Are Automatic Knives Legal in Ohio?
The Short Answer
Ohio is one of the best states in the country for automatic knife owners. As of April 12, 2021, when Senate Bill 140 took effect, switchblades, OTF knives, and gravity knives are fully legal to own, buy, sell, carry openly, and carry concealed. The old ban on manufacturing and selling switchblades was repealed. The concealed carry statute was amended to explicitly exclude knives from its restrictions — as long as the knife "was not used as a weapon."
On top of that, Ohio enacted statewide preemption for knife laws effective September 13, 2022, meaning local cities and counties cannot impose their own knife restrictions beyond what state law allows.
Own it, carry it, buy it, sell it. Ohio got this one right.
What Ohio Law Actually Says
The Key Statute (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.12)
The concealed carry statute, § 2923.12, was amended in 2021 to add subsection (H):
"(H) For purposes of this section, 'deadly weapon' or 'weapon' does not include any knife, razor, or cutting instrument if the instrument was not used as a weapon."
The Deadly Weapon Definition (§ 2923.11(A))
Ohio defines "deadly weapon" as:
"'Deadly weapon' means any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon."
A knife can be a deadly weapon under this definition — but only if it meets specific criteria. There's no presumption that any knife is a deadly weapon. The prosecution must prove the elements (State v. Cathel, 713 N.E.2d 52, 1998).
What That Means in Plain English
Before 2021, Ohio's weapons laws treated switchblades and gravity knives harshly — they couldn't be manufactured, sold, or furnished under § 2923.20. Carrying a concealed knife that could be classified as a "deadly weapon" was a potential criminal charge.
SB 140 changed everything. The switchblade/gravity knife ban was repealed. And the new subsection (H) of § 2923.12 means that for concealed carry purposes, no knife is a "weapon" unless it was actually used as one. Simply carrying a knife — any knife, including a switchblade or OTF — is not a weapons offense in Ohio.
The only way a knife becomes a "weapon" triggering criminal liability is if you use it as one.
OTF Knives in Ohio
OTF knives are fully legal in Ohio. They can be owned, carried (openly or concealed), bought, sold, and manufactured without restriction. The 2021 repeal of the switchblade ban and the amendment to the concealed carry law apply equally to all OTF knives, regardless of blade length or action type.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Ohio Considers Them
Before 2021, Ohio law referenced "switchblade knife," "springblade knife," and "gravity knife" as prohibited items under the unlawful transactions statute. All of those categories were removed when SB 140 took effect. Ohio no longer distinguishes between automatic knives, switchblades, and other folding knives for legal purposes.
Today, the only knife-related restriction in Ohio law is the "deadly weapon" concept, which applies based on use, not type.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in Ohio
Open Carry
Legal without restriction. Always has been, and remains fully legal after SB 140.
Concealed Carry
Legal without restriction, provided the knife is not used as a weapon. Under the amended § 2923.12(H), knives, razors, and cutting instruments are excluded from the concealed weapons statute entirely. No permit needed. No blade length limit. No restrictions on knife type.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
While everyday carry is essentially unrestricted, Ohio maintains "deadly weapon" restrictions for specific sensitive locations:
School Safety Zones (§ 2923.122)
It is unlawful to possess a "deadly weapon" in any school safety zone, which includes:
- Schools and school buildings
- School premises
- School activities
- School buses
A knife carried for utility purposes may not meet the "deadly weapon" definition (since it must be "designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon"). But as a practical matter, don't carry any knife into a school in Ohio. Possession of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone is a fifth-degree felony — up to 12 months confinement and a $2,500 fine.
Courthouses (§ 2923.123)
Same restriction applies to courthouses — buildings containing a courtroom. Don't carry a knife into court.
Detention Facilities (§ 2923.131)
Possessing a deadly weapon while under detention is prohibited. Courts have applied the definition broadly in this context — a four-inch nail taped to a prison cot was held to be a deadly weapon (State v. Samples, 2005).
Blade Length Restrictions
Ohio has no blade length restriction at the state level. With statewide preemption in effect since September 2022, local jurisdictions cannot impose blade length limits either.
What About Assisted Openers?
Fully legal. Assisted-opening knives were never specifically restricted in Ohio, and after SB 140, there's even less room for concern. Carry without worry.
Statewide Preemption
Effective September 13, 2022, Ohio enacted statewide preemption for knife laws. This means:
- No city, county, or municipality can enact knife restrictions more stringent than state law
- Any existing local knife ordinances that conflict with state law are preempted
- The same rules apply everywhere in the state
This is significant. Before preemption, cities like Cleveland and Columbus had their own knife ordinances that could trip up even informed knife carriers. Those local restrictions no longer have legal force to the extent they conflict with state law.
Buying Automatic Knives in Ohio
Fully legal. The 2021 repeal eliminated the old § 2923.20 provision that made it unlawful to "manufacture, possess for sale, sell, or furnish" switchblades, springblade knives, and gravity knives. Retailers can sell any knife type without restriction.
The 2021 Reform: Senate Bill 140
SB 140, effective April 12, 2021, was a landmark change for knife rights in Ohio. It did three things:
1. Repealed the ban on manufacturing and selling switchblades, springblade knives, and gravity knives 2. Amended the concealed carry statute to exclude all knives unless used as a weapon 3. Removed switchblades from the list of items that could trigger unlawful transactions charges
The bill was supported by Knife Rights, Inc. and passed with bipartisan support. Ohio joined the growing majority of states that recognize automatic knives as legitimate tools and collector items rather than presumptive weapons.
Age Restrictions
Ohio has no specific age restriction on knife possession in its state statutes. The school safety zone restriction effectively prevents students from carrying knives at school, but there's no standalone age-based prohibition.
Law Enforcement and Military Exemptions
Ohio provides broad exceptions for law enforcement and military personnel under § 2923.12(C)(1):
"This section does not apply to any of the following: (a) An officer, agent, or employee of this or any other state or the United States, or to a law enforcement officer, who is authorized to carry concealed weapons or dangerous ordnance..."
These exceptions apply to the concealed carry statute, school zones, and courthouse restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in Ohio?
Yes. You can carry an OTF knife openly or concealed anywhere in Ohio except schools, courthouses, and detention facilities.
Are switchblades illegal in Ohio?
No. Switchblades have been fully legal in Ohio since April 12, 2021, when SB 140 took effect.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Ohio?
No. Ohio has no blade length restriction, and statewide preemption prevents local jurisdictions from imposing one.
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.