Knife Laws In Maryland

Maryland’s knife laws rely heavily on the intent and type of the blade to determine the legality of carrying it.

As a result, one can own and carry any kind of a knife within Maryland states boundaries including throwing stars, ballistic and blades, which are banned in many states of America. Blade length is not one of the parameters Maryland uses to determine the legality of the blade.

However, counties, cities and townships impose length limits in addition to restrictions crafted by the state. This makes the state knife laws complex and often inconvenient to blade owners.

Knife Laws in Maryland

Legal

Residents enjoy rights to buy, own, sell blades and knives as long as they operate within Maryland state legal system. People can own all kinds of folding knives, switchblades, gravity knives, balisong such as belt buckle, key knives, sword canes, hunting knives, daggers, KA-BAR knives, Bowie knives, stiletto, ballistic knives, throwing stars and throwing knives as well as double or single edged fixed blade knives. People are free to openly carry all these types of knives as long as they do not intend to use them to harm others. You cannot also carry these knives to school grounds, prison grounds, in courthouses or in school. Note that serving police officers are exempted from this.

More...


Illegal

It is illegal to carry knives that have switches like gravity knives and switchblade knives, regardless of the size. These knives are classified as dangerous weapons and are all banned. According to section § 4–101 of the Code of Maryland (Statutes), minors under 18 years cannot carry knives from 1 hour before sunrise to 1 hour after sunset. The counties affected by these limitations are Worcester County, Washington, Hartford County, Cecil County, Caroline County, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, St. Mary’s County, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Kent County. However, minors engaged in legal hunting trips and civic military gatherings that require use of such blades as tools are exempted from the ban.


Length Limit

As a state, Maryland does not impose a maximum blade length limit on its residents. The size of the blade cannot be used to determine whether a knife qualifies to be carried concealed.


Concealed Carry

Maryland has stringent concealed and carry laws. All knives classified as dangerous weapons cannot be carried concealed. Violating this rule makes one guilty of a misdemeanour that attracts a stiff penalty including 3 years imprisonment, a fine of $1,000 or both. Weapons such as star knives, switchblades, Bowie knives and razors cannot be carried concealed. Also, folding pocket knife must be opened manually rather than using a trigger button or a spring. If it is not, it is illegal to carry it concealed.


Other knife laws in Maryland

Local ordinances make Mary land knife laws complicated. They impose length limitations on knives. For instance carrying a blade that is longer than 3” in Fredrick, MD and Cambridge is illegal. Also, switchblades are outlawed in MD. Obviously, this are sets of conflicting rules that are complex and confusing. They present difficulties especially to knife owners who want to move around the state while carrying knives.