Are Automatic Knives Legal in Nebraska?

The Short Answer

It's complicated — and that's the honest answer. Nebraska passed sweeping knife law reforms in 2023 that legalized the carry of automatic knives, but two major cities (Lincoln and Omaha) have pushed back with executive orders restricting weapons on municipal property. The state law says one thing; some local governments say another. As of 2026, the legal landscape is still in flux. Here's what you need to know.

What Nebraska Law Actually Says

The Statute (§ 28-1201 and § 28-1202, Nebraska Revised Statutes)

Nebraska's knife laws center on two key statutes. First, the definition:

§ 28-1201(5) defines "knife" as:

"(a) Any dagger, dirk, knife, or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length and which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury; or (b) Any other dangerous instrument which is capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds and which, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is capable of producing death or serious bodily injury."

The concealed carry prohibition lives in § 28-1202, which makes it unlawful to carry a concealed "knife" as defined above.

What That Means in Plain English

Under the statutory definition, a "knife" for purposes of concealed carry restrictions is any blade over 3½ inches. The Nebraska Supreme Court simplified this further in State v. Nguyen, 881 N.W.2d 566 (2016), ruling that any knife with a blade over 3½ inches is a deadly weapon per se — meaning the prosecution doesn't have to prove intent or capability. If the blade measures over 3½ inches, it counts.

The practical takeaway: you can carry any knife concealed — including automatic knives, OTF knives, and switchblades — as long as the blade is 3½ inches or shorter.

The 2023 Reform — And the Problem

In 2023, Nebraska passed legislation that was intended to broadly reform weapons carry laws, including knives. The Governor signed the bill, and it became law. The intent was to remove many of the prior restrictions on carrying knives and other weapons.

However, several municipalities — most notably Lincoln and Omaha — responded by issuing executive orders restricting the possession of weapons (including knives) on municipal property and in many public spaces. As of September 2024, AKTI reported that these conflicts remain unresolved.

At least one lawsuit challenging Lincoln's executive order was dismissed for lack of standing, leaving that city's weapons ban on public property still in place.

The bottom line: State law may technically allow broader knife carry, but if you're in Lincoln or Omaha, the practical situation is murkier. Proceed with caution.

OTF Knives in Nebraska

OTF knives are not banned by type in Nebraska. The state does not have a "switchblade ban" or any law that prohibits automatic knives based on their opening mechanism. The restriction that matters is the concealed carry blade length limit.

• OTF with blade 3½ inches or shorter: Can be carried openly or concealed statewide (subject to local restrictions in Lincoln/Omaha).
• OTF with blade over 3½ inches: Can be carried openly but cannot be carried concealed under § 28-1202.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Nebraska Considers Them

Nebraska law doesn't use the term "switchblade" or "automatic knife." The state doesn't regulate knives by opening mechanism — it regulates by blade length and intended use. Whether your knife is a manual folder, an assisted opener, a side-opening automatic, or a dual-action OTF, the same rules apply: blade length is what matters for concealed carry.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Nebraska

Open Carry

There is no state statute prohibiting the open carry of any knife in Nebraska, regardless of type or blade length. An automatic knife carried openly — on a belt sheath, for example — is legal under state law.

However, remember the Lincoln/Omaha situation. Local executive orders may restrict carry on municipal property even if state law allows it.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of any knife with a blade over 3½ inches is a criminal offense under § 28-1202. A first violation is a Class I misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Important note on concealment: Nebraska courts don't define concealment in the criminal code. The standard comes from case law — State v. Hill, 577 N.W.2d 259 (1998) — which holds that a weapon is concealed when it is "hidden from ordinary observation." Absolute invisibility isn't required. A clip showing above a pocket might or might not count as concealed — it's a fact question decided at trial. Don't assume pocket-clip carry keeps you safe.

Blade Length Measurement

Nebraska law provides no guidance on how blade length should be measured. AKTI recommends using their standard measurement protocol (from the tip of the blade to the forward-most point where the blade meets the handle), as it tends to yield the longest measurement and gives you the most conservative assessment.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

• Schools: Under § 79-267, school officials and boards can exclude or punish students who possess weapons on school grounds. This broadly covers knives.
• Municipal property in Lincoln and Omaha: Executive orders currently restrict weapon possession on city-owned property in these cities, creating a patchwork of local rules.
• Government buildings: Various state and local agencies may restrict weapons in their facilities.

Blade Length Restrictions

3½ inches is the critical number. Any knife — regardless of type — with a blade over 3½ inches cannot be carried concealed. There is no blade length restriction for open carry at the state level.

Statewide Preemption

No. Nebraska does not have statewide knife preemption. Municipalities can (and do) enact their own knife ordinances. This is the root of the Lincoln/Omaha problem.

Statutes § 14-102, § 16-239, and § 17-556 grant various classes of municipalities the power to regulate weapons within their jurisdictions.

What About Assisted Openers?

Assisted-opening knives are legal in Nebraska. They are not classified differently from any other knife. The same blade-length rules apply: keep it at 3½ inches or under if you want to carry concealed.

Age Restrictions

Nebraska law does not include specific age restrictions on the purchase or possession of knives. However, under § 28-1206, persons prohibited from possessing deadly weapons (including certain convicted felons) are restricted regardless of age.

Recent Changes

• 2023: Nebraska passed broad weapons reform legislation, intended to ease restrictions on knife and weapon carry. The Governor signed the bill into law.
• 2023–2024: Lincoln and Omaha issued executive orders restricting weapons on municipal property. Lawsuits were filed; at least one (targeting Lincoln) was dismissed for lack of standing.
• As of 2026: The conflict between state law and municipal executive orders in Lincoln and Omaha remains unresolved. Check local sources before carrying in these cities.

Buying Automatic Knives in Nebraska

There is no state law prohibiting the sale of automatic knives in Nebraska. You can buy them in-person or have them shipped to a Nebraska address. No specific restrictions on sale or transfer of automatic knives have been noted in state law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Nebraska?

Yes — with conditions. If the blade is 3½ inches or shorter, you can carry it openly or concealed. If the blade is longer, open carry only. Be aware of local restrictions in Lincoln and Omaha.

Are switchblades illegal in Nebraska?

No. Nebraska does not ban any knife by type. The state regulates concealed carry based on blade length (over 3½ inches), not opening mechanism.

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

For concealed carry, yes — 3½ inches maximum blade length. For open carry, no blade length limit at the state level.

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.