Mississippi’s knife laws are generally permissive, but there are important nuances regarding the types of knives, methods of carry, and restrictions based on age, criminal record, and location. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what you need to know about pocket knives and other blades in the state.
Types of Knives Allowed
- Legal to Own and Carry: Mississippi law does not expressly ban any specific type of knife based on blade length or design. This includes pocket knives, folding knives, multi-tools, and even larger blades such as bowie knives and switchblades.
- Open Carry: Any adult (18+) can openly carry any type of knife, including pocket knives, without restriction on blade length or style.
- Concealed Carry: There are significant restrictions on concealing certain knives. While pocket knives (especially those commonly understood as folding knives or multi-tools) are generally not restricted, it is illegal to carry concealed bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, and switchblade knives unless you fall under a specific exception.
Concealed Carry: What’s Legal and What’s Not
- Pocket Knives: Most standard folding pocket knives are not explicitly restricted for concealed carry, especially if they are not designed primarily as weapons. However, if a pocket knife is large or has features that make it similar to a switchblade or dirk, caution is advised.
- Prohibited Knives for Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, and switchblades is unlawful except in certain circumstances, such as within your own home, place of business, vehicle, or while engaged in activities like hunting or fishing where such knives are commonly used.
- Definition of Concealed: Mississippi law defines a weapon as concealed if it is “hidden or obscured from common observation.” Carrying a knife clipped visibly to a pocket may not be considered concealed, but this has not been definitively ruled on by Mississippi courts, so caution is recommended.
Who Cannot Possess Certain Knives
- Minors: It is illegal for minors (under 18) to possess or carry deadly weapons, including certain knives like bowie knives, butcher knives, switchblades, or dirks. Parents and guardians can be penalized for knowingly allowing minors to possess these knives.
- Convicted Felons: Anyone convicted of a felony (in Mississippi or elsewhere) is prohibited from possessing bowie knives, dirks, butcher knives, or switchblades. Violating this law is a felony, punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and 1–10 years in prison.
- Intoxicated Persons: It is unlawful to provide such knives to intoxicated individuals.
Restricted Locations
- Schools: Knives are strictly prohibited on all “educational property,” including school buildings, grounds, and buses. Carrying a knife onto school property is a felony offense.
- Government Buildings: Local ordinances may restrict knives in courthouses, government buildings, or other sensitive locations, even though state law preempts most local knife regulations.
Statewide Preemption
Mississippi has statewide preemption for knife laws, meaning only the state legislature can regulate knife possession, sale, or carry. Local governments cannot enact more restrictive knife ordinances, ensuring uniformity across the state. However, specific places like schools and government buildings may have additional restrictions.
Pocket Knife Laws in Mississippi (2025)
| Situation/Person | Open Carry | Concealed Carry | Notes/Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | Legal | Legal (most pocket knives) | Concealed carry of bowie, dirk, butcher, switchblade restricted1 |
| Minor (<18) | Illegal | Illegal | Cannot possess deadly weapons |
| Convicted Felon | Illegal | Illegal | Cannot possess certain knives |
| On School Property | Illegal | Illegal | Felony offense |
| Government Buildings | Varies | Varies | Check for posted restrictions |
Key Takeaways
- Most adults can legally own and openly carry pocket knives in Mississippi.
- Concealed carry of common pocket knives is generally legal, but concealing larger or weapon-like knives (bowie, dirk, butcher, switchblade) is restricted.
- Minors and felons face significant prohibitions.
- Knives are banned on school property and may be restricted in government buildings.
- State law overrides local ordinances, but always check for location-specific rules.
By staying informed and exercising caution, you can legally and responsibly carry a pocket knife in Mississippi.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/mississippi/
[2] https://codes.findlaw.com/ms/title-97-crimes/ms-code-sect-97-37-5/
[3] https://law.justia.com/codes/mississippi/2019/title-97/chapter-37/general-provisions/section-97-37-1/
[4] https://knifeade.com/mississippi-knife-law/
[5] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/mississippi-knife-laws/
