Understanding Your Knife Rights in Arizona: a Legal Guide

Arizona stands out among U.S. states for its highly permissive knife laws. Unlike many other states, Arizona has enacted statewide preemption, meaning that local municipalities generally cannot create stricter knife regulations than those set forth by the state. This leads to a consistent legal landscape across Arizona.

Here’s a breakdown of Arizona’s knife laws:

General Carry Laws:

1. Individuals 21 and Older: If you are 21 years of age or older, you can openly or concealed carry any type or length of knife in Arizona. There are no state-level restrictions on blade length, type of knife (e.g., automatic, butterfly, fixed blade, folding, daggers, switchblades, Bowie knives, machetes, swords), or whether it’s open or concealed.
2. Individuals Under 21: If you are under 21, you may carry a pocketknife concealed on your person or within your immediate control in a vehicle. However, open or concealed carrying of other types of knives is generally restricted for minors.
3. Knives as Tools: Arizona law generally classifies knives as tools rather than inherently “deadly weapons” unless they are used in the commission of a crime or intended for lethal use.

Types of Knives:

Arizona explicitly allows the ownership and carrying of a wide variety of knives that are often restricted in other states, including:

1. Automatic Knives (Switchblades): Legal to own and carry.
2. Butterfly Knives (Balisongs): Legal to own and carry.
3. Gravity Knives: Legal to own and carry.
4. Fixed-Blade Knives: Legal to own and carry.
5. Folding Knives: Legal to own and carry, including large folding knives.
6. Daggers, Dirks, and Stilettos: Legal to own and carry.
7. Bowie Knives, Machetes, Swords: Legal to own and carry.

Concealed Carry:

For individuals 21 and older, there are no specific restrictions on concealing any type of knife. However, if a law enforcement officer contacts you and asks if you are carrying a concealed deadly weapon (which a knife could be considered in certain contexts, especially if used in a crime), you have a duty to disclose that you are carrying the knife.

Location Restrictions:

While Arizona’s knife laws are very lenient, there are specific locations where carrying knives is generally prohibited, regardless of age:

K-12 School Grounds: Possessing a deadly weapon on school grounds is prohibited. There might be an exception for small pocket knives (e.g., less than 2.5 inches in length) in some interpretations, but it’s safest to avoid carrying any knife on school grounds.

1. Polling Places: Carrying a deadly weapon at an election polling place on the day of an election is prohibited.
2. Hydroelectric or Nuclear Power Generating Facilities: Carrying a deadly weapon is prohibited in these locations.
3. Private Property/Events: Private property owners and sponsors of public events have the right to restrict or prohibit the carrying of knives on their premises. It’s important to respect their rules.
4. Government Buildings: Secured government buildings may also restrict the possession of knives.

Self-Defense with a Knife:

Arizona has “Stand Your Ground” laws, meaning you are not required to retreat if you are legally in a place and face an immediate threat. You can use physical force, including deadly force, to defend yourself if you reasonably believe it is immediately necessary to protect against another person’s unlawful physical force or deadly physical force.

Key considerations for self-defense:

1. Reasonable Belief of Danger: Your belief of imminent harm must be what a “reasonable person” in your situation would perceive.
2. Proportionality: The force you use must be proportionate to the threat you are facing. Using excessive force can lead to legal issues. Deadly force is generally justified only when you reasonably believe you are facing a threat of death or serious physical injury.
3. Immediacy: The threat must be happening “now,” not in the past or future.
4. No Provocation: If you provoked the confrontation, you generally cannot claim self-defense.

Important Considerations:

1. Intent: While many knives are legal to carry, using a knife to commit a crime or with unlawful intent will lead to severe criminal charges.
2. Federal Laws: Be aware that federal laws regarding knives apply in federal buildings, airports (TSA regulations), and other federal jurisdictions, which may be stricter than Arizona state law.
3. Stay Informed: Laws can change, and interpretations can vary. It’s always a good idea to consult with a legal professional if you have specific questions about knife laws in Arizona or if you face a situation involving a knife and law enforcement.

SOURCES

[1] https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/arizona-knife-laws/
[2] https://thewrangler.com/understanding-the-legal-landscape-of-pocket-knives-in-arizona/2025/07/05/
[3] https://www.jacksonwhitelaw.com/criminal-defense-law/blog/arizona-knife-laws/
[4] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/arizona/
[5] https://www.belenlawfirm.com/blog/criminal-defense-attorney/arizona-knife-laws/