New Hampshire Knife Laws are now the clearest and the friendliest from its updated & final version of 2010’s laws.
We are going to discuss the knife laws in this whole article. Hope this article might help you forget the confusions.
What was the Old Law?
According to the New Hampshire, stilettos, switch knives, daggers and dirk knives were illegal before the law was updated.
You will be amazed what the updated new law has brought to you!
The New Law
It is now totally legal and the prohibitions have been removed from the stilettos, switch knives, daggers and dirk knives. So, carrying, possessing, selling or purchasing, manufacturing these mentioned knives are no more illegal in New Hampshire.
But there are still prohibitions on blackjack, slungshot, and metal knuckles. Though these instruments are not knives, they are somewhat considered as one.
This new law was effective from May 18, 2010. So, this whole new change made a huge difference in the knife-owners and the knife-users so far.
You may check the updated statute for yourself below.
(Source: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/legislation/2010/HB1665.html)
“CHAPTER 67, HB 1665-FN – FINAL VERSION
“67:1 Pistols and Revolvers; Carrying or Selling Weapons. Amend RSA 159:16 to read as follows:
159:16 Carrying or Selling Weapons. Whoever, except as provided by the laws of this state, sells, has in his possession with intent to sell, or carries on his person any [stiletto, switch knife,] blackjack, [dagger, dirk-knife,] slung shot, or metallic knuckles shall be guilty of a misdemeanor; and such weapon or articles so carried by him shall be confiscated to the use of the state.
67:2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.
Approved: May 18, 2010
Effective Date: May 18, 2010”
Still Some Restrictions
The updated law will not be applicable to those who are convicted felons. It is totally guilty of a Class B felony if a convicted felon owns or possesses stilettos, dirks, daggers, billies, switchblades, sword canes, blackjack, metal knuckles or other deadly weapons.
The statute 159:3 states the law about the convicted felons.
(Source: http://www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html/XII/159/159-3.htm)
“159:3 Convicted Felons. –
I. A person is guilty of a class B felony if he:
(a) Owns or has in his possession or under his control, a pistol, revolver, or other firearms, or slungshot, metallic knuckles, billies, stiletto, switchblade knife, sword cane, pistol cane, blackjack, dagger, dirk-knife, or other deadly weapons as defined in RSA 625:11, V”
Definition of Deadly Weapon
In the section RSA 625:11, V, the deadly weapon has been defined as any knife or other instrument or firearm which is intended or threatened to be used that can cause a serious injury and even death.
(Source: https://lawofselfdefense.com/statute/nh-62511-general-definitions-the-following-definitions-apply-to-this-code/)
“V. “Deadly weapon” means any firearm, knife or other substance or thing which, in the manner, it is used, intended to be used, or threatened to be used, is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.”
Knife Carrying Issues
There is no knife carrying issues in New Hampshire. It is legal to open carry and conceal carry any knife you want except for the restricted places such as schools, courthouses or other government areas/ buildings.
Knife Laws for the Minors
There is no specific knife law for the minors here. But it is prohibited to sell or transfer any deadly weapons or knives to the minors.
Knife Laws in the Schools
Schools, kindergartens, higher educational institutions are knife and weapon free zones. Anyone cannot carry or possess any of the deadly weapon or knives on the school premises except for the authorized personnel.
Blade Size of Knives
There is no fixed blade size for the knives to carry or possess. As it has become one of the friendliest states for the knife-users, blade sizes do not also matter here.
Legal Knives in New Hampshire
Let’s review the legal knives once again as all kinds of knives are prohibition free now.
- All kinds of pocket knives are legal.
- Balisong knives are legal.
- Knives that are disguised under pen, cane, lipstick etc. are legal.
- Switchblades, gravity knives, and other automatic knives are legal.
- Dirks, daggers, stilettos and other double-edged knives are legal.
- Bowie knives and other large single-edged knives are legal.
- Throwing stars and throwing knives and other martial arts’ weapons are legal.
- All sorts of undetectable knives are legal.
Final Words
No banned knives, no knife open carry or concealing issues, no fixed blade sizes and other slightly straightforward restriction have made New Hampshire the friendliest for the knife laws than the other states.
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