Are Automatic Knives Legal in Utah?

The Short Answer

Yes. Automatic knives are fully legal in Utah. There are no restrictions on knife type, opening mechanism, or blade length. OTF knives, switchblades, side-opening automatics, fixed blades, balisongs — all legal to own, buy, sell, carry openly, and carry concealed. Utah has statewide preemption, so no city or county can add restrictions.

The only real concerns: schools and criminal intent. Details below.

What Utah Law Actually Says

The Statute (Utah Code § 76-10-501 et seq.)

Utah's weapons laws are found in Title 76, Chapter 10, Part 5 of the Utah Criminal Code. Here's the key: Utah law doesn't define "knife" as a specific legal category. It doesn't restrict any type of knife. Instead, it uses the broader concept of "dangerous weapon."

§ 76-10-501(6) defines "dangerous weapon":

"(a) 'Dangerous weapon' means:

(i) a firearm; or

(ii) an object that in the manner of its use or intended use is capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.

(b) The following factors are used in determining whether any object, other than a firearm, is a dangerous weapon:

(i) the location and circumstances in which the object was used or possessed;

(ii) the primary purpose for which the object was made;

(iii) the character of the wound, if any, produced by the object's unlawful use;

(iv) the manner in which the object was unlawfully used;

(v) whether the manner in which the object is used or possessed constitutes a potential imminent threat to public safety; and

(vi) the lawful purposes for which the object may be used."

What That Means in Plain English

A knife can be a "dangerous weapon" — but only based on how it's used or intended to be used, not simply because you possess it. Carrying a knife, even a large automatic, is not inherently a "dangerous weapon" offense. The context matters: a kitchen knife is a kitchen knife until someone uses it to threaten someone.

This definition was amended in 2015. Before that, the Utah Supreme Court in Salt Lake City v. Miles, 342 P.3d 212 (2014), reversed a conviction for a homeless man who had a 3½-inch pocketknife in his shopping cart, finding that possession alone wasn't enough. The legislature then amended the statute, but the core principle remains: simple possession of a knife by a law-abiding person is not restricted.

OTF Knives in Utah

OTF knives are legal in Utah. There is no restriction based on opening mechanism anywhere in Utah code. The state doesn't define or reference "switchblade," "automatic knife," or "OTF knife" in its weapons statutes.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Utah Considers Them

Utah doesn't distinguish between them — because it doesn't restrict either one. There is no switchblade ban, no automatic knife ban, no gravity knife ban. Utah took the approach of regulating weapons based on use and intent rather than design and mechanism.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Utah

Open Carry

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

Concealed Carry

Legal. Concealment is, as AKTI puts it, "not an issue" in Utah. There are no concealed carry restrictions for knives. You don't need a permit. There are no blade length limits. Carry your automatic knife however you prefer.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

§ 76-10-505.5 prohibits possession of a "dangerous weapon" on or about school premises:

This applies to public and private schools from elementary through institutions of higher education — buildings, grounds, parking lots, and school-sponsored activities.

A knife carried to school could be considered a "dangerous weapon" depending on the circumstances. The safe approach: don't bring knives to school in Utah.

Penalties: Possession of a non-firearm dangerous weapon on school premises is a Class B misdemeanor — up to 6 months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Courthouses and government buildings: While not specifically addressed for knives in the state statute, individual courts and government buildings may restrict weapons under their own security policies. Check signage and local rules.

Blade Length Restrictions

None. Utah has no blade length restrictions for any type of knife.

Statewide Preemption

Utah has strong statewide preemption. § 76-10-500 (Uniform law) ensures that weapons law is consistent across the entire state. No city — not Salt Lake City, not Provo, not Park City — can enact knife ordinances that differ from state law.

This is backed by the state constitution and enforced through the uniform law provision. If it's legal under state law, it's legal everywhere in Utah.

What About Assisted Openers?

Legal. Assisted-opening knives don't face any restrictions in Utah. Neither do fully automatic knives, so the distinction doesn't have practical legal significance here.

Special Rules: Criminal Intent and Convicted Felons

While knives aren't restricted for the general public, two categories of people face limitations:

Convicted felons: § 76-10-503 restricts possession of "dangerous weapons" by people convicted of certain felonies. A knife used in a manner that qualifies it as a dangerous weapon could trigger this provision.

Criminal intent: § 76-10-507 (Possession of deadly weapon with criminal intent) makes it a Class A misdemeanor to possess a deadly weapon with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person. Penalties: up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,500.

Brandishing: § 76-10-506 (Threatening with or using dangerous weapon in fight or quarrel) has its own "dangerous weapon" definition and explicitly states that mere possession — visible or concealed — without threatening behavior is not a violation:

"'Threatening manner' does not include: (i) the possession of a dangerous weapon, whether visible or concealed, without additional behavior which is threatening..."

That's a sensible provision. Simply having a knife on your person is not brandishing.

Age Restrictions

§ 76-10-509.7 addresses parents or guardians who know a minor possesses a dangerous weapon. While this doesn't establish a specific purchase age for knives, it creates potential liability for parents who allow minors to possess weapons used improperly.

§ 76-10-507 (furnishing dangerous weapons) restricts knowingly selling or transferring a "dangerous weapon" to a convicted felon. There is no general prohibition on selling knives to minors at the state level, though individual retailers may set their own policies.

Buying Automatic Knives in Utah

No restrictions. You can buy automatic knives in Utah from any retailer — knife shops, gun stores, online dealers, knife shows. No permit required. No waiting period. No registration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Utah?

Yes. OTF knives are legal to own and carry in Utah — openly or concealed, no permit required, no blade length limit.

Are switchblades illegal in Utah?

No. Utah has never had a modern switchblade ban. All automatic knives are legal.

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

No. Utah 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.