially regarding where knives can be carried:
Schools: Carrying knives, including pocket knives, is prohibited on school grounds, a Class E felony in many cases.
Courthouses and government buildings: Many public buildings restrict knives, and violating these restrictions can result in criminal charges.
Private property: Property owners can ban knives on their premises and lawfully ask anyone carrying a knife to leave.
It is important for knife carriers to respect these location restrictions to avoid legal trouble.
Knife Law Preemption in Tennessee
Tennessee’s knife laws are subject to state preemption, meaning local governments cannot enact their own knife regulations. This assures that knife owners are subject to consistent laws statewide, avoiding confusion from local ordinance variations. This uniform approach benefits residents and visitors by providing clear and predictable rules around the possession and carry of pocket knives and other blades.
Recent Legislative Updates
As of 2025, Tennessee has passed enhanced liability protections for knife manufacturers and sellers, offering them similar protections as gun manufacturers. This reflects the state’s increasing emphasis on protecting legal knife ownership and commerce within its borders.
Practical Advice for Pocket Knife Owners
Always carry your pocket knife responsibly and avoid displaying it in a threatening manner.
Be mindful of restricted locations like schools and government buildings.
Know that intent matters: lawful use and possession are protected, but criminal intent can lead to prosecution.
Stay updated on any legal changes by consulting official state resources or legal professionals.
Tennessee maintains one of the most knife-friendly legal regimes in the country, giving broad freedom to own and carry pocket knives both openly and concealed. Understanding the laws concerning location restrictions, lawful intent, and state preemption can help knife owners navigate the legal landscape confidently and responsibly in 2025 and beyond.
Sources
(https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-tennessee-a-guide-to-legal-carry-and-use/)
(https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/tennessee-knife-laws/)
(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/tennessee/)
(https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/tennessee-liability-protection-bill-adding-knives-signed-by-governor/)
