Home Knife Law Oklahoma Knife Laws

Oklahoma Knife Laws

Jeffrey
-
158
Oklahoma Knife Laws

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Oklahoma knife laws are short and to the point, but it can be difficult to determine exactly what is legal and what is not, as the legislature appears to have left much of the interpretation of the law up to the Courts, failing to provide needed definitions and details. The Court, too seems to avoid defining anything, so that people can figure out what is a crime and what is not. This article explains both the statutes and the case law so that anyone can understand what is legal and what is not when it comes to owning and carrying knives in Oklahoma.

Great Seal of The State of Oklahoma | Oklahoma Knife Laws

What is Legal to Own

What is Illegal to Own

  • It is not illegal to own any kind of knife in Oklahoma.

Restrictions on Carry

  • It is illegal to conceal or open carry any “offensive weapon”.  It is notable that “offensive weapons” can include items such as machetes or tomahawks though they are not specified.  Discretion is called for in such instances since the law is a bit vague on the full definition of “offensive weapons”.

As The No Carry Law States

It is illegal to carry a weapon, “upon or about” the person, Oklahoma’s no carry law extends to items carried in a vehicle, not just on a person.

What the Law States

§21-1272.  Unlawful carry

UNLAWFUL CARRY

A.  It shall be unlawful for any person to carry upon or about his or her person, or in a purse or other container belonging to the person, any pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle whether loaded or unloaded or any blackjack, loaded cane, billy, hand chain, metal knuckles, or any other offensive weapon, whether such weapon be concealed or unconcealed, except this section shall not prohibit:

1. The proper use of guns and knives for hunting, fishing, educational or recreational purposes;

2. The carrying or use of weapons in a manner otherwise permitted by statute or authorized by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act;

3. The carrying, possession and use of any weapon by a peace officer or other person authorized by law to carry a weapon in the performance of official duties and in compliance with the rules of the employing agency;

4. The carrying or use of weapons in a courthouse by a district judge, associate district judge or special district judge within this state, who is in possession of a valid handgun license issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act and whose name appears on a list maintained by the Administrative Director of the Courts; or

5. The carrying and use of firearms and other weapons provided in this subsection when used for the purpose of living history reenactment. For purposes of this paragraph, “living history reenactment” means depiction of historical characters, scenes, historical life or events for entertainment, education, or historical documentation through the wearing or use of period, historical, antique or vintage clothing, accessories, firearms, weapons, and other implements of the historical period.

Definition of Offensive Weapon

In Beeler v. State, the Court said that some weapons are so dangerous and deadly, that the Court may declare them to be offensive weapons as a matter of law. It also stated, that when making this determination, trial Judges should consider whether the weapon was designed for combat and capable of producing death.

Intent to Carry a Weapon

Although the legislature did not make “knowingly” a part of the law which makes it illegal to carry a weapon, the Court, in Williams v. State, found that criminal intent is an element of all crimes, and therefore, one cannot be convicted of a carrying a weapon when he or she is unaware that they are carrying one. For example, as in the case of a weapon concealed in a vehicle, which is driven by someone other than the owner who placed the weapon there. In the case of Dear v. State, Mr. Dear was pulled over driving a vehicle that did not belong to him. The arresting officer found two pairs of spiked metal knuckles in the car, which Mr. Dear said did not belong to him. He was convicted of unlawfully carrying a weapon and appealed his conviction. The Court of Criminal Appeals of Oklahoma found that the legislature did not intend to punish those who had no guilty intent or knowledge, and reversed Mr. Dear’s conviction.

Exceptions to No Carry Law

The no carry law does not apply to those who are properly carrying and using a knife while hunting, fishing, or participating in a recreational or educational activity. It also does not apply to those carrying a knife for a live history reenactment event.

Penalties for Unlawful Carry of a Weapon

A first conviction for the unlawful carry of a weapon is a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of between one hundred dollars ($100) and two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and up to 30 days in jail. A second or subsequent conviction under the unlawful carry law carries a penalty of a fine between two hundred fifty dollars ($250) and five hundred dollars ($500) and between 30 days and 3 months in jail.

Definitions of Various Types of Knives

Oklahoma does not offer any definitions of any types of knives, in either its statutory code nor its case law.

Conclusion on Oklahoma Law

It is legal to own any type of knife in Oklahoma.

Because the term “dangerous weapon” is vague, it may be good practice to only carry large knives (axes, tomahawks, etc.) in Oklahoma when participating in a sporting or reenactment event where the carrying of a knife is not illegal.

Sources

  • 21 Okl. St. § 1272 (2018)
  • 21 Okl. St. § 1276 (2018)
  • Beeler v. State, 334 P.2d 799 (Okl.Cr. 1959)
  • Williams v. State, 565 P.2d 46 (Okla.Crim.App. 1977)
  • Dear v. State, 773 P.2d 760 (Okla. Crim. App. 1989)

*updated July 3, 2018

158 COMMENTS

  2. One day I had a Coldsteel (brand) ti-lite VI (model) (6 inch blade/ 13 inch open, handle and all) in my pocket at a gas station and I was standing next to a police officer. He did notice I had a knife in my pocket and kept an eye on me while keeping a typical defensive stance. I can not blame him. He did not question me and I would be willing to bet even if I had asked him if he thought my knife was “cool” or “ok to carry” exc., He would have at most advised me not to be a show-off about it and for my own safety to not carry it. I would be surprised as allHell if he confiscated it from me. I live by the rule “carry any folding knife if you want, just be aware to not draw attention to it unless your life is being threatened, and above all NEVER BRING A KNIFE TO A GUN FIGHT!” In my experience if you have a punk talking spit at you and you produce a large knife and open your eyes wide and act crazy they will get quiet very fast and walk off nice and slowly. Then again, if they have a gun and permit to carry, you are good as dead. Do what you have to, expect anything and everything and if you step in spit and its your time to depart this world its just your time so be smart, not stupid, avoid the high-risk areas if possible and if not walk softly and carry a big stick as they say.

  4. So any assisted opening Knife is illegal in Oklahoma like SOG Flash 2 or Kershaw Brawler. I even have a CRKT K.I.S.S Assist that has a patent tang, but Oklahoma Knife Laws state any knife that can be pretty much opened with one hand is illegal.  

  6. I normally carry a switch blade around when i am at home alone or outside on my property and im the only person home. Due to some safety concerns and close proximities to convicted sex offenders i carry mine when im alone. Could i still be convicted of anything if a cop was to see me with one on my own property?

  8. Here is a copy of the Okla. bill passed in 2013 below:

    8. House Bill 2170 removes “spring-type knives” from the list of prohibited weapons to carry, either on one’s person or in purses or bags. Leave pistols and revolvers (unless you have a permit); shotguns or rifles (unless you’re hunting—with a permit, of course); daggers; bowie knives; dirk knives; switchblade knives; sword canes; knives having blades which open automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife; blackjacks; loaded canes; billies; hand chains; metal knuckles; or any other offending weapon at home. But, come Nov. 1, that spring-type knife is fair game.

    This certainly doesn’t outlaw assist open knives or Any knife that can be opened with one hand.

    • No it is perfectly legal to transport your weapon after a purchase you must take it home immediately and also keep the receipt, this is not a part of law but it helps to have proof you are within the legal grace period.

  10. Im thoroughly confused. I have a ZT 302 with Speed Safe opening, i.e. one hand counterbalance opening. The “Gibbs NCIS” knife.
    Blade while thick is only 3-3/4″. Legal or no??

  12. Since the case law states cited above states that an “offensive weapon” a judge should consider whether the weapon was designed for combat and capable of producing death. Your conclusions make reference to “dangerous weapons” and says since it is vague it is best not to carry any knives unless involved in approved activities. The term “dangerous weapon” does not appear in the law, the term is offensive. Every third man in blue jeans and many women have a pocket clip of knife visible in this state. Perhaps carrying an M9 Bayonet might not be advisable, as they are surplused as weapons by the federal government. However, carrying a single edged fixed blade knife of identical length that is not a bowie would be perfectly legal. Telling people they should not carry unless hunting, fishing etc. is not correct and certainly not the way things are done here.

  13. would I get in trouble for the KA-BAR I carry in my fishing tackle box or the Ontario survival knife that is on me while I am hunting? even if I am going to or coming from my hunting/fishing site.

    • the law does say KA-BARs are illegal , I have a USMC KA-BAR that I can not carry and the laws are so vague and convoluted no one can truly understand them . one thing is clear if you carry a Knife you do so at your own risk and the cops are never going to be on your side nor will the Courts its all about the money from fines and an excuse to take away your rights

    • Michael is right in that the law is very vague and open to interpretation. The law doesn’t specifically call out Ka-Bar the company or the USMC knife itself. I’ve seen two men in my lifetime carrying a USMC (I assume Ka-Bar however the design is highly copied by other companies) on two different occassions/locations (both at flea markets) and more guys than I can count carrying other relatively large fixed blades. I don’t own a USMC but if I did I’d carry it. I’ve carried fixed blades of various lengths, some quite long, openly more times than I can remember and have never had a problem.

      Your mileage of course may vary, and as usual you do so at your own risk. But I’ve never felt uncomfortable about carrying long fixed blades and have never had anyone make a comment.

      Since the law mentions it’s illegal to carry a Bowie knife, there’s the potential for problems with the USMC. When I look at a USMC I don’t think “Bowie Knife!”. But others might. The blade length isn’t so much an issue as the clip point and hand guards. In a sheath only the hand guards would be visible, and just barely. So again I would indeed feel fine carrying one.

    • No, that is a legal practice. I’ve been checked numerous times and had both spring assist. And large fixed blades in possession and carrying on my person.

  16. I personnally like to carry a Mora with a 4.2″ blade. The thing is inexpensive, so if it is confiscated i won’t cry to much. It is very non-threatening, unlike many of the tactical knives out there, heck, it looks like a pairing knife. It”s sharp and long enough to cut and julienne the femoral or axillary artery if needed.

    • I carry the Morakniv bushcraft. Well under $100. It’s 4.3″ blade, max. Typically keep it in my belt and the sheath in my front pocket. Police have seen it when I go into convenience stores. Nobody gave me any issues. One just asked what kind I had.

  18. HB 1911 (effective November 1, 2015) amends Title 21 O.S. § 1272 (unlawful
    carry). The phrase ‘switchblade knife’ and the phrase ‘knife having a blade
    which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other
    device in the handle of the knife’ are removed from the statute. The practical
    effect is that, as of the effective date, it is not generally a crime to carry a
    switchblade knife.

    http://www.ok.gov/cleet/documents/2015LegalUpdate_05Oct2015.pdf

  19. Does running constitute a “recreational activitiy”? I regularly get
    stray dogs coming up to me while on long runs, and I want to have a
    fixed blade open-carried while on runs. Thoughts?

  20. This is a silly question I’m sure but would anyone happen to know if it is illegal to carry a sword namely a Katana as i am a practitioner of Japanese swordsmanship in martial arts,so it is a large part of my everyday life I’m hoping it’s not as it would be much more convenient to be able to keep it with me if for no other reason than defence purposes. Thank you very much for the help

    • I practice Tang Soo Do and I carry my chucks all the time. I’m sure if you are going in for training (being a recreational activity) that would not be a problem. I would be sure to remove it from your vehicle when not traveling to and from the dojo. I would think it would be illegal to carry a katana into Walmart or a restaurant.

  22. This law will not stop criminals from carrying…..it’s just the law abiding citizens who will be disarmed.

    Right….

  23. The ‘Restrictions on Carry’ section does not seem to state the restriction on Gravity Knives, though I assume that falls under what is considered offensive. Earlier the Butterfly Knife is not considered a Gravity Knife, so would it be illegal to carry a Butterfly Knife or Gravity Knife with the intent to defend?

  24. hi guys you really need to update this page, here are the new bills passed in the past two years that has turned the Oklahoma knife laws on there ear. I have included the Summery of each bill, all of these have been passes and signed by our Governor.

    HB 1911 removes switchblade knives and knives having a blade with opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device from the list of weapons that are unlawful to carry.

    HB 1460 provides that the Legislature preempts the entire field of legislation relating to knives and that no municipality or political subdivision may enact any ordinance or regulation regarding knives. The measure allows public or private schools to create policies regulating the possession of knives on school property or in a vehicle used by the school for transportation.

    these two took effect November 1st 2015

    SB 1159 removes dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife and sword cane from the list of items which are declared as unlawful to carry about ones person.

    this one goes into effect November 1st 2016

  25. Is carrying a 3 1/2 – 4″ skinner in a belt holster against the law. I could wright a 3 page lecture on my thoughts about this. Lol

  32. Is a dull butterfly knife ,i carry around just to play with it when bored witch is why it is super dull, considered a “offencive weapon”.

  40. Summary of 2015 Knife Law Changes

    Effective November 1, 2015
    •It is now legal to carry an automatic knife.
    •Switchblade knife and knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife were removed from 21 O.S. Supp. 2014, Section 1272.

    Enrolled H.B. No. 1911

  41. You can be pretty young actually, in Boy Scouts you can be as young as 10 and carry one so that is the youngest that I know for sure might want to check though

  42. Does anyone know of a blacksmith in okc that does workshops? My husband would love to have a go at a forge and try his hand at swordsmithing……..

  43. Daggers are legal for carry as s of April 2016 with Fallon signing an ammendment to knife laws. Most of this page is outdated now.

  49. Oklahoma senate bill 1159 went into effect november 1st 2016 removing daggers,dirks,sword canes, and bowie knives from the list of probibited weapons. They are all legal to carry now.

  50. The law has just been updated. “SB 1159 became effective November 1, 2016, which removes dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife and sword cane from the items prohibited from carry in Oklahoma, according to the law.”

  53. Hopefully this information gets updated. Oklahoma has removed all knife restrictions. As of November 1st 2016 you can now carry daggers, Bowie knives, sword canes etc… state law also overrides local ordinances, so no more silly local restrictions.

  62. HB 1911 (effective November 1, 2015) amends Title 21 O.S. § 1272 (unlawful
    carry). The phrase ‘switchblade knife’ and the phrase ‘knife having a blade
    which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other
    device in the handle of the knife’ are removed from the statute. The practical
    effect is that, as of the effective date, it is not generally a crime to carry a
    switchblade knife.

    Now carry that thing!

  64. Oklahoma laws were updated I believe at the end of 2016. There are virtually no banned knives including automatics and sword canes. Blade length is not restricted. I suggest an internet search.

  67. So basically the guy walking around Walmart with the butt of his pistol hanging out of his baggie front pocket is legal but carrying a nice knife is illegal. Seems kinda backwards to me.

  68. So if i had my kbar on my tac belt it would be illegal? This makes no sense with open carry gun license and everyone killing everyone in oklahoma it only makes sense to have something to detour any assaults happening like how ive been jumped walking thru my apartments for not giving a guy my phone and wallet…. Stupid

  70. These laws are a bit out of date knife laws in Oklahoma have changed drastically and it is not illegal to carry most types of knifes

  71. Oct. 31, 2016: Knife Rights’ Oklahoma Knife Law Reform bill, SB 1159, becomes effective November 1st. SB 1159 removes dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife and sword cane from the items prohibited from carry in Oklahoma, and finishes the job Knife Rights began last year with the repeal of the ban on carrying switchblade (automatic) knives and with the passage of Knife Law Preemption in Oklahoma.

    http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=358

  74. What about a Brutus The Bulldog self defense keychain? It’s not metal brass knuckles, it only goes around two fingers, it’s made of hard plastic, but the real thing I’m worried about with it is it’s spiked ears. I want my girlfriend to feel safe walking around a college campus, so I bought it for her.

  78. State bill 1159 sign by gov. Fallen. Repeals the illegal carry of knives. It it legal to carry daggers Bowie knives dirk knives Sword canes and switchblades. As of nov 1 2016

  80. What is the legal size to carry a knife in the state of oklahoma..?I don’t want cops bothering me about it or confiscatin it beca use I did know.. it says the legal length is 2.5 inches but that’s not even the size of my palm..

  84. One of the many new laws that went into effect this month in Oklahoma is a change to a knife law that was originally put on the books in 1921.

    SB 1159 became effective November 1, 2016, which removes dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife and sword cane from the items prohibited from carry in Oklahoma, according to the law.

    It also repealed the ban on carrying switchblade (automatic) knives.

  85. I’m getting mixed messages from all this. One news source says all knives have been deregulated and can carry open or concealed, and this source says sqwat has really happened at all. My own sheriff department scratches these head

  86. These laws were repealed last year and took effect last Nov. Please recheck. It is now legal to carry any knife in Okla.

  88. Is it illegal to carry a brass knuckles knife where the blade is 3 inch and the brass knuckles are only able to be used if the knife is open

  92. I doubt the dogs will be deterred by your knife. You’d probably be best off carrying pepper spray and maybe a batton. Stabbing or slashing an animal to drath, stray or no, is generally frowned upon, so nonlethal means would be ideal.

  94. All the knife laws in Oklahoma have finally been updated. It is now LEGAL to carry an automatic knife, a butterfly knife, a dagger…..everything that was previously illegal is now legal including sword canes.

    About time and time to update this site.

  97. I can carry a firearm with my CCW permit but can not carry my Buck knife in my pocket. NOW DON’T THAT MAKE SENSE ????????????
    We sure have voted some STUPID people in office to run our state. Time to change our voting habits!!!!!

  98. As of November 2016, this article is out of date! Open and concealed carry of bowie knives, switchblade, cane swords, etc. is now legal in Oklahoma! Still doing research on my own but this is a big deal.

  101. Not at all.

    My understanding is it’s okay to carry something like this so long as it does not have a blood grove, and it doesn’t say “Made in China”

    I also think 24″ is the maximum length though.

    Better research this to be sure..

  102. SB 1159 (effective November 1, 2016) amends Title 21 O.S. Section 1272 to remove ‘dagger’, ‘bowie knife’, ‘dirk knife’, and ‘sword cane’ from the list of prohibited weapons

    apparently some huge oklahoma knife law changes have happened and someone needs to get this all straighten out and clear. for instance, it is now LEGAL to have a switch blade pocket knife, HB 1911 (effective November 1, 2015) and apparently i just found out that they added to that with this SB 1159 (effective November 1, 2016)

    so in essence, we can legally now carry around a bowie, or a dagger concealed or unconcealed? according to the news article i saw we sure can. im going to keep looking into this, because if its my right your damn right im gonna use it. i will carry a big ass dagger or bowie with me everywhere.

    if anyone can help figure this out or contact the people of this page obviously something needs changing or updating because some serious laws have changed and we all need to be clear to know our legal rights.

    there are RIGHTS. and if its our RIGHT to carry what we want why wouldnt you? other wise we will LOSE this RIGHT.

  103. Dear Bill,
    I have looked deeply into your question. And the answer is yes.You may want to purchase a sheath for that knife but it says right in the knife owning paragraph that you are indeed allowed to carry any type of knife ONLY if you are FISHING,HUNTING,HOSTING AN EDUCATION EVENT or in RECREATIONAL EVENT.So Bill have a fun time fishing with you knife,
    Cade C.

  104. Please update this, new laws have gone into effect regarding carry of knives, practically all bladed weapons were removed from 1272. Thank you

  105. Im 18. Have bought countless knives and carried switch blades, folders. Fixed blades. Prettt much anything i want in Oklahoma and never been questioned.

  109. Need to update your sites’ information. Oklahoma congress and the governor passed Oklahoma Knife Law Reform bill, SB 1159 that took affect Nov. 1 2016. It amending the law so citizens can carry daggers, bowie knifes, dirks, sword canes, and auto knives concealed or open carry for self defense. The previous laws were outdated. It did not make sense you can have a concealed/open carry permit for a gun and still not carry a knife for self defense. Rights to self defense should always be a no brainier for any state but that is just my opinion. You need a good guy with a gun/knife to stop a bad guy with a gun/knife.

  111. As of November 1, 2016, in accordance to SB 1159, Oklahoma allows the open carry of daggers, Bowie knives, dirk knives, sword canes as well as switchblades.

  114. I heard that the Oklahoma law was recently updated/revised to allow open and concealed carry of OTF knives with the safety feature that prevents automatic opening anytime an object is obstructing the opening. For instance, Cobratec OTF knife. Is there validity to this claim?

  117. This is the least enforced law I have ever seen. I’ve only just recently heard about this, and carry a knife every single day with the clip clearly out of my pocket. I have interacted with many officers with the knife in plain view and never even got as much as a warning. It might not even be well known among police here.

  118. Pretty well any knife is legal now.

    From Oklahoma State Courts Network

    Section 1272 – Unlawful Carry
    Cite as: 21 O.S. § 1272, __ __

    A. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry upon or about his or her person, or in a purse or other container belonging to the person, any pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle whether loaded or unloaded or any blackjack, loaded cane, billy, hand chain, metal knuckles, or any other offensive weapon, whether such weapon be concealed or unconcealed, except this section shall not prohibit:

    1. The proper use of guns and knives for hunting, fishing, educational or recreational purposes;

    2. The carrying or use of weapons in a manner otherwise permitted by statute or authorized by the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act;

    3. The carrying, possession and use of any weapon by a peace officer or other person authorized by law to carry a weapon in the performance of official duties and in compliance with the rules of the employing agency;

    4. The carrying or use of weapons in a courthouse by a district judge, associate district judge or special district judge within this state, who is in possession of a valid handgun license issued pursuant to the provisions of the Oklahoma Self-Defense Act and whose name appears on a list maintained by the Administrative Director of the Courts; or

    5. The carrying and use of firearms and other weapons provided in this subsection when used for the purpose of living history reenactment. For purposes of this paragraph, “living history reenactment” means depiction of historical characters, scenes, historical life or events for entertainment, education, or historical documentation through the wearing or use of period, historical, antique or vintage clothing, accessories, firearms, weapons, and other implements of the historical period.

    B. Any person convicted of violating the foregoing provision shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Section 1276 of this title.

  120. Your carry of a sword would be a weapon in my mind, so if I were on your “jury” I’d be a guilty vote against you.
    I’m hacked off I cannot carry my USMC Ka-Bar as I would use it almost daily in my line of work, which somewhat frequently requires me to use a machete. Instead I have to carry brush loppers, big screwdrivers, box knives, and a sawsall with a big tree blade. It makes life less convenient every day. However, when I go hog hunting, which is legal year round —except at night, it’s AR-15, a pistol, and my Ka-bar and then it’s all legal because of the activity. The key I suppose is making it all obvious what your intent is. The law is written so the police and DA can wield it at THEIR will. Knife laws in OK are weird considering how much of a tool a knife is , especially in a ranching state like ours. Never seen any cowboy looking guy in our state be harassed about the knives they routinely carry—all of which would be “illegal”. Assisted open, and large fixed blades 4 – 8” are not uncommon.

  123. Please update your Oklahoma knife information. Oklahoma has come into the 20th century (if not the 21 st) Everything you have listed is no longer true. All of the prohibited carry knives listed are now legal carry.

  125. I have (2) high quality fixed blade knives adorned with Silver and Gold that I use to eat my steaks at home. One has a single edge blade 5 & 9/16th and a total length of 10 and 5/8th inches. I had this knife custom built using a bulls horn as a handle. I open carry this knife while taking my dog for a walk. I have had my Emotional Support Dog for 7 years and in that time she has been attacked by 2 mean 90 pound pit bull 3 time.
    I carry it for self defense! Is this legal in rural Oklahomq?

    • Hey Ivan;
      As I read the law, it appears that you can carry those knives (one would be better than two) if you fit within the boundaries of the “Oklahoma Self-Defense Act”. You could Google those details to see if you comply. Also, I’m not a lawyer so you can’t take my word as final – you’d need to consult a licensed legal professional in the state of Oklahoma.
      cheers,
      J.

    • I carry a folding pocket knife with a 4 and a half inch blade and I am planning on moving to Oklahoma I carry it everyday as my utility /defensive knife can I carry it and if I had to use it in a self defense matter would it be legal to have on me

    • Hey Matt;
      Good question. The reason that is not directly addressed in my article is that it is not 100% clear in Oklahoma statutes. Things that make it unclear would be the issue of “intent”. If an officer catches you with the knife, you’ll have to explain your intent. Did you intend to attack someone? Were you carrying it in a dark alley at night? That would be suspicious, so you’d probably be in some trouble. I also would not suggest carrying it just for fun to a shopping mall or public place, restaurant, etc. If a cop sees it on you, he can only assume you’re up to no good. Having said all this, I’m not a lawyer, so ultimately, you can get your final answer from a legal professional in the State of Oklahoma. Thanks for reading!
      J.

    • Typically a sword is considered safe if it is properly bound and packaged (not ready to use at a moment’s notice), and most decent police officers won’t hassle you if you somehow get pulled over and a gift box is found in your trunk. Having said that, it’s a gray area where you could technically get in trouble by an officer with an attitude and a conflictive spirit. That’s just my opinion and does not constitute legal advice officially.
      Hey, I say just drive carefully and don’t give anybody any reason to pull you over and you’re good to go!
      thanks for checking out our blog!
      J.

  128. I ride motorcycles everywhere in the state. Other organizations like to start crap cause I ride independent. Is it lawful for me to open carry my Bowie knife for self defenses purposes.

  130. I am moving to Oklahoma. My belongings are in my car which include a machete. Packed in the trunk, am I legal? The more I bury it into my luggage, to prove I am not planning on using it on my trip, the more it will look like I am trying to conceal it. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thank you.

  132. Sorry guys. The article was not fully researched. Some of the items that were stated to be OK, are not. Specificly “Dirk”, “Bowie Knife”, and “Switchblades”. See below:

    Oklahoma Statutes Title 21. Chapter 53 – Manufacture, Sale, and Wearing of Weapons
    Section 1272 – Unlawful Carry

    A. It shall be unlawful for any person to carry upon or about his or her person, or in a purse or other container belonging to the person, any pistol, revolver, shotgun or rifle whether loaded or unloaded or any dagger, bowie knife, dirk knife, switchblade knife, sword cane, knife having a blade which opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife, blackjack, loaded cane, billy, hand chain, metal knuckles, or any other offensive weapon, whether such weapon be concealed or unconcealed, except this section shall not prohibit:

  133. So I still don’t know if it is ok to carry a Kbar or bowie knife. This law is not clear at all. Yes you can carry but you could go to jail????

  134. I’ve lived here in Oklahoma all of my life. I’ve owned switchblade knives all of my life. Since November of 2015 i have carried a 13 inch, side opening, bayonet blade, Frank B. Italian stiletto, on my side in a scabbard a friend made for me in a saddle shop downtown. I’ve never had a problem, and I even had police retrieve one my blades once before. The polite officer went straight to the apartment, retrieved my Renzo Pascotto, 11 and 1/2 Frosolone switchblade knife with bayonet blade, and brought it straight to me. In handing it to me, he asked, “What would you have to have for that?” I told him it wasn’t for sale. The simple fact of the matter is, since November 1, 2015, switchblade knives and knives that open automatically out the front are legal to own and carry in the state of Oklahoma.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

©2023 KnifeUp.com