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Butterfly Knives

The butterfly knife, or the Balisong, is a folding pocket knife that is illegal in many places. It is looked at as a weapon by some, but is mainly used for showy purposes.

171 Questions

Are butterfly knives illegal in Ireland?

Yes very illegal you will get €2500 fine by the gardi and will take and it will be destroyed

Are butterfly knives illegal in Washington?

Yes, they are referred to in the law as "gravity knives."

Are butterfly knives legal in PA?

yes butterfly knives are legal in pa although some officers genuinely believe they are not. If an officer asks you to hand it over tell him they are legal but still hand it over do not be stupid and keep it because he will write you a citation all though useless in court may entitle you to community service

Are butterfly knives illegal in Illinois?

They are legal to own, but illeagal to carry with you. You can get around the rule by using a trainer.

Are butterfly knife trainers illegal?

Depending on where you live because i found that they aren't illegal in the states but in countries such as Canada they are so it really depends on where you live

Are butterfly knives illegal in Ohio?

Yes, Butterfly knives are illegal in Ohio. You do not have to touch the blade to open it, which is one of the factors. Most butterfly knives are over 4" also, which is another factor.

Butterfly knives are often used as weapons, you don't see a carpenter using a butterfly knife to do his work, he would use something with better grip, etc...

Are butterfly knives legal in Maryland?

Yes, they are. Maryland is rather unusual in this regard considering the laws of most other states.

In Maryland, the laws governing knives are under the Criminal Code, specifically statutes §4-101 and §4-105.

§4-105 restricts the sale of "switchblades" but defines such knives as "having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife." This wording does not apply to a butterfly knife because it's mechanism does not work in this manner. Further, it only affects sale, not purchase, ownership or carry.

The more important statute, §4-101, makes it illegal to carry any "dangerous weapon" concealed or "openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner." However, the law specifically exempts "penknives" from any restrictions under this statute. While the term "penknife" is not defined, a famous case made a binding ruling on the definition: In 1978, Mackall v. State, the highest court in Maryland ruled that

"Penknives today are commonly considered to encompass any knife with the blade folding into the handle, some very large."

Butterfly knives fold into their handles just as regular pocket knives do and do not operate like switchblades, and therefore fall within the definition of a penknife. This makes them legal to sell, buy, own, and carry concealed or openly. The Mackall ruling is rock solid and has been upheld at least 5 times over the past few decades. It was even once used to convict a police officer for falsely arresting a person because that officer ignorantly believed a knife was illegal when it was not.

What is the difference between a butterfly knife and a switchblade?

A butterfly knife is a folding pocket knife that is concealed within it's handle, but can be flipped out from either side. A switchblade is a knife that is "switched" forward by pressing a button, switch, or lever. Both weapons are considered "gravity knives" and are illegal to possess, purchase, sell, or trade in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and most of Europe.

Are butterfly knife illegal in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, butterfly knives, also known as balisongs, are legal to own and carry. However, like many states, there are restrictions on carrying them in certain public places or for unlawful purposes. It's essential to check local regulations, as laws can change and may vary by city or municipality. Always ensure compliance with current laws if you're considering ownership or carry.

Where can you buy a butterfly knife in Hong Kong?

No you can't find any butterfly knife cuz having a butterfly knife in Hong Kong was illegal.

What are the different kinds of butterfly knives?

There are three:

1. An actual knife

2. A type of CD player

3. A type of USB port

Can you carry a butterfly knife on you in Colorado?

I'm not for sure but i think they might be illegal in the state of Colorado. Please correct me if i am wrong.

Is it illegal to carry a butterfly knife in Colorado?

In Colorado, butterfly knives are classified as "gravity knives" and are considered illegal to carry as a weapon. While they can be owned, carrying them in public is prohibited under Colorado law. However, laws can vary by municipality, so it's important to check local regulations as well. Always consult local laws or legal authorities for the most accurate and current information.

Is it legal to carry a butterfly knife in Illinois?

Yup you can buy them in any store that sells decent knives just make sure if you carry It on you its 3 inches or smaller any larger will be considered a deadly weapon

Are butterfly knife legal in Maine?

sadly no its both illegal to have one and carry one in maine.

but if there is a way to get a permit i am not sure

Are butterfly knives legal to own in Illinois?

they are legal but its illegal to carry or show it on public

Are butterfly knives illegal in Massachusetts?

Applicable law (SEE BELOW LINK) does not refer to "butterfly" knives" specifically by that name, HOWEVER - the description of the prohibited knives describes ALL knives having a double-edged blade.

In my experience all knives described as "butterfly," "balisong," "gravity knife," etc. (where the blade is concealed inside a hinged/folding handle and can be deployed with a flick of the wrist), HAVE DOUBLE EDGED BLADES. Therefore they ARE illegal.

Are Butterfly knives legal in CT?

No current law regulates whether or not you can possess them, so it is entirely legal to keep one in your home.

As for whether it is legal to carry them, Sect. 53-206 of the Connecticut Code currently states:

"Sec. 53-206. Carrying of dangerous weapons prohibited.(a) Any person who carries upon his or her person any BB. gun, blackjack, metal or brass knuckles, or any dirk knife, or any switch knife, or any knife having an automatic spring release device by which a blade is released from the handle, having a blade of over one and one-half inches in length, or stiletto, or any knife the edged portion of the blade of which is four inches or more in length, any police baton or nightstick, or any martial arts weapon or electronic defense weapon, as defined in section 53a-3, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument, shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars or imprisoned not more than three years or both."

Unless it is considered a "switch knife" (switchblade) or a "dirk knife" (double-edged blade), it seems that a butterfly knife is, contrary to popular belief, legal to carry, so long as the blade is less than four inches long.

Where can you buy a benchmade model 42 butterfly knife?

Perhaps other countries or look in martial arts magazines. Most places they are not legal for sale so is tough, but they are out there.

Are butterfly knives legal in Alaska?

Butterfly knives (aka: Ballisongs) may be legal in SOME states but in other states they are classified as "gravity knives" and are illegal to possess or carry under those statutes. Be sure you research the laws of your own state before choosing to carry one.

Are butterfly knives illegal in Houston Texas?

Butterfly knives, also known as balisongs, are not illegal in Texas. However, it is illegal to carry them with intent to harm. You can also go the safe route and get a balisong trainer--they are legal everywhere.