Alabama is recognized for having some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States. Recent legislative changes, including the enactment of Constitutional Carry in 2023, have further expanded knife rights for residents and visitors. However, there are still important details and exceptions that anyone carrying a knife in Alabama should know.
What Knives Are Legal in Alabama?
Under current Alabama law, there are no statewide restrictions on the types of knives you can own or carry. This means that balisongs (butterfly knives), switchblades, gravity knives, automatic knives, stilettos, dirks, toothpick knives, and all folding knives are legal.
Even double-sided knives and out-the-front knives are permitted, regardless of blade length. Fixed-blade knives, including large Bowie knives, are also legal to own and carry openly.
Concealed Carry and Open Carry
Open carry of knives is generally allowed throughout Alabama. You can visibly carry most types of knives, including fixed-blade and folding knives, in public spaces without issue. The restrictions that once applied to the concealed carry of Bowie knives and similar large blades were repealed in 2023, so concealed carry is now permitted for most knives as long as there is no criminal intent. However, it remains illegal to carry a knife with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person.
Local Ordinances and Preemption
One significant caveat is that Alabama does not have statewide preemption for knife laws. This means local jurisdictions can and do enact their own knife restrictions. For example, Montgomery limits blade length to three inches, Birmingham prohibits carrying knives with blades longer than four inches in public, and Mobile requires disclosure to law enforcement for knives with blades over two inches. Before carrying a knife, especially in a city or town, always check local ordinances to avoid legal trouble.
Sale and Transfer Restrictions
While adults face few limitations, it is illegal to sell, give, or lend a Bowie knife or similar large knife to anyone under 18 years old. Violating this law can result in fines ranging from $50 to $500.
Knives in Schools and Other Restricted Locations
Knives are strictly prohibited on school property in Alabama, regardless of type or blade length. Carrying a knife onto school grounds with the intent to cause harm is a felony offense. School districts may also have their own policies that further restrict knife possession, so it is best to avoid bringing any knife onto school premises.
Practical Advice and Compliance
Alabama’s relaxed stance on knife rights provides broad freedoms, but those carrying knives should remain mindful of local regulations and avoid restricted areas such as schools. Always carry knives responsibly and without unlawful intent, as misuse can lead to criminal charges.
Alabama law allows the open and concealed carry of nearly all types of knives, with the main exceptions being local ordinances, restrictions on transfers to minors, and absolute bans on school property. Staying informed and respectful of both state and local laws ensures you can exercise your knife rights safely and legally in Alabama.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/alabama/
[2] https://kniferights.org/legislative-update/alabama-constitutional-carry-repealing-state-knife-restrictions-enacted-2/
[3] https://www.smithlawal.com/what-knives-are-legal-in-alabama/
[4] https://www.bladeaddict.com/pages/knife-laws-by-state
[5] https://www.davidserenolaw.com/guide-to-knife-laws-in-alabama/
