Compared to some other states, Georgia has relatively liberal knife laws. But to understand Georgia’s knife laws, let’s first define what a knife is.
Here, knives are defined as cutting instruments made for personal defense and offense that have blades and attached handles.
Legal knives you can own in Georgia
The laws do not restrict knife ownership, and all of the following knives may be owned here:
- Pocket knives
- Folding knives
- Balisong or butterfly knives
- Bowie knives
- Disguised knives, e.g., cane, belt or lipstick knives
- Switchblades, daggers, dirks and stilettos
- Throwing knives
- Ballistic knives
- Undetectable knives that can pass through metal detectors
- Karambits
- Swords
As stated, that’s a very liberal list of legal weaponry. But it’s important to understand that those laws only apply to private ownership.
Knife-carrying laws explained
Any adult in Georgia may openly carry all knives with blades less than 12”. To open carry knives with longer blades requires getting a weapons permit.
However, as there are no laws against the concealment of knives in Georgia, adults can conceal all knives with blades shorter than a foot.
Can I conceal carry my switchblade?
Knife enthusiasts should be glad to hear that, unless they own one with a blade that is over a foot long, it is legal to both conceal and carry switchblades openly.
Exceptions to the rule
Any convicted felon in Georgia who has not received a pardon or had their criminal record expunged cannot own or carry weapons. To once again legally carry your knife here in Georgia requires having your rights restored by the state.
If you are facing a felony weapons charge, it is important to learn all that you can about the legalities of owning and carrying a knife or gun.