Are Automatic Knives Legal in Indiana?
The Short Answer
Yes — fully legal, no asterisks. Indiana removed its automatic knife ban in 2013, and since then, switchblades, OTF knives, and all automatic knives have been completely legal to own, carry, buy, and sell. No blade length limits. No concealed carry restrictions. No permit required. Indiana also has statewide preemption, meaning no city or county can create its own knife restrictions. Ballistic knives are the only type banned. That's it. One of the cleanest knife law states in the country.
What Indiana Law Actually Says
The Statute (Indiana Code § 35-47-5-2)
Don't let the title fool you. The caption reads "Knife with blade that opens automatically or may be propelled" — but the actual statute only prohibits ballistic knives (knives that project a blade as a projectile by means of a spring mechanism, centrifugal force, or compressed gas). The automatic knife prohibition that existed since 1957 was repealed in 2013.
The statute provides:
"A person who: (1) manufactures; (2) possesses; (3) displays for sale; (4) offers for sale; (5) sells; (6) lends; (7) gives away; or (8) purchases; any knife that has a blade that: (1) can be projected from the handle by means of a spring mechanism, centrifugal force, or compressed gas... commits a Class B misdemeanor."
That language describes a ballistic knife — one that shoots its blade. Not an automatic knife that opens from the handle.
What That Means in Plain English
- Automatic knives: legal
- OTF knives: legal
- Switchblades: legal
- Gravity knives: legal
- Butterfly knives: legal
- Assisted openers: legal
- Fixed blades: legal
- Chinese throwing stars: legal (ban repealed July 1, 2023, via repeal of § 35-47-5-12)
- Ballistic knives: illegal — the only type banned
No blade length restrictions. No concealed carry restrictions for knives. No permit needed. No registration. Indiana treats knives like the tools they are.
OTF Knives in Indiana
Completely legal. Own them, carry them, buy them, sell them. Open or concealed, any blade length. Indiana doesn't restrict OTF knives in any way. An OTF knife opens from the handle — it doesn't project a blade as a separate projectile, so it doesn't fall under the ballistic knife prohibition.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Indiana Considers Them
Indiana doesn't draw legal distinctions between these categories anymore. The 2013 repeal removed all restrictions on knife opening mechanisms. Whether your knife opens by button, spring, flipper, thumb stud, gravity, or centrifugal force — it's all legal as long as the blade stays attached to the handle.
The only "automatic" knife concept remaining in Indiana law is the ballistic knife, which is fundamentally different: it's a knife that shoots its blade out of the handle as a projectile.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in Indiana
Open Carry
Legal. No restrictions on open carry of any knife type or blade length.
Concealed Carry
Legal. Indiana imposes no concealed carry restrictions on knives. This is true for all knife types — automatic, fixed-blade, folding, any length. Concealment simply isn't an issue under Indiana state law.
No Blade Length Limits
Indiana has no blade length restrictions for any knife type. Carry whatever size you want, however you want.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
Schools
Under § 35-47-5-2.5, it is unlawful to possess a knife on school property or a school bus if the knife is intended to be used as a weapon. The intent element is the key distinction here:
- A pocketknife carried for everyday utility purposes isn't automatically prohibited
- But the distinction is fact-specific and determined after the fact
- Best practice: leave knives out of schools entirely
- Exception: knives secured in a locked vehicle on school property are exempt
- Schools may also authorize knife possession for specific educational purposes
Violations are Class B misdemeanors (up to 180 days in jail, up to $1,000 fine). If the knife is used to cause bodily injury, the charge elevates to a Level 6 felony.
Statewide Preemption
Yes. The Indiana State Constitution requires uniformity with respect to crimes and punishments statewide (Article 4, Sections 22 and 23). Additionally, Article 1, Chapter 2, § 2 of the Indiana Code states: "Crimes shall be defined and punishment therefor fixed by statutes of this state and not otherwise."
This means no city, county, or municipality can create its own knife ordinances. AKTI notes that the City of Indianapolis Marion County Municipal Code contains a provision relating to "sharp objects" (§ 451-1), but there is no corresponding state law for it, and its enforceability may be unconstitutional under the preemption framework.
What About Assisted Openers?
Legal without any restriction. Since fully automatic knives are legal in Indiana, assisted openers — which require manual initiation before a spring assists the opening — are a complete non-issue. There's no gray area here.
Buying Automatic Knives in Indiana
Legal for purchase by adults. The only restriction: ballistic knives may not be manufactured, possessed, displayed, offered for sale, sold, lent, given away, or purchased. No purchase permits, waiting periods, or registration for any other knife type.
Age Restrictions
Indiana's knife statutes do not contain specific age restrictions for purchasing knives (other than ballistic knives). The school property restriction under § 35-47-5-2.5 applies to anyone — not just minors. Some retailers may impose their own age requirements.
Recent Law Changes
- July 1, 2023: § 35-47-5-12, which banned "Chinese throwing stars" (shuriken), was repealed. These are now legal to possess in Indiana, though they remain prohibited on school property under § 35-47-5-2.5(b).
- 2013: The automatic knife ban was repealed, legalizing switchblades, OTF knives, and all automatic knives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in Indiana?
Yes. OTF knives are fully legal to own and carry — open or concealed — in Indiana. No permit required. No blade length limit.
Are switchblades illegal in Indiana?
No. Indiana repealed its switchblade ban in 2013. Switchblades are fully legal to own, carry, buy, and sell.
Is there a blade length limit for knives in Indiana?
No. Indiana has no blade length restrictions for any knife type.
Does Indiana preempt local knife laws?
Yes. Indiana's constitution requires uniform criminal law statewide. No local government can pass its own knife restrictions.
What knives are illegal in Indiana?
Only ballistic knives — knives that project a blade as a separate projectile by spring mechanism, centrifugal force, or compressed gas. Everything else is legal.
Can I carry a knife on school property in Indiana?
Only if it is not intended to be used as a weapon. The law uses an intent standard, which is fact-specific. Best practice is to leave knives at home or locked in your vehicle when on school grounds.
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.