Are Automatic Knives Legal in New Hampshire?
The Short Answer
Yes — completely legal. New Hampshire is one of the most knife-friendly states in the nation. Automatic knives, OTF knives, switchblades, daggers, stilettos, and every other knife type are legal to own, buy, sell, carry openly, and carry concealed. No permits, no blade length limits, no restrictions on type or mechanism. The "Live Free or Die" state means it when it comes to knives.
What New Hampshire Law Actually Says
The Statute (RSA 159:26 and HB 1665, 2010)
New Hampshire's knife freedom is the result of deliberate legislative action. In 2010, State Representative Jenn Coffey — a former EMT — introduced and championed House Bill 1665, which removed all restrictions on switchblades, daggers, dirks, and stilettos from New Hampshire law.
The current legal framework is remarkably simple. RSA 159:26 establishes statewide preemption:
No municipalities or political subdivisions may restrict knives.
This statute, titled "Firearms, Ammunition, and Knives; Authority of the State," places the regulation of knives exclusively at the state level — and the state chose not to regulate them.
What That Means in Plain English
New Hampshire does not restrict the possession of knives by law-abiding individuals. No type of knife is banned. No carry method is restricted. No blade length limit exists. If you're a law-abiding adult in New Hampshire, you can carry whatever knife you want, however you want.
The only people restricted from knife possession are convicted felons, under RSA 159:3.
OTF Knives in New Hampshire
OTF knives are completely unrestricted in New Hampshire. Own them, carry them, collect them, buy them, sell them — the state doesn't care what kind of knife it is. An OTF with a 2-inch blade or a 6-inch blade — doesn't matter. Both are legal.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What New Hampshire Considers Them
New Hampshire doesn't distinguish between them in law because neither is restricted. Before 2010, switchblades were among the prohibited weapons. HB 1665 wiped that slate clean. The state no longer defines or regulates switchblades, automatic knives, gravity knives, or any other knife type.
For practical purposes, New Hampshire treats all knives the same: as legal personal property.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in New Hampshire
Open Carry
Legal. No restrictions of any kind on open carry of any knife.
Concealed Carry
Legal. New Hampshire has no concealed carry restriction on knives. You can carry any knife concealed on your person without a permit, regardless of type or blade length.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
New Hampshire has very few location-based restrictions, but two are worth knowing:
Courthouses. Under RSA 159:19 (Courthouse Security), deadly weapons — which by definition may include knives — are prohibited in any courthouse. Expect security screening at courthouse entrances.
Official custody. Under RSA 642:7 (Implements for Escape and Other Contraband), knives and other items are prohibited for any person in official custody (jail, prison, etc.).
That's it. No school-specific knife ban exists in New Hampshire state law, though individual school districts may have their own policies, and federal Gun-Free School Zones Act considerations may apply separately.
Blade Length Restrictions
None. New Hampshire imposes no blade length restrictions on any knife for any purpose.
Statewide Preemption
Yes. RSA 159:26 provides clear statewide preemption for knives (and firearms and ammunition). Municipalities and political subdivisions cannot enact their own knife restrictions.
This means the rules are uniform across the entire state — from Manchester to the White Mountains, Concord to the seacoast. One set of rules, statewide.
What About Assisted Openers?
Legal. Like every other knife type in New Hampshire, assisted-opening knives are completely unrestricted. The state doesn't distinguish between manual, assisted, automatic, or any other opening mechanism.
Age Restrictions
New Hampshire has no laws regarding the sale or transfer of knives to minors. (The state does, interestingly, prohibit the sale of paintball guns and BB guns to minors — but not knives.)
Individual retailers may set their own age policies for knife sales, but there's no state law requiring them to do so.
Convicted Felons
The one significant restriction: RSA 159:3 prohibits convicted felons from possessing deadly weapons. This includes knives that could be classified as deadly weapons under RSA 625:11, which defines "deadly weapon" as any firearm, knife, or other substance or thing which, in the manner it is used, intended to be used, or threatened to be used, is known to be capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.
A Word About Neighboring States
AKTI makes an important practical observation: the most significant risk for a New Hampshire knife owner is accidentally crossing the southern border into Massachusetts, which has very restrictive knife laws and felony-level penalties for violations. If you're carrying an automatic knife near the MA border, be aware of exactly where you are. New Hampshire's knife freedom stops at the state line.
Similarly, Vermont to the west is also quite knife-friendly, but it's always worth verifying current law before crossing state lines.
Recent Changes
- 2010 (HB 1665): Removed all restrictions on switchblades, daggers, dirks, and stilettos. Championed by Rep. Jenn Coffey.
- RSA 159:26: Established statewide preemption for knives, preventing local regulation.
No significant changes to New Hampshire knife law have been enacted since 2010.
Buying Automatic Knives in New Hampshire
Fully legal. Buy them in-person, have them shipped to your door, collect them, trade them. No licensing, registration, waiting period, or other restrictions on knife purchases in New Hampshire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in New Hampshire?
Yes. OTF knives can be carried openly or concealed anywhere in New Hampshire, with the exception of courthouses.
Are switchblades illegal in New Hampshire?
No. All restrictions on switchblades were removed in 2010. Switchblades are legal to own, carry, buy, and sell.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in New Hampshire?
No. There are no blade length limits for any type of knife in New Hampshire.
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.