Are Automatic Knives Legal in Maine?

The Short Answer

Yes. Maine repealed its automatic knife ban on October 15, 2015. Since then, switchblades, OTF knives, and all automatic knives have been legal to own and carry — including concealed carry. Maine's remaining knife restrictions are narrow: a specific list of combat-oriented knives — Bowie knives, dirks, and stilettos — cannot be carried concealed or displayed in a threatening manner. Automatic knives were explicitly removed from that restricted category.

If your knife opens with a button, it's legal. If it's shaped like a Bowie or stiletto, you can still own it — you just can't hide it under your coat.

What Maine Law Actually Says

The Statute (25 M.R.S.A. § 2001-A — Threatening Display of or Carrying Concealed Weapon)

The core provision reads:

"A person may not ... wear under the clothes or conceal about the person a stiletto, or a dagger or other dangerous knife, a dirk, a bowie knife or other type of knife normally used as a weapon ... or wear under the clothes or conceal about the person any dangerous or deadly weapon usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person."

And the penalty:

"It is a Class D crime to wear under the person's clothes or conceal about the person" a knife from the restricted category.

The 2015 Repeal — Automatic Knives Removed

Prior to October 15, 2015, Maine grouped automatic knives with the restricted weapons listed above. The 2015 legislation specifically removed automatic knives from this category. The legislative intent was clear: automatic knives are not knives "usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person" and should not be treated as restricted weapons.

The Hunting/Fishing Exception (25 M.R.S.A. § 2001-A)

The concealed carry prohibition does not apply to knives "used to hunt, fish, or trap" under the exception provided by statute. If you're heading to or from hunting, fishing, or trapping with a knife that would otherwise be restricted, you're covered.

What That Means in Plain English

Maine's knife law is narrow and specific:

• Automatic knives, OTF knives, switchblades: Legal to own, carry openly, and carry concealed. Explicitly removed from the restricted category in 2015.
• Bowie knives, dirks, stilettos: Legal to own. Legal to carry openly (but not in a threatening manner). Cannot be carried concealed. Class D crime if you do.
• Other knives "usually employed in attack or defense": Same restrictions as Bowie/dirk/stiletto category.
• Hunting, fishing, trapping knives: Exempt from concealed carry restriction when used for those purposes.
• All other knives: No restrictions.

OTF Knives in Maine

Fully legal. OTF knives are classified as automatic knives, which were explicitly removed from Maine's restricted weapons list in 2015. You can own, carry openly, and carry concealed an OTF knife in Maine. No blade length restrictions. No permit required.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Maine Considers Them

After the 2015 repeal, Maine no longer restricts any knife based on its opening mechanism. The distinction that matters in Maine is not how the knife opens, but what category of weapon it falls into:

Unrestricted (carry open or concealed):

• Automatic / switchblade knives
• OTF knives
• Assisted openers
• Standard folding knives
• Utility knives

Restricted (own and carry openly, but NO concealed carry):

• Bowie knives
• Dirks
• Stilettos
• "Other dangerous or deadly weapons usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person"

Maine doesn't define "Bowie knife," "dirk," or "stiletto" by statute, leaving some room for interpretation. The Maine Supreme Court held in State v. Dobbins that the term "dangerous knife" was not unconstitutionally vague, but recognized the challenge of applying it to specific items. As a practical matter, standard automatic knives and OTF knives are clearly outside the restricted category.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Maine

Open Carry

Legal for all knife types — including Bowie knives, dirks, and stilettos. The one caveat: you cannot display any weapon "in a threatening manner" under § 2001-A. Ordinary carry — in a sheath, clipped to a pocket, on a belt — is fine. Brandishing or waving a knife to intimidate is not.

Concealed Carry

• Automatic knives, OTF knives, switchblades: Legal to carry concealed. No permit required.
• Bowie knives, dirks, stilettos: Illegal to carry concealed. Class D crime.
• Hunting/fishing/trapping knives: Exempt from concealed carry restrictions when used for those purposes.

What Counts as "Concealed"?

Maine law uses the phrase "wear under the clothes or conceal about the person." This has been interpreted broadly — if the knife is hidden from ordinary observation under clothing or in a manner not readily visible, it's concealed. A pocket clip showing above a pocket line likely isn't concealed. A knife tucked inside a jacket pocket with no visible indicator likely is.

Penalties

Violating the concealed carry prohibition is a Class D crime in Maine — punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Worth taking seriously if you're carrying a Bowie or stiletto, even though automatic knives aren't affected.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

• Court facilities: Any building under the control or supervision of the Maine Judicial Branch is a weapon-free zone per Administrative Order JB-05-9.
• Schools: Knives are prohibited under various school district rules. Maine doesn't have a single statewide school weapons statute like many states — the restrictions come from individual district policies and general weapons provisions.
• Federal buildings: Subject to federal law.

Blade Length Restrictions

None. Maine imposes no blade length limits on any knife type. The restrictions are based on knife category (Bowie, dirk, stiletto) and carry method (concealed vs. open), not blade length.

Statewide Preemption

No. Maine does not preempt local knife regulations. Municipalities can potentially enact their own knife ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. If you're visiting a specific Maine city or town, it's worth checking local ordinances — though in practice, most Maine municipalities haven't enacted significant knife restrictions beyond state law.

What About Assisted Openers?

Legal without any restriction. Since fully automatic knives are legal in Maine — including concealed carry — assisted openers are a complete non-issue. They're treated the same as any manual folding knife.

Buying Automatic Knives in Maine

Legal for purchase. No restrictions on sale, transfer, or acquisition of automatic knives. No purchase permits, waiting periods, or registration. The 2015 repeal removed automatic knives from all restricted categories, including any barriers to commercial sale.

Age Restrictions

Maine's knife statutes do not specify age restrictions for owning or carrying knives. General provisions regarding weapons and minors may apply in school settings, and parents should use judgment regarding minors carrying knives. But there's no statutory age minimum for automatic knife possession.

Recent Changes

• 2015: Automatic knife ban repealed effective October 15. Switchblades, OTF knives, and all automatic knives removed from restricted weapons category. Concealed carry of automatic knives legalized.

No significant knife legislation has been enacted in Maine since the 2015 repeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Maine?

Yes. OTF knives are legal to own and carry — open or concealed — in Maine. They were explicitly removed from the restricted weapons category in 2015.

Are switchblades illegal in Maine?

No. Maine repealed its switchblade ban in 2015. Switchblades are fully legal, including concealed carry.

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

No. Maine has no blade length restrictions for any knife type.

Can I conceal carry an automatic knife in Maine?

Yes. The 2015 repeal specifically legalized concealed carry of automatic knives. The concealed carry restriction applies only to Bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, and similar combat-oriented weapons.

What knives CAN'T I conceal carry in Maine?

Bowie knives, dirks, stilettos, and "other dangerous or deadly weapons usually employed in the attack on or defense of a person." You can own these and carry them openly — just not concealed.

Does Maine preempt local knife laws?

No. Municipalities can potentially pass their own knife ordinances. Check local rules if you're visiting a specific area.

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.