Are Automatic Knives Legal in Tennessee?

The Short Answer

Yes. Automatic knives are fully legal in Tennessee. Ownership, purchase, sale, open carry, and concealed carry of automatic knives — including OTF knives and switchblades — are all permitted under Tennessee law. The state repealed its switchblade restrictions in 2014. Tennessee also has statewide knife preemption, meaning no city or county can add restrictions beyond what state law provides.

The only location-based restriction that matters: schools. Keep reading for the details.

What Tennessee Law Actually Says

The Statute (Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-1301 et seq.)

Tennessee's weapons laws are found in Title 39, Chapter 17, Part 13 of the Tennessee Code. The relevant definitions come from § 39-17-1301:

"'Knife' means any bladed hand instrument that is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person with the instrument."

"'Switchblade knife' means any knife that has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife that has a blade that opens, falls, or is ejected into position by the force of gravity or by an outward, downward, or centrifugal thrust or movement."

Note that Tennessee defines "switchblade" but does not prohibit it. The definition exists for penalty enhancement purposes (see below), not for a ban.

What That Means in Plain English

Tennessee law defines both "knife" and "switchblade knife," but neither is listed as a prohibited weapon. § 39-17-1302 (Prohibited weapons) does not include any knives whatsoever. You can own, buy, sell, and carry any type of knife in Tennessee — automatic, OTF, switchblade, balisong, fixed blade, whatever you've got.

OTF Knives in Tennessee

OTF knives are fully legal in Tennessee. They fall under the broad "switchblade knife" definition (blade that "opens, falls, or is ejected into position"), but since that category isn't prohibited, it's a distinction without a practical restriction.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Tennessee Considers Them

Tennessee's definition of "switchblade knife" is broad enough to encompass both side-opening automatic knives and OTF knives. But again — the definition exists only for penalty enhancement in certain crimes, not as a basis for prohibition.

Under § 39-17-1307(d), possessing a deadly weapon (other than a firearm) with intent to use it during a dangerous offense is a Class E felony. If that weapon happens to be a "switchblade" as defined, the maximum fine doubles from $3,000 to $6,000. That's the only legal consequence of the switchblade classification — and it only applies if you're committing (or attempting) another crime.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Tennessee

Open Carry

Legal. No restrictions on open carry of any knife in Tennessee.

Concealed Carry

Legal. Tennessee law does not restrict concealed carry of knives. The AKTI summary states concealed carry is "not an issue" in Tennessee, and that's accurate — there are no permit requirements or prohibitions for concealed knife carry.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

The big one: schools. Tennessee takes school-zone weapons seriously.

§ 39-17-1309 provides:

"(b)(1) It is an offense for any person to possess or carry, whether openly or concealed, with the intent to go armed, any firearm, explosive, explosive weapon, bowie knife, hawk bill knife, ice pick, dagger, slingshot, switchblade knife, blackjack, knuckles or any other weapon of like kind, not used solely for instructional or school-sanctioned ceremonial purposes, in any public or private school building or bus, on any public or private school campus, grounds, recreation area, athletic field or any other property owned, operated, or while in use by any board of education, school, college or university board of trustees, regents or directors for the administration of any public or private educational institution."

"(2) A violation of this subsection (b) is a Class E felony."

This is broad — it covers K-12 through university, public and private, buildings and grounds. The "intent to go armed" is a required element, and Tennessee courts have interpreted this to mean the prosecution must prove the person's purpose in carrying was specifically to be armed — not just that they happened to have a knife.

Penalties: A Class E felony in Tennessee carries up to 6 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $3,000.

Some exceptions exist for law enforcement, school security, gun/knife shows approved by school officials, and people who remain in their vehicle while delivering or picking up passengers.

Blade Length Restrictions

None. Tennessee has no blade length limits for any type of knife.

Statewide Preemption

Tennessee has strong statewide knife preemption. § 39-17-1314(f) states:

"It is the intent of the general assembly that this part is preemptive with respect to the transfer, ownership, possession or transportation of knives and no city, county, or metropolitan government shall occupy any part of the field of regulation of the transfer, ownership, possession or transportation of knives."

This means Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, Chattanooga — none of them can create knife laws stricter than what the state provides. What's legal under state law is legal everywhere in Tennessee. That's a big deal for travelers and residents alike.

What About Assisted Openers?

Assisted-opening knives are legal in Tennessee. They require manual force to initiate blade opening, which means they don't meet the definition of "switchblade knife" under § 39-17-1301. Not that it matters practically — even switchblades are legal. But for the record, assisted openers are a distinct and unrestricted category.

Buying Automatic Knives in Tennessee

No state-level restrictions on purchasing automatic knives. Tennessee does not impose age limits on knife purchases in its statutes. § 39-17-1364 specifically permits the purchase and shipment of weapons (including knives) to a person's residence.

Recent Law Changes

• 2014: Tennessee repealed its switchblade/automatic knife restrictions, making all automatic knives legal to own and carry.
• 2013-2014: Statewide preemption for knives was clarified and strengthened under § 39-17-1314(f).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Tennessee?

Yes. OTF knives are legal to own, carry openly, and carry concealed in Tennessee. The only restriction is on school property.

Are switchblades illegal in Tennessee?

No. Tennessee repealed its switchblade prohibition in 2014. Switchblades are legal to own, buy, sell, and carry throughout the state.

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

No. Tennessee has no blade length limits 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.