Are Automatic Knives Legal in Arkansas?

The Short Answer

Yes. Arkansas has no ban on automatic knives, OTF knives, or switchblades. There are no restricted knife types under Arkansas law. The state's knife carry statute focuses on intent — it's only illegal to carry a knife if you intend to use it unlawfully as a weapon against a person. If you're carrying for lawful purposes (self-defense, work, collecting, everyday carry), you're in the clear.

What Arkansas Law Actually Says

The Statute (Arkansas Code § 5-73-120)

The primary statute is § 5-73-120, captioned "Carrying a weapon." Here's the key language:

"A person commits the offense of carrying a weapon if he or she possesses a handgun, knife, or club on or about his or her person, in a vehicle occupied by him or her, or otherwise readily available for use with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ the handgun, knife, or club as a weapon against a person."

The critical phrase: "with a purpose to attempt to unlawfully employ." Without that unlawful intent, the statute doesn't apply.

The Definition of "Knife"

Arkansas law defines "knife" specifically for purposes of § 5-73-120:

"'Knife' means any bladed hand instrument three inches (3") or longer that is capable of inflicting serious physical injury or death by cutting or stabbing, including a dirk, a sword or spear in a cane, a razor, an ice pick, a throwing star, a switchblade, and a butterfly knife."

Notice that switchblades are mentioned — but not as a banned item. They're listed as an example of what qualifies as a "knife" under this statute. The statute only applies if you're carrying with unlawful intent.

A knife with a blade under three inches doesn't even fall within this definition.

What That Means in Plain English

Arkansas took an intent-based approach to knife regulation. The state doesn't care what kind of knife you carry or how you carry it. It cares about why you're carrying it.

Carrying an OTF knife in your pocket because you like knives? Legal. Carrying a switchblade while heading out to your deer stand? Legal. Carrying any knife with the purpose of unlawfully using it against someone? That's a crime.

This is the cleanest framework a state can offer: no banned types, no blade limits, no carry method restrictions. Just don't carry a weapon intending to commit a crime.

OTF Knives in Arkansas

OTF knives are legal in Arkansas. No restrictions on blade length, deployment mechanism, or carry method. An out-the-front automatic knife is treated identically to any other knife under Arkansas law. Whether double-action or single-action, whether 2-inch blade or 5-inch blade — legal for lawful carry.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Arkansas Considers Them

Arkansas mentions switchblades by name in § 5-73-120 — but only as an example within the definition of "knife." The statute doesn't single out switchblades for prohibition or special treatment.

Here's how the types break down in Arkansas:

• Switchblade / Automatic knife: Listed as an example of a "knife" under the statute. Legal to carry unless carried with unlawful intent. No special restrictions.
• OTF (Out-the-Front): A type of automatic knife. Falls under the same rules as any knife. Legal.
• Side-opening automatic: Same treatment as any other knife. Legal.
• Butterfly knife (balisong): Specifically listed in the statute alongside switchblades as an example of a "knife." Legal to carry.
• Assisted opener: Not an automatic knife. Not specifically addressed by Arkansas law. Legal everywhere.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Arkansas

Open Carry

Legal. No restrictions. Arkansas doesn't regulate open carry of knives separately from concealed carry. The statute focuses on intent, not carry method.

Concealed Carry

Also legal — as long as you're not carrying with the purpose to unlawfully employ the knife as a weapon. Arkansas does not restrict concealed carry of knives based on knife type or blade length.

Concealment is simply not a factor in Arkansas knife law. The state made the deliberate choice to regulate intent, not method of carry.

The "Journey" Exception

Arkansas law includes a specific exception in § 5-73-120(c)(4) for carrying a weapon "upon a journey." This is rooted in the legal principle that people traveling may need to "defend against the perils of the highway" (Riggins v. State, 703 S.W.2d 463, 1986). If you're traveling in Arkansas with a knife, this exception provides additional legal protection — though the intent-based structure of the law already covers most situations.

Place of Business Exception

§ 5-73-120(c)(1) specifically permits carrying a weapon in your "own dwelling or place of business or on property in which he or she has a possessory or proprietary interest." This is an additional safe harbor, though again, the intent element already protects lawful carry in these locations.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

Arkansas restricts deadly weapons in certain locations under § 5-73-122 ("Carrying a firearm in publicly owned buildings or facilities" — which also covers other deadly weapons):

• The State Capitol grounds
• The Arkansas Justice Building
• Publicly owned buildings and facilities (including schools)
• Rest areas and weigh stations maintained by the Arkansas Department of Transportation are explicitly excluded from these restrictions

A "deadly weapon" for purposes of this section is defined in § 5-1-102(4) as:

(A) "A firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purpose of inflicting death or serious physical injury; or

(B) Anything that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious physical injury."

Automatic knives could fall under this definition depending on the knife and circumstances. Carrying in restricted public buildings is a Class C misdemeanor — up to 30 days and $500 fine.

Blade Length Restrictions

The three-inch measurement in Arkansas law appears only in the definition of "knife" under § 5-73-120 — it's not a carry restriction. A knife with a blade under three inches simply doesn't meet the statutory definition of "knife" for purposes of the carrying-a-weapon offense. That means even if you somehow had unlawful intent, a sub-three-inch blade arguably falls outside the statute.

For the § 5-73-122 public buildings restriction, the "deadly weapon" definition in § 5-1-102 doesn't include a blade length threshold. A cautious approach in public buildings is advisable regardless of blade length.

Arkansas doesn't specify how blade length is measured. The AKTI standard (measuring the sharpened cutting edge) tends to yield a longer measurement and is a reasonable guide.

What About Assisted Openers?

Assisted-opening knives aren't addressed specifically by Arkansas law, and they don't need to be. Since Arkansas doesn't restrict any knife type — only intent to use one unlawfully — assisted openers are legal by default. They're also not classified as automatic knives under any state or federal law, making them the universal carry choice for travelers.

Preemption

Arkansas does not have a statewide preemption law for knives. This means local cities and counties can potentially pass their own knife ordinances. In practice, Arkansas municipalities haven't been aggressive about local knife restrictions, but it's worth checking local ordinances if you're visiting a specific city.

Age Restrictions

Under § 5-73-109, furnishing a "deadly weapon" — which may include certain knives — to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor. The "deadly weapon" definition in § 5-1-102 is broad enough to potentially include automatic knives.

There's no specific age to carry knives in Arkansas, but the prohibition on furnishing deadly weapons to minors means sellers should exercise caution with buyers under 18.

Buying Automatic Knives in Arkansas

Arkansas residents can purchase automatic knives from local retailers, online shops, and knife shows. No state-level restrictions on the sale of automatic knives to adults. The Federal Switchblade Act's interstate commerce restrictions are largely unenforced for individual consumer purchases. We ship OTF knives and automatic knives to Arkansas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Arkansas?

Yes. OTF knives are legal to own, carry openly, and carry concealed in Arkansas. The only restriction is intent-based — don't carry with the purpose of using it unlawfully against another person.

Are switchblades illegal in Arkansas?

No. Switchblades are mentioned in Arkansas law only as an example of what constitutes a "knife" — they are not banned or specially restricted. Legal to own and carry.

Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Arkansas?

No general blade length limit exists. The three-inch measurement in the statute defines when a bladed instrument qualifies as a "knife" for purposes of the carrying-a-weapon offense, but it's not a carry restriction. There's no maximum blade length.

Recent Law Changes

Arkansas's knife law framework has been stable. The AKTI page for Arkansas was last revised in February 2026, confirming the current intent-based approach remains in effect. No recent legislation has changed the state's permissive stance on automatic knives.

The state's approach — focusing on criminal intent rather than banning specific knife types — has made legislative changes largely unnecessary. If you're not planning to commit a crime with your knife, Arkansas law leaves you alone.

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.