Knife Laws in Arizona: What You Need to Know About Your Rights? Arizona has some of the most lax knife laws in the country, making it one of the friendliest knife states in the U.S.
If you are a collector, a chef, or someone who just likes to carry a pocketknife, knowing Arizona’s knife laws is crucial for staying out of trouble with the law.
Arizona Knife Ownership
The law in Arizona lets people own almost any kind of knife. Pocket knives, daggers, switchblades, gravity knives, butterfly knives, and even bigger swords are all in this group.
Arizona is not like many other states that only let people own certain types of knives. It lets people own and carry almost any blade, no matter how it looks or what it does.
Legal Carrying of Knives
No permit is required for a knife either carried in public or concealed within for the citizens of Arizona. Citizens 21 years old and up may carry concealed weapons under the Constitutional Carry law, both in firearms and knives.
Though under this “Constitutional Carry” law people younger than 21 may also carry a knife concealed, the place where they do this may depend on the knife type and situation.
Usually, the only places where you cannot carry a knife are schools and government buildings.
For instance, carrying a knife on school grounds is strictly forbidden and can result in harsh punishments.
Also, places like courthouses and federal buildings usually have their own rules and security measures that make it illegal to carry any weapon, even knives.
Understanding the Arizona Concealed Carry Law for Knives
Since 2010, Arizona’s concealed carry laws have allowed the individuals to carry knives concealed without detection. A person need not apply for a permit in order to carry a concealed knife when over the age of 21.
You are still able to carry a concealed knife when under the age of 21, however, you can expect the police to view you closer.
Even people who live outside of Arizona can visit the state and carry a concealed knife without a permit—as long as they are over 21 years old and the laws in their home state do not apply.
Self-Defense and Knife Use
The “Stand Your Ground” law in Arizona allows people to defend themselves when there is a threat of actual physical harm. Included is using a knife for that defense.
But it is also necessary to remember that any application of a knife for self-protection will be investigated, more so if someone gets injured. If you carry a knife for self-protection, you should know what legal implications are and be ready to explain why you should use it.
Restricted Areas and Exceptions
Arizona generally allows people to carry guns openly or concealed but there are some exceptions. K–12 schools are off limits and if you are caught with a knife on school grounds you will be punished severely.
Similarly, some cities might have local laws that will impose even more restrictions of what you can do. Additionally, most government buildings and court houses have knife laws which are enforced by metal detectors and security checks.
Conclusion
Arizona’s knife laws give individuals who own or carry knives some of the most liberties in the country. Arizona citizens and visitors have a number of legal freedoms when it comes to knives, and there are few restrictions and no requirements for permits.
However, always be aware of what areas are not allowed and remember that local laws sometimes add more to the restrictions.
If you are ever not sure what to do in a certain situation, talking to a local lawyer can help you understand what the law says and make sure you do not break it.
