Are Butterfly Knives Illegal

The Legality of Butterfly Knives in the United States

Butterfly knives, also known as balisongs, have developed quite the reputation over the years. With their flashy openings and closings, butterfly knives seem like the ultimate movie-style weapon. But are they legal to own and carry in the United States? Well, it’s complicated.

What is a Butterfly Knife?

A butterfly knife, or balisong, is a folding pocket knife with two handles that rotate around the tang. The handles swing together to conceal the blade within grooves in the handles. Butterfly knives are known for their flashy openings, where the handles swing apart and the blade rotates around to lock in place.
Butterfly knives originated in the Philippines in the early 1800s. They were used as self-defense weapons by Filipino boat workers. The butterfly design allowed the workers to rapidly deploy the blade with one hand.
These days, butterfly knives are popular for recreational flipping tricks thanks to their unique openings. Of course, the balisong design also allows for rapid one-handed deployment if needed for self-defense.

Federal Butterfly Knife Laws

Unlike other weapons like firearms, there are no federal laws restricting butterfly knives specifically. This means balisongs are legal to purchase and own under federal law.
However, just because butterfly knives are federally legal does not mean they are legal everywhere in the U.S. State and local laws may still prohibit ownership of balisongs.

Switchblades vs. Butterfly Knives

While butterfly knives themselves are not restricted by federal law, they are often lumped in with switchblade knives. The federal Switchblade Act of 1958 and the U.S. Code Title 15, Sections 1241-1245 banned the manufacture, import, distribution, and sale of automatic-opening knives across state lines.
So while butterfly knives are not specifically classified as switchblades in the Act, their fast deployments mean balisongs are sometimes regulated similarly to switchblades.

State Butterfly Knife Laws

Since federal law does not prohibit butterfly knives, it is up to the individual states to regulate them. Currently, 7 states have banned butterfly knives entirely:

• California – illegal to manufacture, sell, possess, transport, or carry butterfly knives
• Delaware – illegal to manufacture, sell, transfer, or possess butterfly knives
• Hawaii – illegal to manufacture, sell, transfer, possess, transport, or carry butterfly knives
• Maryland – illegal to manufacture, sell, carry, or possess butterfly knives
• Nevada – illegal to manufacture, import, sell, or carry butterfly knives
• New Jersey – illegal to manufacture, transport, dispose of, possess, carry, or use butterfly knives
• New York – illegal to manufacture, transport, dispose of, possess, or sell butterfly knives

In these 7 states, it is a crime to make, sell, own, carry, or even transport a balisong. Violators may face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the state.

Restrictions in Other States

Some other states allow ownership of butterfly knives but place restrictions on carrying them in public. For example:

• Florida – legal to own butterfly knives but illegal to carry concealed
• Georgia – legal to own but illegal to carry openly or concealed in public
• Illinois – legal to own but illegal to carry concealed
• Texas – legal to own but illegal to carry in certain locations like schools, polling places, courts, etc.

So in these states, you can legally purchase and own a butterfly knife. But you cannot carry it on your person in public without facing criminal penalties.
The rest of the states generally allow ownership and carrying of balisongs without issue. However, some cities and counties within those states may still ban butterfly knives locally.

Local Butterfly Knife Ordinances

Along with statewide butterfly knife laws, some city and county governments prohibit balisongs through local ordinances.
For example, butterfly knives are completely banned in New York City, even though they are allowed in other parts of New York state. Chicago also prohibits possession, sale, manufacture, and distribution of balisongs within city limits.
So even if butterfly knives are legal to own based on state laws, specific municipalities may still ban balisongs locally. Be sure to check your local city and county laws regarding butterfly knives.

Practical Uses of Butterfly Knives

With varying legality across different states and cities, what practical uses do butterfly knives have? Well balisongs can still serve various legal purposes depending on your location.

Recreational Butterfly Knife Uses

For one thing, butterfly knives are extremely popular for recreational flipping tricks. Their unique opening and closing mechanisms allow for visually impressive spins, rolls, transfers, and other manipulation tricks.
YouTube is filled with butterfly knife trick tutorials. In states where balisongs are legal to own, they make exciting recreational knives to flip and fidget with.

Everyday Carry Self-Defense Knife

In areas where balisongs are legal to carry concealed, their fast single-handed opening makes them viable self-defense knives. The butterfly knife design allows rapid deployment of the blade if needed to protect yourself.
Of course, fixed-blade knives, folding knives, and even pepper spray are also common self-defense tools. But for those living where butterfly knives are legal, balisongs can provide effective protection.

Collectible Display Pieces

Finally, butterfly knives make unique collectibles and display pieces. Even if balisongs are banned where you live, you can legally own them as display pieces rather than functional knives.
High-end butterfly knives from top manufacturers like Benchmade and Microtech can cost $200-500+. These premium balisongs serve more as artistic show pieces for collectors rather than practical users.
So even without legally carrying or flipping butterfly knives, they still hold value to collectors across the country.

Be Informed on Butterfly Knife Laws

When it comes to owning and carrying butterfly knives, laws vary significantly across the United States. What is completely legal in one state may be a felony just across the border.
So be sure to understand federal, state, and local butterfly knife laws based on where you live. Responsible balisong owners stay informed on exactly what is legal in their specific area.
And remember – just because you see butterfly knife trick videos online does not mean they are legal where you live. So check your regional statutes before purchasing or carrying butterfly knives to avoid criminal charges.
Stay safe and stay legal!