Indiana Knife Laws: Carrying a Knife in the Land of a Thousand Freedoms

In Indiana, your knife isn’t just a simple tool, it’s a companion of freedom. In this sun-drenched Midwest state, legislators understand that the blade tucked in your pocket contributes to your daily autonomy. Carry a knife in Indiana? Absolutely! This state boasts one of the most permissive knife laws in the United States. Owning a knife in Indiana becomes almost an art of living, a philosophy of independence where anyone can legally carry knives of almost any type. Whether you’re a collector, an outdoor enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates being prepared, Indiana’s approach to knife laws might just feel like a breath of fresh air. But before you slip that knife into your jeans or display your prized collection, let’s  understand what makes Indiana a knife-carrier’s paradise.

Indiana: Finally a State That Trusts You

What Makes Indiana Knife Laws So Special?

At the state level, Indiana is highly permissive: no blade-length limits and no bans on common opening mechanisms. The two main statewide guardrails are the prohibition on ballistic knives Indiana Code 35-47-5-2 and the rules for school property Indiana Code 35-47-5-2.5. By contrast, Indiana does not have explicit statewide knife preemption, so cities and counties may adopt stricter rules (e.g., on types, lengths, concealed carry, or specific zones).

This means you should check local ordinances as you move through different municipalities in Indiana, as rules can vary between cities like Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, South Bend, or Merrillville.

🔪 Legal in Indiana:

• switchblades,
• butterfly knives,
• balisongs,
• gravity knives,
• automatic knives,
• fixed-blade knives,
• folding knives,
• daggers,
• hunting knives.

No restrictions on blade length or opening mechanisms at the state level!

Who Can Carry a Knife in Indiana?

Indiana imposes no statewide age restrictions for knife carrying. Any person of any age may legally carry knives openly or concealed throughout the state under state law.

However, transfer restrictions exist: Indiana Code 35-47-2-7 prohibits selling or transferring knives to persons under 18 without parental consent. This means minors can legally carry knives but cannot purchase them commercially without parental permission.

Important caveat: Since Indiana lacks statewide knife preemption, local ordinances can impose their own rules including age limits for possession or carry. Always check your specific city or county ordinances.

Where Can’t You Carry Your Knife?

In Indiana, there are certain locations where carrying knives is restricted:

🚫 School Property : Any cutting instrument or knife “intended to be used as a weapon” is prohibited on:

• School property
• School buses
• Special purpose buses

🚫 Indiana Government Center/Statehouse [25 IAC 8-3-1]: Weapons (including knives) are prohibited by administrative rule at the Indiana Government Center Campus

🚫 Other Government Facilities: Courts and agencies may ban weapons by local court order or posted policy (varies by jurisdiction)

🚫 Correctional facilities: Possession of weapons is prohibited by facility rules and applicable statutes

Remember, too, that using a knife in the commission of a crime transforms it into a deadly weapon under Indiana Code 35-31.5-2-86, triggering enhanced penalties. The law respects your right to carry, but expects responsible conduct in return.

Types of Knives and Their Legal Quirks

What’s Completely Legal in Indiana

Unlike its more restrictive neighboring states, Indiana embraces almost all types of knives. Want a switchblade? Perfectly legal since 2013. A butterfly knife to impress your friends? No problem. A 12-inch fixed blade for your outdoor adventures? Indiana says “go for it!”

The list of knives are legal is impressive:

• automatic knives,
• balisongs,
• gravity knives,
• fixed blades of any length,
• folding knives without length restrictions,
• daggers,
• dirks,
• stilettos,
• assisted-opening knives,
• disguised knives (cane knives, lipstick knives, belt knives),
• swords and machetes,
• karambits,
• Chinese throwing stars (legal since July 2023)

🗡️ Indiana imposes no blade length restrictions at the state level, distinguishing it from states like Illinois (3-inch restrictions on public property) or local ordinances in other jurisdictions.

The Notable Exception: Ballistic Knives

The only truly forbidden category: ballistic knives. Indiana Code 35-47-5-2 prohibits knives with detachable blades that can be ejected from the handle as a projectile by means of gas, a spring, or any other device.

Manufacturing, possessing, displaying, offering for sale, selling, lending, giving away, or purchasing ballistic knives constitutes a class b misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fines. The statutory definition specifically requires a “detachable blade” ejection mechanism, distinguishing ballistic knives from spring-assisted or automatic opening knives, which remain legal.

School Property: The Red Zone to Avoid Absolutely

Indiana Code 35-47-5-2.5: What You Need to Know

Knife on school property represents the most strictly regulated environment under Indiana law. Indiana Code § 35-47-5-2.5 creates comprehensive prohibitions covering school property, school buses, and special purpose buses, with “intent to use as a weapon” as the determining factor.

Possessing any cutting instrument or knife on school grounds with intent to be used as a weapon can result in:

• First offense: class b misdemeanor (up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 fine)
• Repeat offense: class a misdemeanor (up to one year imprisonment, $5,000 fine)
• If it “results in bodily injury”: level 6 felony (6 months to 2.5 years imprisonment, up to $10,000 fine)

Note : Even though Chinese throwing stars were legalized in July 2023, they remain prohibited on school property under the general “cutting instrument” definition.

Comparison with Neighboring States: Why Indiana Stands Out

Ohio: The Neighbor Catching Up

Ohio underwent major reform in 2021 with Senate Bill 140 legalizing switchblades, gravity knives, and spring-loaded knives. In 2022, Senate Bill 156 established complete statewide preemption under Ohio Revised Code 9.68, providing stronger protection against local ordinances than Indiana’s approach.

Ohio knife law : the complete guide 2025

Illinois: The Strict Neighbor

Illinois maintains the most restrictive framework among neighboring states, requiring Firearms Owner’s Identification (FOID) cards for switchblade possession by adults 21 and older.

The state’s “Unauthorized Possession” law (720 ILCS 5/21-6) restricts knives 3+ inches on public property, and Chicago maintains particularly strict local regulations that effectively ban most knife carry within city limits.

Understanding Illinois knife laws, restrictions and rights

Michigan and Kentucky: Different Approaches

Michigan legalized switchblades in 2017 but still prohibits concealed carry of certain edged weapons (dagger, dirk, stiletto, double-edged non-folding) and “other dangerous weapons,” with an exception for hunting knives.

Kentucky implemented the most dramatic liberalization with its 2019 constitutional carry statute (KRS 237.109) eliminating most carry restrictions for persons 21 and older, extending to “deadly weapons” including knives.

Michigan knife laws: Legal length and restrictions

Practical Tips to Understand the Laws and Stay Legal

The Importance of Local Ordinances

Since Indiana does not have statewide preemption for knife laws, it’s essential to research local ordinances in the cities and counties where you plan to carry knives. Some municipalities have enacted their own restrictions that may be more limiting than state law. For example:

• Some cities may restrict certain knife types in public parks
• Municipal ordinances may limit blade lengths beyond state requirements
• Local governments may have specific concealed carry restrictions
• Downtown districts may have enhanced weapon restrictions

Always verify local laws before carrying knives in different Indiana communities.

Transportation and Vehicle Storage

Indiana maintains exceptionally permissive vehicle transportation laws for knives, with no requirements for locking cases, separation from drivers, or specific storage methods outside the school property context. Citizens may transport any legal knife type in glove compartments, center consoles, trunks, or other vehicle locations without legal restriction.

School property represents the sole exception to unrestricted vehicle transport, with IC 35-47-5-2.5(d)(2) permitting knives “secured in a motor vehicle” on school grounds. 

Self-Defense

Indiana’s self-defense statute defines when force is justified and includes a no-duty-to-retreat (Stand Your Ground) provision. It does not itself create a special authorization to carry knives. At the state level, carrying a lawful, non-prohibited knife (e.g., tactical folders, fixed blades, even swords) is generally permitted; any use must satisfy the statute’s self-defense standards.

Always follow location-based restrictions (schools, certain government facilities) and any local ordinances.

Hunting applications

Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources imposes no knife-specific restrictions for hunting. Hunters may carry common field knives (large fixed blades, skinners) and processing tools without state-level knife limits, subject to general hunting regulations, land-access rules, and posted property policies.

The Art of Living with Your Blade in Indiana

Indiana’s approach to knife laws reflects a broader philosophy: trust citizens to exercise their freedoms responsibly. Rather than micromanaging blade lengths or mechanism types, the state has chosen a path that respects individual autonomy while maintaining reasonable safeguards.

This balanced approach makes Indiana a haven for knife enthusiasts, collectors, outdoor adventurers, and everyday carriers. Whether you’re carrying knives in Indiana for daily tasks or specialized blades for your outdoor pursuits, Indiana’s laws support your right to do so.

However, the absence of statewide preemption means you must remain vigilant about local ordinances. In a world where restrictions often multiply, Indiana’s knife laws stand as a refreshing example of simplicity and respect for personal choice at the state level, while acknowledging local communities’ rights to establish their own additional regulations.