Are Automatic Knives Legal in Arizona?
The Short Answer
Yes. Arizona is one of the best states in the country for knife owners. Automatic knives, OTF knives, and switchblades are all legal to own, buy, sell, and carry — open or concealed — for adults 21 and older. No permits. No blade length limits. No banned knife types. Arizona also has statewide preemption specifically for knives, meaning local cities and counties can't pass their own knife restrictions.
If you're under 21, you can still carry a pocketknife concealed, but concealed carry of larger knives classified as "deadly weapons" is restricted.
What Arizona Law Actually Says
The Statute (A.R.S. § 13-3102)
The primary statute governing knife carry in Arizona is § 13-3102, captioned "Misconduct involving weapons; defenses; classification; definitions."
Arizona defines a "deadly weapon" in § 13-3101 as:
"Anything that is designed for lethal use."
Knives can be deadly weapons under this definition, but here's what matters: Arizona doesn't ban deadly weapons. It regulates how they're carried based on age.
§ 13-3102 restricts the concealed carry of a deadly weapon — but carves out key exceptions. Subsections of the statute exclude from the general concealed carry restriction:
"A pocket knife concealed on his person or within his immediate control in or on a means of transportation."
Arizona doesn't define "pocketknife" or impose blade length limits on what qualifies. The statute doesn't modify or restrict the term. A reasonable interpretation: any knife designed to be carried in a pocket or handbag qualifies.
What That Means in Plain English
For adults 21 and older, Arizona knife law boils down to: carry what you want, how you want. Open or concealed. Automatic, fixed blade, OTF, bowie, whatever. No restrictions.
For those under 21, you can carry a pocketknife concealed. For other knives that qualify as "deadly weapons," concealed carry requires being 21+. Open carry is unrestricted at any age.
The only places you can't carry are specific restricted locations (schools, polling places on election days, power facilities).
OTF Knives in Arizona
OTF knives are fully legal in Arizona. No restrictions on blade length, mechanism type, or carry method for adults 21+. You can carry an out-the-front automatic knife concealed in your pocket, clipped to your belt, or in your vehicle.
Arizona doesn't distinguish between OTF knives, side-opening automatics, or any other knife type. If it's a knife, it's legal.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Arizona Considers Them
Arizona doesn't use the term "switchblade" in its statutes. The state doesn't classify knives by their opening mechanism. There is no switchblade ban, no automatic knife restriction, and no distinction between manual, assisted, and automatic deployment.
For the record:
- Automatic / switchblade: Deploys via button, lever, or switch. Legal in Arizona.
- OTF: Blade deploys straight out the front of the handle. Legal in Arizona.
- Side-opening auto: Blade swings from the side, spring-powered. Legal in Arizona.
- Assisted opener: Manual initiation with spring assist. Legal in Arizona — and everywhere else.
Arizona treats them all the same: they're knives.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in Arizona
Open Carry
Legal for everyone. No age restriction on openly carrying any type of knife in Arizona.
Concealed Carry
21 and older: Legal. You can carry any knife concealed — automatic, OTF, fixed blade, anything. No permit required.
Under 21: You can carry a "pocketknife" concealed on your person or within your immediate control in a vehicle. For knives that would qualify as "deadly weapons" beyond a pocketknife, concealed carry requires reaching 21. Carrying a concealed deadly weapon under 21 is a Class 3 misdemeanor (up to 30 days and $500 fine).
Duty to Disclose
If you're carrying a concealed deadly weapon (except a pocketknife) and you're contacted by a law enforcement officer during a traffic stop or investigatory stop, § 13-3102(A)(1) requires you to "accurately answer" if asked whether you're carrying. Failure to accurately answer is a Class 1 misdemeanor — up to six months and a $2,500 fine.
Even if your knife is technically a pocketknife, disclosure is the smart play. There's no downside to telling an officer what you're carrying, and the consequences of getting it wrong aren't worth the gamble.
What Counts as Concealed?
Arizona law doesn't provide a precise definition for concealment of knives, but the firearms provision offers guidance: a firearm is not concealed if any part of the firearm, holster, scabbard, or case is "partially visible." The same logic would reasonably apply to knives. A visible pocket clip likely means the knife isn't concealed, but this hasn't been definitively tested in court for knives.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
Arizona restricts possession of "deadly weapons" in specific locations under § 13-3102:
- Schools (K-12): Both public and private school grounds. No pocketknife exception for school property.
- Polling places on election day: Deadly weapons prohibited during elections.
- Hydroelectric or nuclear power generating facilities: Deadly weapons prohibited.
Violations at schools or polling places are Class 1 misdemeanors — up to six months confinement and $2,500 fine.
Law enforcement, corrections officers, and military acting in official capacity are exempt from these location restrictions.
Blade Length Restrictions
None. Arizona has no blade length limits on any type of knife, including automatic knives.
What About Assisted Openers?
Legal in Arizona with no restrictions. Since Arizona doesn't classify knives by opening mechanism at all, assisted openers are treated identically to any other knife. There's no legal distinction between a manual folder, an assisted opener, and a full automatic in Arizona.
Preemption
This is where Arizona stands out. § 13-3120 provides statewide preemption specifically for knives:
"Knives regulated by state; state preemption"
This means no city, county, or municipality in Arizona can pass local knife ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. You don't have to worry about different rules in Phoenix vs. Tucson vs. Flagstaff. The state law is the only law.
This is a significant advantage over states like Alabama, where preemption covers only firearms and cities can pass their own knife rules.
Age Restrictions
- Under 21: Cannot carry a concealed deadly weapon (which may include knives beyond pocketknives). Can carry any pocketknife concealed. Can open carry any knife.
- 21 and older: No restrictions on knife ownership, carry, or concealment.
Arizona doesn't have a specific prohibition on selling knives to minors comparable to some other states, but § 13-3102(A)(5) prohibits selling or transferring a "deadly weapon" to a "prohibited person" as defined in § 13-3101 (which covers felons and certain other restricted individuals).
Buying Automatic Knives in Arizona
Arizona residents can freely purchase automatic knives from retailers, online dealers, and knife shows. No state restrictions on the sale of automatic knives to adults. The Federal Switchblade Act's restrictions on interstate commerce are largely unenforced for individual consumer purchases to legal states. We ship OTF knives and automatics to Arizona.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in Arizona?
Yes. If you're 21 or older, you can carry an OTF knife openly or concealed anywhere that isn't a restricted location (schools, polling places on election day, power facilities). No permit needed. No blade length limit.
Are switchblades illegal in Arizona?
No. Arizona has no switchblade ban. The state doesn't classify knives by opening mechanism. All automatic knives are legal.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Arizona?
No. Arizona imposes no blade length limits on any knife type.
Recent Law Changes
Arizona enacted its knife preemption law (§ 13-3120) to ensure statewide uniformity on knife regulation — a significant move that prevents the kind of city-by-city patchwork seen in other states. The state's knife laws have been stable in recent years, and no restrictive knife legislation has been introduced.
Arizona has consistently been among the most knife-friendly states in the country, and that trend shows no sign of changing.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change — sometimes faster than websites update. Federal, state, and local laws may all apply to your situation, and local ordinances can be more restrictive than state law.
Before purchasing, carrying, or traveling with any automatic knife, OTF knife, or switchblade, verify current laws with official state and local sources. We are not attorneys, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on this information.
When in doubt, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.