West Virginia’s knife laws are among the most permissive in the United States, allowing for the ownership and carry of a wide variety of knives. However, there are critical distinctions between open and concealed carry, location-based restrictions, and the intent behind carrying a knife. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding your knife rights in West Virginia in 2025.
Legal Ownership
West Virginia law permits the ownership of virtually all types of knives, including:
- Fixed-blade knives (e.g., hunting or Bowie knives)
- Folding knives
- Switchblades
- Butterfly knives (Balisongs)
- Ballistic knives
There are no statewide prohibitions on owning any specific type of knife. This permissiveness extends to knives that may be considered “deadly weapons,” provided they are not used with malicious intent.
Open Carry
Open carry of knives is legal throughout West Virginia. This means you can carry any type of knife in plain view, such as on a belt sheath, without violating state laws. There are no restrictions on blade length for open carry. However, local ordinances in some municipalities, such as Charleston, may impose additional restrictions on certain knife types or locations.
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry laws for knives are more nuanced:
- Individuals aged 21 and older may carry concealed deadly weapons, including knives classified as such, without a permit.
- Knives with blades longer than 3.5 inches, such as dirks, daggers, stilettos, and gravity knives, are considered “deadly weapons” under West Virginia law and may require compliance with specific conditions for concealed carry.
- Individuals aged 18–20 are prohibited from carrying concealed deadly weapons unless they possess a provisional license or meet specific exemptions.
Concealed carry is defined as carrying a knife in a manner that hides it from ordinary observation, making it difficult for others to recognize its presence.
Location-Based Restrictions
While knife ownership and carry are broadly permitted, there are strict location-based restrictions:
- Schools: All knives, including pocketknives with blades shorter than 3.5 inches, are prohibited on school property (K–12), school buses, and during school-sponsored activities. Exceptions exist for locked knives stored in vehicles during pick-up or drop-off.
- Government Buildings: Carrying knives is prohibited in courthouses and other government facilities.
- Bars and Public Transportation: Local ordinances may restrict carrying knives in bars or on public transit systems.
Violating these location-based restrictions can result in criminal charges.
Intent Matters
The legality of carrying a knife often depends on the intent behind its use:
- Carrying a knife for self-defense or utility purposes is generally lawful.
- Carrying with malicious intent to harm others can lead to criminal charges under West Virginia’s general weapon laws.
Penalties
Violating knife laws—such as carrying in restricted areas or using a knife to commit a crime—can result in fines or imprisonment. The severity of penalties depends on the circumstances of the violation.
West Virginia offers considerable flexibility for knife enthusiasts but imposes clear boundaries regarding concealed carry and restricted locations. To stay compliant:
- Understand local ordinances.
- Avoid carrying knives in restricted areas like schools or government buildings.
- Ensure your intent aligns with lawful purposes.
By adhering to these guidelines, residents and visitors can exercise their knife rights responsibly while avoiding legal complications.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/west-virginia-knife-laws/
[2] https://sustainable-markets.org/post/knife-laws-in-west-virginia
[3] https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/wv-gun-laws/
[4] https://legiscan.com/WV/text/SB469/id/3120891/West_Virginia-2025-SB469-Introduced.html
[5] https://knifeup.com/west-virginia-knife-laws/
