Are Automatic Knives Legal in Pennsylvania?
The Short Answer
Yes. As of January 3, 2023, automatic knives — including switchblades, OTF knives, and all spring-deployed blades — are fully legal in Pennsylvania. The state removed its 67-year-old ban on automatic knives through an amendment to 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 908 (Prohibited Offensive Weapons). You can own, buy, sell, and carry them.
What Pennsylvania Law Actually Says
The Statute (18 Pa.C.S.A. § 908)
Pennsylvania's "Prohibited Offensive Weapons" statute was the one that historically banned automatic knives. The old definition of "offensive weapon" included:
"dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise."
That language was removed by amendment, effective January 3, 2023. The current definition of "offensive weapons" now reads:
"Any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, any stun gun, stun baton, taser or other electronic or electric weapon or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose."
What That Means in Plain English
Knives and cutting instruments have been completely removed from the prohibited offensive weapons list. The legislature explicitly recognized that knives — including automatic knives — serve a "common lawful purpose." This change eliminates the legal basis for prosecuting anyone for owning or carrying an automatic knife under § 908.
OTF Knives in Pennsylvania
Out-the-front knives are fully legal in Pennsylvania. This includes both single-action and dual-action OTF designs. No restrictions on ownership, carry, purchase, or sale at the state level.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Pennsylvania Considers Them
Pennsylvania no longer distinguishes between switchblades, automatic knives, OTF knives, or any other spring-deployed blade. The 2023 amendment removed all references to knives from the offensive weapons statute. They're all legal, and the law treats them the same as any manual knife.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in Pennsylvania
The Key Statute: § 907 — Possessing Instruments of Crime
Pennsylvania doesn't have a separate "concealed carry" law for knives the way some states do. Instead, it has 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 907, which makes it a first-degree misdemeanor to carry any weapon — concealed on your person — with intent to employ it criminally.
The critical element is criminal intent. Carrying a knife, even concealed, is not illegal in Pennsylvania unless you intend to use it to commit a crime. The prosecution must prove both concealment and criminal intent.
Open Carry
Legal. No restrictions.
Concealed Carry
Legal — as long as you don't have criminal intent. Pennsylvania does not require a permit or license to carry a knife concealed.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
Schools (§ 912)
All knives are prohibited on the grounds of any public or private school, K-12. This is a broadly written statute that covers "any weapon" — not just automatic knives.
Court Facilities (§ 913)
It is unlawful to possess any "dangerous weapon" in a court facility. Knives would fall under this restriction.
Commonwealth Property (§ 7506)
Pennsylvania law requires compliance with posted rules at Commonwealth (state) property. If a state building posts "no weapons," that has the force of law.
There is no statewide restriction specific to airports beyond the TSA federal requirements.
Blade Length Restrictions
None. Pennsylvania imposes no blade length limits for any type of knife.
Preemption
No statewide preemption for knives. This is important. Local municipalities can — and do — enact their own knife restrictions.
The Philadelphia Problem
Philadelphia has an exceptionally restrictive local ordinance — § 10-820, "Cutting Weapons in Public Places" — which prohibits possession of any knife on public streets or public property:
"No person shall use or possess any cutting weapon upon the public streets or upon any public property at any time."
The definition of "cutting weapon" is extremely broad: "Any knife or other cutting instrument which can be used as a weapon that has a cutting edge similar to that of a knife."
However, in Knife Rights v. Philadelphia (2023), the city agreed that this ordinance was unenforceable, and a federal judge approved the agreement. While the ordinance remains technically on the books, it has been declared unenforceable through court settlement.
Bottom line: Exercise caution in Philadelphia. The ordinance is unenforceable per the 2023 settlement, but it hasn't been formally repealed.
Age Restrictions
Under 18 Pa.C.S.A. § 6302, it is unlawful to sell or transfer any "deadly weapon" to a person under 18. A knife "designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or serious bodily injury" could qualify — but the prosecution must prove the item was "designed as a weapon." A pocket knife or utility knife likely wouldn't meet that threshold. An automatic knife marketed as a tactical weapon might.
Recent Changes
- January 3, 2023: Pennsylvania's amendment to § 908 took effect, removing automatic knives and all knives/cutting instruments from the prohibited offensive weapons list. This was the result of advocacy by the American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI).
- July 2023: Federal judge approved the Knife Rights v. Philadelphia settlement, declaring Philadelphia's knife ban ordinance unenforceable.
What About Assisted Openers?
Legal. Since Pennsylvania no longer restricts any category of knife under § 908, assisted-opening knives are treated the same as any other knife.
Buying Automatic Knives in Pennsylvania
Legal. No restrictions on purchase, sale, or possession of automatic knives. You can buy them in person or online and have them shipped to a Pennsylvania address. No permits or licenses required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in Pennsylvania?
Yes. OTF knives are legal to own and carry — openly or concealed — in Pennsylvania, absent criminal intent.
Are switchblades illegal in Pennsylvania?
Not anymore. Pennsylvania legalized switchblades and all automatic knives effective January 3, 2023.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Pennsylvania?
No. Pennsylvania has no blade length restrictions for any type of knife.
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.