Iowa has very, very relaxed policies on owning and carrying knives. However, the state made it very confusing with big legal words. This article will translate Iowa Knife Laws from legal speak into English.
What is Legal to Own
- Balisong knives are legal.
- Switchblades and automatic knives are legal.
- Dirks, daggers, stilettos and other stabbing knives are legal.
- Bowie knives and other large knives are legal.
- Disguised knives like cane knives, belt knives, and lipstick knives are legal.
- Ballistic knives are illegal.
Only ballistic knives are outlawed in Iowa law.
Limits on Carry
- It is legal to open carry any knife.
- It is illegal to conceal carry a switchblade.
- It is illegal to conceal carry a dagger or stiletto.
- It is illegal to conceal carry a knife whos blade is greater than 5 inches.
- It is illegal to conceal carry a balisong knife.
- It is illegal to conceal carry disguised knives like cane swords and lipstick knives.
What the Law Says
Dangerous Weapons
Iowa Code § 702.7 (2012)
702.7 Dangerous weapon.
A “dangerous weapon” is any instrument or device designed primarily for use in inflicting death or injury upon a human being or animal, and which is capable of inflicting death upon a human being when used in the manner for which it was designed, except a bow and arrow when possessed and used for hunting or any other lawful purpose. Additionally, any instrument or device of any sort whatsoever which is actually used in such a manner as to indicate that the defendant intends to inflict death or serious injury upon the other, and which, when so used, is capable of inflicting death upon a human being, is a dangerous weapon. Dangerous weapons include but are not limited to any offensive weapon, pistol, revolver, or other firearm, dagger, razor, stiletto, switchblade knife, knife having a blade exceeding five inches in length, or any portable device or weapon directing an electric current, impulse, wave, or beam that produces a high-voltage pulse designed to immobilize a person.
Iowa Code § 724.4 (2012)
724.4 Carrying weapons.
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person, or who, within the limits of any city, goes armed with a pistol or revolver, or any loaded firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, or who knowingly carries or transports in a vehicle a pistol or revolver, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
2. A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about the person, if the person uses the knife in the commission of a crime, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
3. A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about the person, if the person does not use the knife in the commission of a crime:
a. If the knife has a blade exceeding eight inches in length, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
b. If the knife has a blade exceeding five inches but not exceeding eight inches in length, commits a serious misdemeanor.
4. Subsections 1 through 3 do not apply to any of the following:
a. A person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon in the person’s own dwelling or place of business, or on land owned or possessed by the person.
b. A peace officer, when the officer’s duties require the person to carry such weapons.
c. A member of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard or person in the service of the United States, when the weapons are carried in connection with the person’s duties as such.
d. A correctional officer, when the officer’s duties require, serving under the authority of the Iowa department of corrections.
e. A person who for any lawful purpose carries an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other dangerous weapon inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package which is too large to be concealed on the person.
[…]
h. A person who carries a knife used in hunting or fishing, while actually engaged in lawful hunting or fishing.
i. A person who has in the person’s possession and who displays to a peace officer on demand a valid permit to carry weapons which has been issued to the person, and whose conduct is within the limits of that permit. A person shall not be convicted of a violation of this section if the person produces at the person’s trial a permit to carry weapons which was valid at the time of the alleged offense and which would have brought the person’s conduct within this exception if the permit had been produced at the time of the alleged offense.
It is illegal to conceal carry a knife over 5 inches in blade length in Iowa. Over 8 inches and you are in even worse trouble. Open carry is not restricted.
A knife under 5 inches can still count as a dangerous weapon and can still fall under this concealed knife ban if the use makes it dangerous. In the case of State v. Caballero, the court’s unpublished opinion stated that the knife was a concealed dangerous weapon even though it was under 5 inches because of how the defendant was acting. Unpublished opinions are not precedence which means that it won’t affect the law but this gives you an idea of what courts have determined “dangerous weapons” to mean in the past.
Balisong knives, also called butterfly knives, are dangerous weapons in Iowa. The state has found that balisongs were designed for fighting and had no utility uses. Even if a balisong is under 5 inches, it would still count as a dangerous weapon. (The court misinterpreted the facts because balisongs were originally designed as a utility knife in the Philippines.)
Sword canes, and other disguised knives, are dangerous weapons in Iowa. The case of State v. McCoy found that a sword cane, and other disguised knives, counts as carrying a concealed weapon because the cane conceals the hidden knife. What this means is that you should not take your sword cane out of your house.
Ban on Ballistic Knives
Iowa Code § 724.1 (2012)
724.1 Offensive weapons.
An offensive weapon is any device or instrumentality of the following types:
[…]
5. A ballistic knife. A ballistic knife is a knife with a detachable blade which is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism, elastic material, or compressed gas.
Iowa Code § 724.3 (2012)
724.3 Unauthorized possession of offensive weapons.
Any person, other than a person authorized herein, who knowingly possesses an offensive weapon commits a class “D” felony.
It is very illegal to own a spring, elastic, or gas powered ballistic knife in Iowa. If you happened to own a gunpowder powered ballistic knife, it would become a federal crime since it counts as a firearm.
Conclusion on Iowa Knife Laws
It is illegal for you to own a ballistic knife in Iowa. Besides that, there are only limits to concealed carry of knives. There are no limits to open carry.
It is illegal for you to carry concealed a balisong, dagger, stiletto, razor, switchblade, or knife with a blade over 5 inches. Other knives that are less than 5 inches can still count as a dangerous weapon if you use it in a dangerous way.
Note that this is not legal advice and there is no client-lawyer relationship here. Also note that county laws will also come into play and you need to look those up to get a clear understanding of knife laws around your area.
If you need legal advice, talk to a real lawyer.
References
- Carrying weapons. Iowa Code 724.4 (2012). Retrieved January 18, 2013, from LexisNexis database.
- Dangerous weapon. Iowa Code 702.7 (2012). Retrieved January 18, 2013, from LexisNexis database.
- Offensive weapons. Iowa code 724.1 (2012). Retrieved January 18, 2013, from LexisNexis database.
You may want to add in your simplified explanation that all the carry restrictions listed are not applicable to concealed weapons permit holders. That’s usually referred to as a concealed (gun) carry permit, but if you have one you can legally carry concealed the above mentioned knives.
Just thought I’d add this in.
According to Iowa SF-2379:
Non-firearm dangerous weapons may be carried openly without a permit.
This includes: Knives with blades exceeding 5 inches in length, switchblade knives, tasers/stunguns, or any other Non-firearm dangerous weapon.
Translation – Legally, I can strap my 12 inch bowie to my leg, and go about my business throughout the day, (shopping, pumping gas, painting my house, walking my dog, etc.) without ever breaking any laws.
Now mind you, different Counties may have stricter policies on carrying weapons, so look into that, first.
Now I would not advise that anyone ever do this, however by definition a tesla coil used on private property is not technically a dangerous weapon because it is not portable, where a taser or stun gun is. Additionally, iowa code 704 detailing reasonable force in Iowa for self and home defense, specified that you may not use a spring gun or trap and i quote, for defense, but again the tesla coil is a gray area in iowa law. It just hasent been an issue in the wording of Iowa code, YET. F.Y.I. using a tesla coil sets the user up for a murder charge, so dont do it.
Thanks.
Is it legal to open carry a k-bar knife?
it depends on the city. State-wise your safe, so the worst that can happen is a fine, as long as it’s not being used.
Is it legal to open carry a knife slightly under 7 in and while in a sheath?
Hey Jeremy;
I’m not a lawyer so I can’t give you official advice (confirm with an Iowa lawyer), but UNOFFICIALLY, my assessment is that you can OPEN carry any knife with a blade no more than 5 inches in length, but it would be a misdemeanor to carry that knife concealed or to carry any knife (open or concealed) that has a blade longer than 5 inches. Of course, if the knife you’re talking about is a ballistic knife, ballisong/butterfly knife or switchblade, you’ll get in trouble if caught, no matter the size.
Hope that helps!
J.
Alright so open carrying a knife is totally legal but for what ages aka if I’m under 18 oc a 14in knife (10in blade) am I gonna get a ticket?
the blade is greater than 8 inches, and thus is considered a dangerous weapon. You won’t get a ticket. You’d be hauled in in cuffs 🙂
No he won’t, if it’s openly carried there are no restrictions.
there is A restriction, only one, which plays well into another law. if the person with the knife commits a misdemeanor while in possession of the knife, it’s a class b felony.
the other law the cops can and often do play on is that ever so popular disturbance of the peace… if the cops are called on you for having the knife, then the peace has been disturbed, and what d’ya know, your in possession of a knife greater than 8 inches.
In addition, if you so much as tell a person hello, and they see the knife and feel threatened, you can face assault charges, whether you acted in a threatening manner or not. Whether you unsheathed the knife or not.
Just as there are loopholes that lawyers can use to get you out of trouble, there are also, regrettably, a few loopholes the police have at their disposal to give you fines and fees when your abiding the laws.
Prime example:
The law says you can drive a tank down the road as long as the main gun is disabled and the tracks are rubberized. (this is the same for 47 states. New York, California, and Florida allow civilians to own them, but they are banned from public roads) However, if anyone feels threatened by your tank going down the highway, your going to jail on assault charges, so be sure you don’t pass anyone on a turn or follow behind anyone, because disabled or not, if the turret points at anyone, they will win that court case. (and if it doesn’t, but they say it did… well, the person driving a tank down the highway already seems questionable)
To commit a misdemeanor is not a restriction…it’s called breaking the law. And even if the knife is over 8 inches there are no restrictions for open carry, whether a person feels threatened by it or not, because there are no restrictions on open carry. If anyone wants to call the police because my ESEE 6 is 11.75 inches, let them, i am not breaking any laws, no matter how someone feels about it.
I don’t even know where the heck everyone is getting this 8 inch thing…it don’t even exist for open carry, only concealed. If you conceal a knife over 5 inches you are lightly screwed, but if you conceal a knife 8 inches or longer you prison raped.
So unless it pertains to concealed carry, 8 inches and open carry don’t mean a thing, with the exception of city laws which vary from city to city.
The law states there in NO restriction on open carry…i don’t see how anyone can misread that.
Any knife that is not ballistic is OK to carry openly in Iowa. This does not mean that law enforcement might detain you if you have a K-Bar strapped to your leg. Cops don’t like it when you carry a weapon. I carry my K-Bar everyday openly and have yet to be questioned by the law. But I have been asked by law enforcement as to why I have the knife. I just say it is a tool and that we live in a dangerous world. And that coming from the guy with a gun on his hip.
So use your own judgment in these matters and be courteous when asked.
Now whats the limits on the carrying of a knife in your car? Could I have one that exceeds 5″ in my car and be ok, or is that illegal?
you can have up to 8 inches on your person, as long as you do not break any laws. Committing a *minor misdemeanor* with a knife greater than 5 inches but less than 8 will get you into trouble, 3-5″ a serious misdemeanor will get you into trouble, but a minor misdemeanor will not take effect IF THE KNIFE IS NOT USED IN THE CRIME. if the knife IS USED, then the length does not matter, it is automatically considered a dangerous weapon.
Also of note: in your car, it’s perfectly legal to carry a machete, hatchet, or other similar tools, as long as your not using them to commit a felony.
When I go hiking I like to carry my machete on my back under my camel pack. Is that legal?
a machete is not a knife, and while hiking, you may actually have a valid need for such a TOOL. as long as it’s being used as a tool. I’d check with the local DNR, or the local park warden, however, because some parks don’t take kindly to people blazing new trails all over their nature reserve. It’s always a good idea to ask the local authorities first.
You read that wrong… A concealed knife over 5 inches will get you in trouble, but a concealed knife over 8 inches will get you in serious trouble. There are no restrictions on open carry in Iowa, you can open carry a 17 inch bowie if you want, as long ad it’s not concealed.
So I can legally carry a switchblade as long as it isn’t concealed
check with the city laws, but as far as the state is concerned, yes.
So define open carry of a knife. I understand strapping it to your leg. But if I have a 6 inch folding knife in my pocket, you can see the clip. So does that count as open carry? Also, if I have my permit to carry a firearm, can I carry that 6 inch folder too?
Open carry has to be sheathed on the outside. you can hang it by that clip and you’d be fine. if you have a bowie sticking half out of your pocket, it is still considered *concealed* as it’s partially inside the owner’s pocket. ALSO, individual cities can place their own restrictions on knives. I know in my hometown, this restriction includes butterfly knives, daggers and stilettos, as well as double-edged knifes.
Also, your firearm permit does not extend to knives. there are 2 separate permits, one for knives, and one for swords (anything over 18 inches is considered a short sword in Iowa)
Lastly, landowners can place their own restrictions on weapons. if your walking down the street, the basic laws apply, however, if you go into a shop, you have to follow the owner’s rules. Legally: a landowner can either post a restriction by the entrance, and thereby can call authorities without notifying you, OR, if not posted, they can ask you to leave. in the second situation, your safe as long as you are outside the building before any law enforcement shows up. (I wouldn’t linger too long)
Kevin that’s a load of crap the Iowa permit DOES extend to knives thats why its called a WEAPONS PERMIT not FIREARMS PERMIT. Here ya go smart guy read section 724.4 part “i” as stated in the following directly copy and pasted.
724.4
1. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon concealed on or about the person, or who, within the limits of any city, goes armed with a pistol or revolver, or any loaded firearm of any kind, whether concealed or not, or who knowingly carries or transports in a vehicle a pistol or revolver, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
2. A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about the person, if the person uses the knife in the commission of a crime, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
3. A person who goes armed with a knife concealed on or about the person, if the person does not use the knife in the commission of a crime:
a. If the knife has a blade exceeding eight inches in length, commits an aggravated misdemeanor.
b. If the knife has a blade exceeding five inches but not exceeding eight inches in length, commits a serious misdemeanor.
4. Subsections 1 through 3 do not apply to any of the following:
a. A person who goes armed with a dangerous weapon in the person’s own dwelling or place of business, or on land owned or possessed by the person.
b. A peace officer, when the officer’s duties require the person to carry such weapons.
c. A member of the armed forces of the United States or of the national guard or person in the service of the United States, when the weapons are carried in connection with the person’s duties as such.
d. A correctional officer, when the officer’s duties require, serving under the authority of the Iowa department of corrections.
e. A person who for any lawful purpose carries an unloaded pistol, revolver, or other dangerous weapon inside a closed and fastened container or securely wrapped package which is too large to be concealed on the person.
[…] h. A person who carries a knife used in hunting or fishing, while actually engaged in lawful hunting or fishing.
i. A person who has in the person’s possession and who displays to a peace officer on demand a valid permit to carry weapons which has been issued to the person, and whose conduct is within the limits of that permit. A person shall not be convicted of a violation of this section if the person produces at the person’s trial a permit to carry weapons which was valid at the time of the alleged offense and which would have brought the person’s conduct within this exception if the permit had been produced at the time of the alleged offense.
Ok so i live in iowa and i have a ruko hunting knife i have a holster for it that can strap it on my belt. The blade is 5 1/2 inches am i able to carry it around strap to my belt?
If I have a 5 inch blade stilettos knife, do I have to open carry it?
I have a tactical army knife I carry in the timber when I go night fishing to protect myself from cyotes and Bob cats. Is that legal
It is perfectly legal, i carry an ESEE 6 which is almost a foot long and i wear it everywhere. If it’s over 5 inches just be sure to carry it on your belt, because if DNR would happen to stop you for whatever reason and find it they can bust you for it as well.
“It is illegal to conceal carry a knife over 5 inches in blade length in Iowa. Over 8 inches and you are in even worse trouble. Open carry is not restricted.”
This is the knife i carry, or was on the day i got it…not that pretty any more, lol.
So it’s perfectly legal to strap a 8 1/2 inch bladed knife to my belt when I’m out fishing
In Iowa it is, as long as it’s carried openly on your belt in full view. There are no restrictions on open carry.
What about transporting it on a vehicle. I have an 8.5 inch knife. Is it legal to put it under my back seat and drive around?
Iowa has numerous cougars/mountain lions that live around the state.
I’m pretty doubtful of a knife as defense against a 150 pound predator.
True! Unless you’re a Navy Seal or have watched lots of special ops movies! I’d go with pepper spray/bear spray personally. You don’t even have to get close to the sucker. 20-30 feet’ll do the trick, though you’ll probably be mildly affected as well!
J.
Is it legal in Iowa to own a machete let’s say 28 inches long at night in a forest ?
It is perfectly legal, night or day.
So my question is can you own a katana and have it in your house for PROTECTION USE ONLY?
Ok thx because my friend just gave it to me and I did not want to get in trouble for owning it
if i have a knife lets say a switch blade in my pocket is it conceited conceal carrying it?
Article is slightly out of date as with a carry permit everything except the ballistic knife can be carried
Is a knife in a backpack concealed in Iowa?
So I have a bowie with a 9 1/2 inch blade is it perfectly legal to open carry this knife without consequence
No
What is an open carry ballisong?
Is this a butterfly knife with a pocket clip?
What are other methods of open carry knives other than pocket clips if this is considered open carry?
I have found a website by the name of “Elemental Knives”, and the have special sorts of knives based of of a game. would these knives be counted as ballistic, or…….
I have a four and a half inch karambit is it illegal to open carry such a blade
Was arrested in Greatenger, IA, 2-18-17, for concealed weapon. I was riding my bike and decided to take a break in Greatenger, IA. I stopped at a friends house, who was not home for he was working. I was sitting in his yard and had watched a police officer make his round through the town for the night as he passed me 4 different times (apparently I appeared harmless to him, for he didn’t stop). He then passed me a 5th time on his way out of town. I watched him stop at the stop sign at the edge of town (half block from where i sat), his dome light switched on and he then made a quick U turn and parked in the driveway of the property. Said ‘a neighbor called me in said i looked suspicious.’ He asked me questions and i answered. He then stated and asked ‘I would feel safer if I knew you didn’t have anything bad on you, may I search you?’ I knowing my rights, could have refused his search. I figured i had nothing to hide so I said ‘sure’. I told him i had a knife on my side as i move my hands away from my sides. After he searched me, he looked at my back pack that was on the ground. I said ‘go for it’ before could spit out the question. Then told him there is a bowe knife inside the bag and a gutter strapped to the chest strap. Concealed weapon for the bowe knife on private property. I will NEVER be honest to another cop again, for this is what happens when i am honest.
Please describe clearly how to open carry a switchblade…with photos would be nice thanks
My wheelchair bound father was made to remove his hunting knife by Iowa State Troopers working the Iowa State Fair back in the late 1970s or early 1980s and return it to his car. He explained he had always carried it on his belt in a snapped holster to use to scrape mud or worse (think animal excrement) off of his wheelchair wheels as we toured the grounds throughout the years up to that point. We didn’t argue and weren’t arrested, but it seemed wrong at the time. Did the laws in Iowa change over the last 35 years?
weapon laws are stupid. i can do just as much damage with a hammer or screwdriver and nobody would think twice to see them on my person. this country is in a sad state of failure in all aspects. a firearm, knife, bow, spear, etc. are as much a tool as anything else in my toolbox…and what good is the stand your ground laws when youre taking your children to school? criminals dont attack gun ranges and other places we can carry…they attack “gun free zones”…weapon laws are stupid.
I have an Iowa resident non-professional permit to carry weapons. I was told in my certification class that I could conceal carry a blade longer than 5″ with my permit, but I’m wondering about the balisong, switchblade, etc.
I am trying to own my own blacksmithing business in Iowa, what requirements are there to selling melee weapons?
I think you can open carry (any) knife so i assume so (but), it is a little confusing with the 5″and 8″ thing. Heck call a cop they will tell you….you can find them at the dohnut shop!
What age do you have to be to own a knife in Iowa?
I live in Illinois but will be in Iowa for work for a few days. I always carry my OTF knife in my pocket in my state so when im in Iowa as long as I keep it on my belt I’m Ok right?
If my knife all together is 6 inches long, is it just the blade that counts or is it the whole knife? My blade is two and a half inches can I still.. carry it
Yes, you can carry! It’s the blade that needs to be under 5 inches to keep you out of trouble – just don’t conceal it, and don’t have harmful intentions.
I have a 7 inch knife in a sheath, is it legal to open carry on my belt?
Does a sword count as a knife??
Hey Ethan;
Iowa defines a “dangerous weapon” as (among other items) a knife with a blade exceeding 5 inches. So, any sword would fall into that category which means you could be in some trouble if you’re caught in public with a “dangerous weapon”. Not sure if that answers your question, but knives with blades shorter than 5 inches are seen (legally) as very different than knives with blades longer than 5 inches.
cheers,
J.
I quite literally walk around with my katana as a walking cane, it’s not disguised in any manner. Ive decorated it very colorfully as well, pretty obvious that it’s a sword. It’s considered a long the lines as a long firearm. Don’t wave it around and don’t threaten anyone with it.
My 15 year old son likes to make knives. Can he sell them.
Can I open carry a hatchet even if it is in a sheath and has a 5inch blade knife that comes with as a set. ?
Is it legal for someone under the age of 16 to carry a knife?
If the knife blade is over 3 inches then yes.
Do you have to be 16 to carry a knife around
How does one open carry a butterfly knife?
I understand it needs to be a 4 inch blade, bout as I understand, it needs to be open carried not concealed.
Good question I would also like to know the answer to that and how do you open carry a switchblade whether it be a side open switch blade or an out the front from reading the article above it says you can carry open carry any life in Iowa but where is the definition in black-and-white of open carry for an automatic knife because I have been told conflicting stories from police officers whether or not just seeing the knife in your pocket with the pocket clip is considered open carry So that’s a serious question that needs to be summed up
I once asked a local police officer in Iowa City, about carrying a knife. His comment was “Everybody in Iowa carries a knife, and I just assume they have on on their person”. Obviously the applicable law takes precedence, However, even though ‘urban’ Iowa is still considered more or less a ‘farm state’, and everyone needs a knife sometime during a day, theoretically. This is pretty generalized, but, within reason, you may carry a knife in Iowa.
I always carry various tools — including folding saws, pruning shears, and machetes — under the rear seat of my SUV. I have received conflicting opinions from local police officers regarding whether the machetes would be considered “concealed weapons,” so I recently got a weapons permit, just to be safe.
By the way, my Iowa grandfather had a saying, “A boy without a knife is worthless.” I have carried a pocketknife since childhood, including every day of school.
I should add that I did get a Concealed Carry permit, several years ago, not for pistols, too easy to get into trouble, but for edged weapons. The initial CCP was automatically granted, I am ex-military, but the renewal after the first permit expired after 5 years, required a more formal process, even with the military ‘exemption’.
Are single blade folding karambit knives legal to own ?
The 2nd Amendment protects you… but the government doesn’t follow the constitution… but yeah, there is no law that regulates the carrying of karambits. Just be sure the blade is under 5″ and it isn’t an auto knife. You will need a CCW permit if it is one of those things.
Is it legal to carry a pocket knife under the age of 18 in Iowa?
Yes
Does it have to be under 3 inches?
In Iowa any county or city can have a local knife law. That could be enforced against someone with or with out a permit to carry weapons. You need to check for local laws!!
How old do you have to be to buy a knife in Iowa without a parent being there or giving written permission?
What is legal carry in Council Bluffs Iowa? I own several knives that have a pocket clips. That saying part of the knife IS showing at ALL times. Not concealed or concealed? Some are of varies lengths and shapes. Some are auto and some are not. Please define. Thank you John from Iowa.
So when you open carry a Balisong does the tool have to be fully visible or partly?
For example: putting the whole knife in your back pocket but the pocket clip is showing?
If I tuck in my shirt into my pants and show that I clearly have a knife in the sheath on my belt, is that still conceal carry?