Knife Laws in Alabama
The knife laws in Alabama are among the most open in the country. It’s legal to buy and possess butterfly knives, switchblades, folding knives, double-sided knives, and any knife that can be fit entirely in an average pocket. Any blade can be kept in concealment on your property or openly carried off your property.
Alabama knife laws are mainly concerned with regulating bowie knives. To begin with, the state has a rather broad definition of what constitutes a bowie knife. A machete or butcher knife that is 11 inches or longer might be categorized as a bowie knife. It’s legal for adults to own a Bowie knife but it is illegal to conceal them on your person or in your vehicle.
The state of Alabama can be considered one of the most open-minded in the US when it comes to knives, but that’s no excuse for ignoring the laws on the books. If you have a Bowie knife, it should be kept in plain sight to avoid legal risk.
Knives that are Legal in Alabama:
- A butterfly knife that is also known as a balisong is legal to own in the State of Alabama
- You can carry switchblades or knives that have an assisted opening mechanism without any worry as these are legal in the State of Alabama.
- It is also legal to have a toothpick knife, a stiletto, or a dirk.
- All type of folding or half tang knives are allowed to be carried legally in the State of Alabama and this comes under the Alabama Knife Laws.
- As mentioned above, you need to carry a bowie knife in the open to avoid any legal risk so please do not conceal Bowie knives if you’re traveling through the State of Alabama.
Sources for Alabama Knife Laws:
Carrying Concealed Weapons – Section 13A-11-50
Selling Pistol, Knife etc to Minor – Section 13A-11-57