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Views: 220 Author: svegaoutdoor Publish Time: 2025-06-19 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Understanding Knife Laws in Washington State
>> Statewide Knife Regulations
>> Local Variations and Restrictions
● Carrying Fixed Blade Knives: Open vs. Concealed Carry
>> Open Carry of Fixed Blade Knives
>> Concealed Carry of Fixed Blade Knives
● Types of Knives Legal and Illegal to Carry in Washington
>> Legal Knives
● Places Where Carrying Knives Is Prohibited
● Practical Advice for Carrying Fixed Blade Knives in Washington
>> Carry Openly and Responsibly
>> Be Aware of Restricted Areas
>> Use for Legitimate Purposes
● Summary
Carrying knives, especially fixed blade knives, in Washington State involves understanding a complex mix of state laws and local regulations. This article provides an in-depth guide on the legality, restrictions, and practical considerations for carrying fixed blade knives in Washington. It also highlights the nuances of open and concealed carry, prohibited knife types, and places where carrying knives is forbidden.
Washington State has a patchwork of knife laws that can vary significantly depending on the city or county. While the state provides some baseline regulations, local municipalities often impose additional restrictions.
At the state level, the law permits the ownership and open carry of fixed blade knives of any length. However, these knives must not be concealed. Concealing a fixed blade knife is illegal statewide. This means you can openly carry a Bowie knife, a dagger, or even a sword on your hip, provided your local city or county allows it. Concealment of such knives is generally prohibited and can lead to criminal charges.
Additionally, certain types of knives such as spring-operated knives, gravity knives, and switchblades are illegal to carry in Washington State. Spring-assisted knives, however, remain legal.
Cities like Seattle impose stricter regulations. For example, Seattle limits the blade length to 3.5 inches for knives carried in public and bans carrying fixed blade knives unless they are related to your trade or profession. Other cities and counties may have their own rules, so it is essential to check local ordinances before carrying a fixed blade knife.
Moreover, carrying knives in specific locations such as schools, government buildings, courts, places that serve alcohol, and private properties with posted restrictions is illegal throughout the state.
Open carry means the knife is visible and not hidden on your person. Washington State law explicitly allows open carry of fixed blade knives of any length. This means you can carry a large fixed blade knife such as a Bowie knife openly on your belt or in a sheath.
Open carry is generally legal unless local laws state otherwise. However, even when open carry is allowed, brandishing or drawing the knife in a manner that intimidates others is prohibited. The law is vague on what constitutes intimidation, but it is wise to avoid displaying your knife aggressively or unnecessarily.
Concealed carry refers to carrying a knife hidden from view, such as inside a pocket or under clothing. In Washington, concealed carry of fixed blade knives is illegal. The law states it is a crime to "furtively carry with intent to conceal any dagger, dirk, pistol, or other dangerous weapon."
Concealed carry of folding knives with blades longer than 3.5 inches is also generally prohibited, except for specific activities like hunting or fishing. Concealing any fixed blade knife, regardless of length, is not allowed.
Washington State permits ownership and open carry of many types of knives, including:
- Fixed blade knives (Bowie knives, daggers, dirks, stilettos)
- Folding knives (subject to blade length restrictions)
- Pocket knives (generally allowed if not concealed unlawfully)
- Spring-assisted knives (legal to carry)
Certain knives are banned from carry in Washington State:
- Switchblades (automatic opening knives)
- Gravity knives
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- Spring-operated knives (except spring-assisted knives)
Possession of these knives can lead to misdemeanor charges, even if no crime is committed with the knife.
Regardless of the type of knife, Washington law prohibits carrying knives in certain places, including:
- Schools and school grounds
- Government buildings and courthouses
- Public transportation
- Places that serve alcohol (bars, clubs)
- Private properties with posted "no weapons" signs
Violating these restrictions can result in criminal penalties.
Because local jurisdictions can impose stricter rules than the state, always research the knife laws in your city or county before carrying a fixed blade knife. For example, Seattle's blade length restrictions and trade-related exceptions differ from statewide rules.
If you choose to carry a fixed blade knife, carry it openly in a sheath or holster. Avoid brandishing or displaying the knife in a threatening manner to prevent misunderstandings or legal trouble.
Do not conceal fixed blade knives. Concealed carry is illegal and can lead to criminal charges even if you have no harmful intent.
Never carry knives in prohibited places such as schools, government buildings, or public transit. Respect posted signs on private property.
Carrying a knife for work, hunting, fishing, or recreational activities is generally more acceptable than carrying for self-defense or intimidation. However, even legitimate use does not grant immunity from local restrictions.
In Washington State, carrying a fixed blade knife is legal if carried openly and not concealed. State law allows fixed blade knives of any length to be carried openly, but concealment is prohibited. Local laws, particularly in cities like Seattle, may impose additional restrictions such as blade length limits or bans on carrying fixed blades unless for work purposes. Certain knife types like switchblades and gravity knives are illegal statewide. Carrying knives in schools, government buildings, and other restricted locations is also prohibited. To stay compliant, always check both state and local laws, carry knives openly and responsibly, and avoid concealed carry.
Q1: Can I carry a fixed blade knife concealed in Washington State?
A1: No, concealed carry of fixed blade knives is illegal statewide.
Q2: Are Bowie knives legal to carry in Washington?
A2: Yes, Bowie knives can be carried openly, but local laws may restrict their carry.
Q3: What types of knives are banned in Washington?
A3: Switchblades, gravity knives, and butterfly knives are illegal to carry.
Q4: Can I carry a fixed blade knife in Seattle?
A4: Seattle generally bans carrying fixed blade knives unless related to your trade, and limits blade length to 3.5 inches for knives carried in public.
Q5: Are there places where I cannot carry any knife in Washington?
A5: Yes, knives cannot be carried in schools, government buildings, courts, public transit, places serving alcohol, and private properties with posted restrictions.
[1] https://www.reddit.com/r/WA_guns/comments/1bf8lik/wa_state_knife_laws/
[2] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/washington/
[3] https://www.shieldon.net/washington-knife-law-the-complete-guide/
[4] https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/washington-state-knife-laws
[5] https://tkellknives.com/knife-laws-in-washington-state-legal-carry-and-restrictions/
[6] https://www.scribd.com/document/10317685/%E5%A4%A7%E5%AD%A6%E7%A7%91%E6%8A%80%E8%8B%B1%E8%AF%AD
[7] https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
[8] https://huggingface.co/openbmb/cpm-bee-10b/raw/main/vocab.txt
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