Knife Laws in South Carolina: What You Need to Know About Your Rights? South Carolina is one of the states in the US that has some of the loosest knife laws. This is a knife-friendly state, in other words.
However, it requires that you be knowledgeable of the said laws to ensure that you are lawfully allowed to carry, use, or own knives. This guide breaks down the most important parts of South Carolina’s 2024 knife laws.
General Knife Ownership Laws
Knife ownership is not prohibited by South Carolina law. It is perfectly legal for citizens to own almost any type of knife, including:
- Pocket knives
- Fixed blade knives
- Switchblades (automatic knives)
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- Bowie knives and daggers
No state has laws in which you cannot own unusual or historically important knives like swords or throwing stars.
Knife Carry Laws
The law in South Carolina distinguishes between carrying a knife and carrying it.
The state allows individuals to carry most knives openly as long as they are not concealed in a manner that would make them appear to be something else. There are some restrictions on what you can do with concealed carry.
- Open Carry
You are usually allowed to carry knives around with you, even large ones such as machetes or Bowie knives.
- Concealed Carry Laws
Most knives can be carried in the open. However, most concealed carry laws only cover knives that would be considered weapons. Carrying a knife on your body with intent to use it unlawfully is going to land you in trouble with law enforcement. Intent and the circumstance are taken into account by the law.
- Exemptions Pocket Knives
Most laws regarding the carry of concealed knives exclude folding pocket knives with blades less than three inches. Most of these knives are considered tools, rather than weapons.
Knives in School and Public Venues
There is tighter regulation of knives in sensitive venues. No matter what size or kind they are, knives are prohibited to bring into school in South Carolina.
Schools from K–12, colleges, and universities are all included. If you break this rule, you could face serious consequences, even criminal charges.
Knives may not be allowed at all in some public places, like government buildings and courthouses. Before bringing a knife into a public place, you should always check the rules for that area.
Self-Defense and Knife Use
Self-defense laws in South Carolina give an individual the right to carry knives for self-defense so far as they can prove that he used it to protect himself or others from an immediate danger.
But if you use a knife badly like waving it around threateningly with no apparent cause, you may be arrested and charged with assault or reckless endangerment.
Local Ordinances
South Carolina does not have any statewide preemption laws, but cities and towns can make it more restrictive. Always know what the knife laws are in your city or county so that you can be sure to follow them.
Conclusion
South Carolina knife laws leave a lot of freedom in owning and carrying knives, but at the same time, they expect people to act responsibly.
It would be imperative in staying out of law troubles to know the state laws, local ordinances, and restricted areas.
If you are not sure what to do, then you must consult an attorney for clarification. It will follow that you can use a knife properly and properly in South Carolina if you stay within the law.
