Are Automatic Knives Legal in South Carolina?
The Short Answer
Yes. Automatic knives — including switchblades, OTF knives, and all spring-deployed blades — are legal to own, buy, sell, and carry in South Carolina. The state explicitly exempts knives from its concealed weapons statute. South Carolina is one of the most knife-friendly states in the Southeast.
What South Carolina Law Actually Says
The Statute (S.C. Code § 16-23-460)
South Carolina's primary weapons statute is § 16-23-460 — "Carrying concealed weapons; forfeiture of weapons." Here's the key language:
The concealed weapons prohibition "does not apply to . . . dirks, slingshots, metal knuckles, knives, or razors."
The Definition of "Weapon" (§ 16-23-405)
South Carolina amended its definition of "weapon" in 1996 and again in 2008. The current definition under § 16-23-405 defines "weapon" in the context of crimes — a knife only becomes a "weapon" under state law when it is "used with the intent to commit a crime or in furtherance of a crime."
What That Means in Plain English
South Carolina's approach is straightforward: knives — all knives, of every type — are explicitly carved out of the concealed weapons ban. There is no list of prohibited knife types. There is no general blade length restriction for adults. A knife becomes a legal issue only when it's used (or intended to be used) in a crime.
The state doesn't distinguish between automatic knives, switchblades, OTF knives, manual folders, or fixed blades. They're all treated the same: legal to own and carry.
OTF Knives in South Carolina
Out-the-front knives are fully legal in South Carolina. No restrictions on ownership, carry (open or concealed), purchase, or sale. This applies to both single-action and dual-action OTF designs with no blade length limit for general carry.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What South Carolina Considers Them
South Carolina law doesn't use the terms "switchblade" or "automatic knife." The statutes refer simply to "knives" — and knives are exempt from the concealed weapons prohibition. The opening mechanism is irrelevant under South Carolina law.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in South Carolina
Open Carry
Legal. No restrictions.
Concealed Carry
Legal. Knives are specifically exempt from the concealed weapons statute under § 16-23-460(C). You do not need a concealed weapons permit (CWP) to carry a knife concealed in South Carolina.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
Schools (§ 16-23-430)
Knives with a blade exceeding two (2) inches may not be carried on the grounds of any elementary or secondary school (K-12). Exceptions exist for:
- Law enforcement officers
- Authorized school personnel
- CWP holders may secure a knife in a vehicle on school property in the same manner as firearms
This is the only location-based blade length restriction in South Carolina law.
Other Locations
There is no statewide restriction for courthouses, government buildings, or airports beyond federal TSA requirements. Individual facilities may have posted policies.
Blade Length Restrictions
No general blade length limit. The only blade length restriction in South Carolina applies to school grounds (2-inch limit for K-12 schools). For everywhere else, there is no maximum blade length for any type of knife.
Preemption
Yes — South Carolina has constitutional preemption. Article VIII, Section 14 of the South Carolina State Constitution requires statewide uniformity of criminal law. This means local cities and counties cannot enact criminal knife restrictions that differ from state law.
The South Carolina Attorney General's office has specifically addressed this issue. In response to a constituent inquiry (facilitated by AKTI), the AG stated:
"It is this Office's opinion that a court would likely hold the local knife ordinances listed in the request letter are inconsistent with state criminal law and, therefore, violate S.C. Const, art. VIII, § 14."
Several cities — including Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville — still have old knife ordinances on their books that predate the 1996 and 2008 state law amendments. These local ordinances are likely unconstitutional and unenforceable, per the AG's opinion, but they haven't been formally repealed.
Bottom line: State law governs. Local ordinances that restrict knives beyond what state law allows are almost certainly unenforceable, backed by the AG's opinion, but exercise common sense in those municipalities.
Age Restrictions
South Carolina does not have a specific statewide age restriction on knife purchases or possession for minors. However, general criminal law provisions still apply — minors cannot carry weapons with criminal intent.
Recent Changes
- 1996 and 2008 amendments: South Carolina revised § 16-23-405 and § 16-23-460, explicitly exempting knives from the concealed weapons prohibition and narrowing the definition of "weapon" to require criminal intent.
- AG Opinion (2020): The South Carolina Attorney General formally opined that local knife ordinances in cities like Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville are likely unconstitutional under the state constitution's uniformity requirement.
What About Assisted Openers?
Legal. South Carolina doesn't restrict any knife based on its opening mechanism. Assisted openers are treated the same as manual folders and automatic knives.
Buying Automatic Knives in South Carolina
No restrictions. You can purchase automatic knives in person at any retailer or online and have them shipped to a South Carolina address. No permits, licenses, or background checks required.
The Enhanced Penalty: § 16-23-490
Worth knowing: South Carolina imposes an additional five-year penalty for possessing a knife during the commission of (or attempt to commit) a violent crime. This is an add-on to whatever sentence the underlying crime carries. This statute reinforces the state's approach — knives are legal tools, but using them in crimes brings severe consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in South Carolina?
Yes. OTF knives are legal to own and carry — openly or concealed — anywhere in South Carolina except K-12 school grounds (where the 2-inch blade limit applies).
Are switchblades illegal in South Carolina?
No. Switchblades and all automatic knives are legal in South Carolina. Knives are explicitly exempt from the concealed weapons statute.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in South Carolina?
No general blade length limit. The only restriction is a 2-inch blade limit on K-12 school grounds.
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.