Legislative Update

Oral Argument was held Wednesday in Knife Rights’ Ninth Circuit appeal of the ludicrous District Court decision in our lawsuit challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater on Second Amendment grounds. You can listen to the audio or view the video or the Ninth’s website. The panel of two Clinton and one Biden appointees was only revealed after the deadline for submittal of amicus briefs that the panel requested. … Continued... Read More

Amicus (Friend of the Court) briefs supporting Knife Rights’ Fifth Circuit appeal of the ludicrous District Court decision in our lawsuit challenging the Federal Switchblade Act on Second Amendment ground have now been filed. These briefs are similar in nature to those filed the week prior in our Ninth Circuit appeal challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater. Knife Rights really is the Second Front in the Defense of the Second Amendment™. … Continued... Read More

At the request of the Ninth Circuit, amicus (Friend of the Court) briefs have now been filed in Knife Rights’ appeal of the absurd District Court decision in our lawsuit challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater on Second Amendment grounds The issues the Court requested guidance on in the post-Bruen era are: a. Does a Court assess whether a weapon is “dangerous and unusual” under Bruen’s “step one… threshold inquiry” or “step two” historical inquiry? … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights and its fellow appellants have filed their Appeal Brief in our Federal Second Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Switchblade Act. Download the Opening Brief Download the Full Excerpts (159MB) The essence of the case is that the Supreme Court has made clear that the “Second Amendment extends, prima facie, to all instruments that constitute bearable arms, even those that were not in existence at the time of the founding.” … Continued... Read More

In Knife Rights appeal of the absurd District Court decision in our lawsuit challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater on Second Amendment grounds, the Ninth Circuit has issued an order requesting amicus briefs. The profile of this case has risen significantly with this order and proves that Knife Rights is the Second Front in Defense of the Second Amendment!™ The issues the Court is requesting guidance on in the post-Bruen era are: a. … Continued... Read More

At the request of Knife Rights, Arizona State Representative Quang Nguyen, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, has issued a letter to the City of Tempe, Arizona, informing them that their 2024 ordinance banning the possession of “brass knuckles” by adults in certain public places likely violates state statute and the Arizona Constitution. Knife Rights’ first in the nation knife law preemption statute, ARS 13-3120, is crystal clear; … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights applauds President Trump’s Executive Order Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans. For many years banks have discriminated against knifemakers and manufacturers. This executive order may go a long way towards preventing future de-banking efforts against our community. I urge you to read the whole EO to understand its full scope. The EO mentions Operation Choke Point “by which Federal regulators pushed banks to minimize their involvement with individuals and companies engaged in lawful activities and industries disfavored by regulators based on factors other than individualized, … Continued... Read More

In Delaware, Knife Rights supported bipartisan SB 108 was signed by Governor Matt Meyer. This bill removed the restrictions on sale or possession of automatic (switchblade) knives in the First State. It also amends the “Deadly Weapons” exemption for “ordinary pocketknife” by deleting “folding” in order to cover all types of knives, and increases the length from 3 inches to 3.75 inches. The new law is effective immediately. While the “Deadly Weapon” … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights and its fellow plaintiffs have filed a Notice of Appeal in our Federal Second Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Switchblade Act. Knife Rights Founder and Chairman Doug Ritter said, “this is the first procedural step needed to get the appeal going at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. We remain optimistic that a three-judge panel will reverse the utterly irrational District Court ruling in our case.” A recent development in another Fifth Circuit case may prove helpful to our appeal. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Vermont Switchblade Ban Repeal bill that was incorporated into the “Court Procedure; Criminal Procedure; Miscellaneous Amendments” bill, S.109, has been signed by Governor Phil Scott. The effective date of the repeal is July 2, 2025. The bill removes “switchblade knives” from the existing statute that bans a “switchblade knife, the blade of which is three inches or more in length” (§4013). S.109 also requires that “the Court” … Continued... Read More

As we previously noted, we were disappointed in Attorney General Pam Bondi’s final brief opposing our Federal Second Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Switchblade Act. I imagine that the DOJ and AG Bondi were celebrating the court’s decision in the case since the court seemed to lose sight of the Bruen decision and ignored its commands from the Supreme Court. Another court, another absurd stretch to avoid ruling in favor of the Second Amendment. … Continued... Read More

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Knife Rights supported SB1360 which adds “Knives, saps, and other bladed or blunt-impact defensive weapons“ to Tennessee’s existing statute that protects firearms manufacturers from liability caused by the actions of third parties. The bill also covers those who distribute, sell, or transfer the “qualified product” including knives. SB 1360 also provides additional protections over the existing statue. The new law takes effect July 1, 2025. This is third bill Knife Rights has has supported in Tennessee to improve knife laws for residents and travelers. … Continued... Read More

The North Carolina House passed HB 439, our Concealed Knife Carry bill, with a bipartisan vote of 71-37. The bill now moves to the Senate. This bill would clarify the state’s previously vague statute so that a folding knife that is not a switchblade may be carried concealed by anyone, including those under age 18. It would also allow adults who are not prohibited persons to carry concealed a “bowie [SIC] knife, … Continued... Read More

With the Washington legislature ending its session April 27th, Knife Rights scored a win against a draconian knife ban bill! SB 5098, which started life as a sweeping gun ban, soon morphed into a radical ban on possession of “any knife” on over 6.5 million acres of public land in Washington, including parks and such. In the end, the bill wasn’t passed out of the House before the session ended, but the bill looked for all intents and purposes as if it would steamroll its way to the governor. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights has filed its Plaintiffs’ Reply Brief in our appeal of the absurd decision in our lawsuit challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater on Second Amendment grounds. Our brief slices and dices California Attorney General Bonta’s brief, which was filled with already discredited claims and made-up rationales for the District Court’s bizarre additions to the Second Amendment’s “plain text.” Now the ball is in the infamously anti-2A United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. … Continued... Read More

In Knife Rights’ Second Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Switchblade Act we hoped that the Trump administration, through Attorney General Pam Bondi, would come through on the President’s executive order “Protecting Second Amendment Rights” and AG Bondi’s recent statement that, “the prior administration placed an undue burden on…law-abiding citizens exercising their 2nd Amendment rights. The Department of Justice’s new 2nd Amendment Task Force will combine department-wide policy and litigation resources to advance President Trump’s pro-gun agenda and protect gun owners from overreach.” Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter asked, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ first in the nation bill to prevent banks from discriminating against persons and companies involved in “the manufacture, distribution, wholesale, supply, or retail of…knives,” SB 1027, has been signed by  Governor Brad Little. The new law becomes effective on July 1st.  Knife Rights is taking the lead in protecting the knife industry from the adverse effects of anti-knife sentiment that unfortunately exists among some banks in this country. We sincerely appreciate the efforts of our good friend Senator Carl Bjerke to amend the Transparency in Financial Services Act  to include knives at Knife Rights’ … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2025 (KOPA), H.R. 60, originally conceived and authored by Knife Rights in 2010 and introduced in 2013 as the first proactive pro-knife federal legislation in the nation’s history, has been marked up by the House Judiciary Committee in a 13-10 vote. The bill in now ready to be considered by the full House of Representatives. View the video of the hearing. Sponsored by Rep. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Vermont Switchblade Ban Repeal bill has been incorporated into the Committee on Judiciary’s “Court procedure; criminal procedure; miscellaneous amendments” bill, S 109, which has now passed the Senate. This committee bill now moves to the House for action.  We sincerely appreciate the efforts of longtime Knife Rights friend Senator Patrick Brennan who we have supported for over a decade as he has worked to repeal the state’s ban on switchblade (automatic knives) knives three inches or more in length. … Continued... Read More

North Carolina HB 439 has been filed by Knife Rights’ good friend Rep. Keith Kidwell. This bill would clarify the state’s previously vague statute so that a folding knife that is not a switchblade and is under 6″ in blade length may be carried concealed by anyone including those under age 18. It would also allow adults who are not prohibited persons to carry concealed a “bowie [SIC] knife, a dirk, … Continued... Read More

That draconian Hawaii Knife Ban bill, SB 433, has been stopped, failing to receive a hearing by deadline! Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, flew to Hawaii and lobbied at the Capitol, explaining to Senators just how badly this proposed bill would impact ordinary Hawaiians. SB 433 would have absolutely banned carry, open or concealed, of most knives, and all knives in many public places in Hawaii! We are very appreciative of the support we received from a number of our good friends in Hawaii. … Continued... Read More

Longtime Knife Rights friend Vermont Senator Patrick Brennan has filed SB 61 that would repeal the state’s ban on switchblade knives three inches or more in length. Switchblades (automatic knives) with a blade three inches or more in length are the only knives specifically outlawed in Vermont. Vermont has Constitutional (Permitless) Carry so, you can carry any legal firearm open or concealed and you can carry any knife open or concealed except a switchblade with a blade 3 inches or longer. … Continued... Read More

We are pleased to once again take the lead in protecting the knife industry from the adverse effects of anti-knife sentiment that unfortunately still exists among some in this country. Idaho SB 1027, a bill to enact the Transparency in Financial Services Act, was amended to add “knives” at Knife Rights’ request by our good friend Senator Carl Bjerke. Sen. Bjerke was the sponsor of our Idaho Knife Law Preemption bill that was enacted last year.  … Continued... Read More

This week Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, spent a good deal of time in airports, airliners and hotels traveling to two committee hearings in Washington and then Arkansas just days apart. Our record of 50 bills enacted in 31 states is testament to the effectiveness of showing up at the state houses and doing the work on the ground, despite the high cost of travel. Your continued support is what allows us to get this done. … Continued... Read More

This week Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, spent a good deal of time in airports, airliners and hotels traveling to two committee hearings and sessions in Washington and then Arkansas just days apart. Our record of 50 bills enacted in 31 states is testament to the effectiveness of showing up at the state houses and doing the work on the ground, despite the high cost of travel. Your continued support is what allows us to get this done. … Continued... Read More

On Friday, February 7, President Trump issued an extraordinary Executive Order “Protecting Second Amendment Rights.” While the EO is focused on firearms, as we often have to remind folks, the Second Amendment doesn’t say “firearms,” it simply says “arms,” and that includes knives. The EO’s Plan of Action encompasses efforts that may be directly applicable to Knife Rights’ specific interests: Sec. 2. Plan of Action. (a) Within 30 days of the date of this order, … Continued... Read More

Arkansas Representative Joey Carr and Senator Terry Rice have introduced HB1418, a bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state. This comes after many years of behind the scenes work by Knife Rights and our friends in the Arkansas legislature. The bill adds “Knives” and “Knife-making components” to the state’s existing Firearms Law Preemption statute. Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. … Continued... Read More

Plaintiffs in our lawsuit challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater on Second Amendment grounds have filed their Opening Brief on appeal with the infamously anti-2A United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. As we saw recently in Teter, the Hawaii Butterfly Knife case, that doesn’t necessarily mean we get a final victory in the Ninth Circuit, … Continued... Read More

Plaintiffs in Knife Rights’ federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of portions of the Federal Switchblade Act under the Second Amendment have filed their Response to the DOJ’s Motion to Dismiss and their Reply in Further Support of Plaintiffs’ Motion for Summary Judgment. The very short version is that at the same time that the Department of Justice continues its claim that none of the Plaintiffs are under any threat of prosecution, … Continued... Read More

Only months after celebrating the repeal of Hawaii’s bans on butterfly, switchblade and gravity knives, and more, legislators have filed a bill, SB 433, that would absolutely ban carry, open or concealed, of most knives, and all knives in many public places in Hawaii! The proposed bans are unquestionably unconstitutional under the Bruen Second Amendment precedent, but the Ninth Circuit just gave another middle finger to the Supreme Court’s guidance. … Continued... Read More

Even when you win a Second Amendment case decisively in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, you may lose in court in the end, having won a battle, but not the war. Which is annoying as all get out, but we’ll take our wins as best we can, even as the war continues (see above). As you will recall, in the case of Teter v. Lopez, the three-judge appeals court panel gave us a decisive and masterfully written Second Amendment win that declared butterfly knives to be arms protected by the Second Amendment and voiding Hawaii’s ban. … Continued... Read More

With the signing of the Ohio Preemption Enhancement bill last week, Knife Rights reached a significant milestone: 50 bills enacted in 31 states in just 16 years! Knife Rights is fundamentally reshaping the legal landscape for knife owners across America. From repealing and preventing knife bans to passing and strengthening Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption, we are proud to lead the charge for freedom and the rights of knife owners nationwide. … Continued... Read More

The Department of Justice has filed its Reply Brief and Motion to Dismiss in Knife Rights’ federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of portions of the Federal Switchblade Act under the Second Amendment. The bottom line; it doesn’t look a whole lot different than the first time around, despite Plaintiffs addressing all the issues raised and the Court’s ridiculous dismissal rationale. Beyond the same old claim that Plaintiffs have no standing because the Act is not enforced, … Continued... Read More

Missouri Representative Bryant Wolfin has introduced Knife Rights supported HB 446 which would repeal the state’s ban on “knuckles,” including Trench Knives, karambits and similar knives that have a ringed handle. Although knuckles ban repeal bills and the like are not core knife bills, they do affect many knife owners and a segment of the knife community that we care about. Given the opportunity to repeal these bans, we’ll gladly support the effort, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights supported Ohio SB 58, which enhances the protections provided by the state’s preemption statute, was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine last Wednesday. The revised statute, while primarily enhancing firearms law preemption, also included knives at Knife Rights’ request. It prohibits jurisdictions from requiring a fee for the possession of a knife. Knife Rights’ Director of Legislative Affairs,Todd Rathner, has been working with primary bill sponsors Senator Terry Johnson and Theresa Gavarone since 2023 to assure this bill protected you and your knives. … Continued... Read More

After a many years of behind the scenes work by Knife Rights’ Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, and our friends in the Arkansas legislature, preliminary steps have been taken to enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Arkansas. These steps are a prelude to getting the bill introduced in the 2025 legislative session in Arkansas. Knife Rights would like to thank Representatives Jeff Wardlaw and Joey Carr, and Senator Ben Gilmore for their efforts to enact Knife Law Preemption so Arkansas can join the other 16 states in which we have done so. … Continued... Read More

As you can see below, this year has been extremely successful for Knife Rights because of your support. Without it, we can’t accomplish anything. With it, we’ve gotten more done this year than any prior election year. Thank you for being part of this success. We are set up to have a banner year in 2025, but we need your continued generous donations so we can get out there and work our tails off for you. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights and its fellow plaintiffs have filed their Motion for Summary Judgement in their federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of portions of the Federal Switchblade Act (Title 15 Chapter 29 §1241) under the Second Amendment. The Plaintiffs have requested that the Court issue an order finding the Federal Switchblade Act is unconstitutional and that the challenged aspects of the law involving restrictions on interstate commerce and on Native American reservations, … Continued... Read More

Originally conceived and authored by Knife Rights in 2010 and introduced in 2013 as the first proactive pro-knife federal legislation in the nation’s history, Knife Rights’ Knife Owners’ Protection Act of 2024, H.R. 10178 and S. 5358. (KOPA), was introduced today by Representative. Andy Biggs and Senator Mike Lee. KOPA would protect law-abiding knife owners traveling throughout the U.S. from the vagaries of restrictive state and local laws. … Continued... Read More

Maryland was initially granted a 30-day extension to respond to the Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the Supreme Court in the case of Snope v Brown in which Knife Rights has filed an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) Brief in support of petition. As reviewed below, this is a critical Second Amendment case. When Maryland sought an additional 30-day extension, SCOTUS denied them the full 30 days, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights has filed a new federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of portions of the Federal Switchblade Act (Title 15 Chapter 29 §1241). Knife Rights’ original lawsuit was dismissed on absurd standing grounds back in June. As the deadline for filing for reconsideration or an appeal approached, we decided that it would be better to go with a fresh lawsuit. That decision was based an effort to, hopefully, minimize the total litigation time, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights has filed a federal lawsuit challenging Minnesota’s complete ban on switchblades (automatically opening knives). Despite the Supreme Court’s binding Second Amendment precedent, the State of Minnesota virtually completely prohibits the manufacture, transfer and possession of common automatically opening knives.  The sole exception to this ban is for possession “by museums or collectors of art or for other lawful purposes of public exhibition.” The State’s ban denies individuals who reside in or visit Minnesota their fundamental, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights has filed an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) Brief in support of the Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the Supreme Court in the case of Snope v Brown (formerly Bianchi v. Frosh). The petition seeks review of the en banc Fourth Circuit’s incredibly flawed decision that so-called “assault weapons” are not “arms” protected by the Second Amendment despite being owned by millions of Americans and being the most popular rifle in the U.S. … Continued... Read More

Plaintiffs in our lawsuit challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater on Second Amendment grounds have filed a Notice of Appeal of the Court’s terribly flawed decision against us. This is the first procedural step in the process of appealing that decision. It was always inevitable that this case was going up to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. … Continued... Read More

The recent diametrically opposed decisions in Second Amendment cases involving switchblades continues to generate interest. Below please find two articles, one by a leading 2A journalist and the other by an exceptional 2A scholar. The first article published on Ammoland is by Dean Weingarten who provides a layman’s explanation of the decisions and a warning for us all. Two Courts Disagree on Knives Under the Second Amendment The second article published on The Volokh Conspiracy is by noted constitutional law scholar David Kopel. … Continued... Read More

Never say never! In a criminal case involving illegal carry of a switchblade, Commonwealth v. Canjura, that challenged the constitutionality under the Second Amendment of Massachusetts’ ban on carry of a switchblade (with a blade over 1.5 inches), the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has struck down the state’s ban! Click here to read the Court’s decision. NOTE: Carry of a stiletto, dagger, dirk knife or any knife having a double-edged blade, … Continued... Read More

Yesterday afternoon I had my National Knife Day post ready to go when the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California issued its decision in our lawsuit challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater on Second Amendment grounds. We’re celebrating the freedom most of us in America enjoy to possess and carry whatever knife we want and the Court decides to issue a decision in an important knife related Second Amendment case challenging a ban on knives. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ bill that enacts our signature Knife Law Preemption, H0620, takes effect today, July 1st. Preemption eliminates local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere within a state. Knife Rights passed the nation’s first Knife Law Preemption bill in Arizona in 2010 and has since passed preemption bills in Alaska, … Continued... Read More

With the deadline for filing motions approaching, we are moving forward on Knife Rights’ federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of significant portions of the Federal Switchblade Act on Second Amendment grounds. The court previously dismissed this lawsuit on standing grounds “without prejudice.” The court made that decision based on testimony by the Feds that they have not enforced the act through prosecutions since 2010, but it turns out that there has been enforcement action taken very recently. … Continued... Read More

The recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States in United States v. Rahimi bears on our lawsuit challenging California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater on Second Amendment grounds. Plaintiff’s have filed a Notice of Supplemental Authority with the District Court hearing the case. As you may recall, during our recent hearing, the Court was focused on the baseless argument put forth by the State that in interpreting the plain text of the Second Amendment’s “the right to keep and bear arms,” … Continued... Read More

Delaware Senate Bill 323 has been introduced by Senator David L. Wilson that would repeal the state’s ban on sale and possession of a switchblade (automatic) knife. House Representative Daniel B. Short is an Additional Sponsor. The bill has five Co-Sponsors (Senators Gerald Hocker, Dave Lawson, Brian Pettyjohn and Bryant Richardson and Representative Timothy Dukes). SB 323 has been assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee Knife Rights will let you know if its time to use our Legislative Action Center to contact Delaware legislators. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of significant portions of the Federal Switchblade Act on Second Amendment grounds was dismissed because the named federal agencies- the U.S. Attorney General and Department of Justice-declared they do not enforce the Act, and haven’t done so since 2010, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas opined that the Act is a moribund (dying/obsolescent) statute with no “credible threat of future enforcement.” … Continued... Read More

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Louisiana SB 194, that includes Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption language, was signed into law today by Governor Jeff Landry. The new law becomes effective on August 1, 2024. This is the 15th Knife Law Preemption bill by Knife Rights. The bill also enhanced existing firearms preemption law. Signing of this bill represents the final step in our complete overhaul of Louisiana’s knife laws that was started back in 2018 with the repeal of the state’s ban on switchblades. … Continued... Read More

Hawaii Governor Josh Green has signed HB2342 into law as Act 021. The new law repeals the bans on manufacture, sale, transfer, possession, and transportation of Butterfly Knives (Balisongs), Switchblades and Gravity Knives as well as Brass Knuckles (including Trench Knives and Karambits), Swords and Spears. The new law is effective immediately. WARNING: Hawaii’s bans on concealed carry of these knives is retained. These knives should only be open carried. … Continued... Read More

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Knife Rights supported HF 2556 which provides penalties for the violation of Iowa’s long-existing weapons preemption law that includes knives. This will allow individuals to collect monetary damages in any lawsuit seeking enforcement of the state’s weapons preemption statute. Knife Rights applauds Representative Bill Gustoff and Senator Scott Webster for sponsoring HF 2556 and the Governor for signing the bill into law. Please note that the new law doesn’t take effect until January 1, … Continued... Read More

The very first hearing on one of our post-Bruen lawsuits challenging a knife ban on Second Amendment grounds was held yesterday before District Court Judge James E. Simmons, Jr., in San Diego. The lawsuit challenges California’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives with a blade 2-inches and greater. The court had clearly given significant thought to the voluminous filings in the case. The state continued to hammer their position that switchblades were not not arms under the plain text of the Second Amendment because they were “not commonly used for self-defense.” … Continued... Read More

Reply Briefs have been filed by both sides in Knife Rights’ federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of California’s complete ban on common automatic knives 2-inches and greater that the State prohibits as illegal “switchblades.” Plaintiffs’ reply brief continues to hammer Defendants for their bizarre interpretations of the Bruen decision and the utterly irrelevant history cited by its experts. Plaintiffs’ Attorney John W. Dillon of the Dillon Law Group, said of the Defendant’s opposition brief, … Continued... Read More

Opposition Briefs have been filed by both sides in Knife Rights’ federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of California’s complete ban on common automatic knives 2-inches and greater that the State prohibits as illegal “switchblades.” Plaintiffs’ opposition brief dismantles, point by point, California’s fanciful interpretations of the Bruen decision and the utterly irrelevant history cited by its experts. Plaintiffs’ Attorney John W. Dillon of the Dillon Law Group, said or the Defendant’s opposition brief, … Continued... Read More

In West Virginia, where we helped to get knives added to the state’s existing preemption law for firearms in 2020, Governor Jim Justice signed HB 4782 expanding preemption to prevent municipalities from targeting protected businesses with planning and zoning ordinances more restrictive than those placed upon other businesses. It becomes effective on May 30, 2024. Preemption prevents enforcement of existing local knife ordinances, and prohibits new ordinances, more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. … Continued... Read More

In a victory nine years in the making, Governor Brad Little yesterday signed H0620, Knife Rights’ bill that will enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Idaho. It becomes effective on July 1st, 2024. Thanks to Governor Little for his support of our freedoms. This represents the fourteenth state in which we have eliminated local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. … Continued... Read More

Washington Governor Jay Inslee yesterday signed blatantly unconstitutional anti-knife (and anti-gun) SB 5444. The new law goes into effect on June 6th, 2024. From that date it will be illegal to possess ANY knife at a “transit station” including bus, train and trolley stops! As such, unless you manage to board and get off public transport somewhere other than a “transit station,” it will be impossible to legally carry a knife on public transit. … Continued... Read More

Louisiana SB 194, that includes Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption language, has passed out of the Senate Committee on Judiciary C by a vote of 5-1. Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, was in Baton Rouge to lobby and testified in support of SB 194. Our good friend Dan Zelenka, President of the Louisiana Shooters Association, also testified in support of the bill. Sponsor Senator Blake Miguez has worked hard to move this bill and we appreciate his resolve and efforts. … Continued... Read More

Motions for Summary Judgement have been filed by both sides in Knife Rights’ federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of California’s complete ban on common automatic knives 2-inches and greater that the State prohibits as illegal “switchblades.” The Plaintiffs’ motion sets out the indisputable facts under the standard laid out by the U.S. Supreme Court in New York State Rifle & Pistol Ass’n v. Bruen. These facts include those confirmed by California’s own experts during deposition. … Continued... Read More

Louisiana State Senator Blake Miguez has filed SB 194 that includes Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption. Knife Rights will let you know as soon as it is appropriate to contact your Louisiana lawmakers to support SB 194. We sincerely appreciate our good friend Dan Zelenka, President of the Louisiana Shooters Association, for his relentless efforts in helping us pursue knife law reform in Louisiana. Knife Law Preemption would complete our reform efforts in the Pelican State. … Continued... Read More

The Ninth Circuit announced that it has scheduled oral arguments in June for a rehearing en banc that could overturn the 3-0 panel decision in Teter v. Lopez that Hawaii’s ban on Butterfly Knives is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. That decision was a huge win not just for owners of Butterfly Knives in Hawaii, but for all pro-Second Amendment supporters. It was stayed while Hawaii appealed. Now a larger panel of 11 9th Circuit judges presided over by the chief judge will decide the case. … Continued... Read More

Your emails helped make it happen! The Washington Senate just passed Knife Rights’ bill that would repeal Washington’s ban on “spring blade” (automatic) knives, SB 5860, with a bi-partisan vote of 45-3! We sincerely appreciate our good friend Senator Phil Fortunato for his efforts shepherding this bill through the Senate. We know from speaking to our sponsor that your hundreds of emails over the course of the last month made a huge difference. … Continued... Read More

Mississippi Senator Joseph “Mike” Seymour has introduced SB 2269, a bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state. Co-sponsors are Senators Kevin Blackwell and Charles Younger. Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere within a state. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights has filed a consolidated Opposition & Reply Brief to the Fed’s Motion for Dismissal and Opposition to our Motion for Summary Judgement in our federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of portions of the Federal Switchblade Act. Click to read Plaintiffs’ Consolidated Opposition and Reply Brief Click to read Plaintiff’s Declarations in Support of our Brief In their own consolidated brief, … Continued... Read More

Following up on repeal in 2022 of Virginia’s ban on automatic knives and this year’s repeal of the state’s ban on concealed carry of these same knives, Knife Rights’ good friend Delegate Lee Ware has introduced HB 11 that would remove dirk, bowie [sic] knife, stiletto knife and razor from the list of weapons that cannot be carried concealed. Knife Rights will let you know next year when it is appropriate to contact your Virginia legislators to support HB 11. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights has filed an Amicus (Friend of the Court) Brief with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court in a criminal case involving illegal carry of a switchblade. In Commonwealth v. Canjura the Appellant has challenged the constitutionality under the Second Amendment of Massachusetts’ ban on carry of a switchblade. A decision in favor of the Appellant could strike down the Commonwealth’s ban on carry of switchblades. Click to read the Amicus Brief. … Continued... Read More

While we were at BLADE Show West last week, attorneys for the Appellants filed their response brief opposing Hawaii’s petition to the Ninth Circuit for a rehearing En Banc in an attempt to overturn the recent 3-0 panel decision in Teter v. Lopez that Hawaii’s ban on Butterfly Knives is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. Click to read the Appellants’ Response to Defendants’ Petition for Rehearing and Rehearing En Banc. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights today filed a Motion for Summary Judgment in its federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of portions of the Federal Switchblade Act. A motion for summary judgment asks the court for a judgment on the merits of the case before the trial where there is no dispute of material facts and only a question of law needs to be decided. Knife Rights’ motion sets out the indisputable facts under the standard laid out last year by the U.S. … Continued... Read More

Led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, 17 Attorneys General have filed an amicus (Friend of the Court) brief supporting Hawaii’s petition to the Ninth Circuit for a rehearing En Banc in an attempt to overturn the recent 3-0 panel decision in Teter v. Lopez that Hawaii’s ban on Butterfly Knives is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment. This amicus brief by 17 anti-Second Amendment AGs just adds an exclamation point to how important this knife-related 2A case is in the larger battle for the Second Amendment. … Continued... Read More

Hawaii has petitioned the Ninth Circuit for a rehearing En Banc in an attempt to overturn the recent 3-0 panel decision in Teter v. Lopez that Hawaii’s ban on Butterfly Knives is unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.  As explained in our original post, That was a huge win not just for owners of Butterfly Knives in Hawaii, but for all pro-Second Amendment supporters. Knife Rights filed an important amicus (friend of the court) brief in support of the appellants in that case. … Continued... Read More

Today, a panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit held that Hawaii’s ban on butterfly knives violates the Second Amendment. Knife Rights filed an important amicus (friend of the court) brief in support of the appellants in the case of Teter v. Lopez. In its decision, the Court reversed the district court’s judgment in favor of Hawaii and remanded the case back to the district court “for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.” The Court also denied the appellees’ request to remand the case for further factual or historical development in light of New York State Rifle & … Continued... Read More

Second Amendment Knife Freedom Rings in Philadelphia! In 2014 Knife Rights published a list of the Ten Worst Anti-Knife Cities in America. At that time, New York City was number one, but we fixed New York City’s “gravity knife arrests” problem in 2019, moving Philadelphia up to the number one Worst Anti-Knife City spot. Now Knife Rights has accepted Philadelphia’s offer of judgment in Knife Rights, Inc. v. Outlaw, our federal Second Amendment lawsuit that sought to declare unconstitutional and enjoin Philadelphia’s laws that ban the possession and carry of ANY bladed arms (knives) in public. … Continued... Read More

LegalBlade™ 3.0, the latest iteration of Knife Rights Foundation’s groundbreaking LegalBlade™ Knife Laws in America™ App, is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. As before, LegalBlade™ provides guidance at your fingertips to the knife laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and over 40 cities. Knowledge of the law is the first step in avoiding an unfortunate arrest, loss of your knife or other legal complications. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights Celebrates July 1st Enactment Day for Knife Law Bills in Virginia, Florida and Tennessee. Virginia: Switchblade Concealed Carry Legalized As of July 1st, concealed carry of automatic knives is legal in Virginia. This follows on from our repeal last year of Virginia’s ban on switchblades (automatic) knives that did not include repeal of the ban on concealed carry. NOTE: Dirks, stilettos and daggers remain prohibited from concealed carry in Virginia. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of portions of the Federal Switchblade Act (Title 15 Chapter 29 §1241), originally enacted in 1958, that restricts the introduction into interstate commerce of common automatically opening (“switchblade”) knives. It also challenges the ban on their possession on Native American reservations and in U.S. territories. The definition of a “switchblade knife” includes gravity knives and butterfly knives. Joining Knife Rights in the case are members Russell Arnold and Jeffery Folloder and retailer members RGA Auction Services d.b.a. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights supported Louisiana Constitutional Carry bill, HB 131, which includes knives, was passed by the House by a bipartisan vote of 71-39. All “weapons,” including knives, are covered by the bill. Unfortunately, the bill was amended to exclude adults under the age of 21 and to apply only to residents of the state. Knife Rights opposes the amendment. The age restriction is likely unconstitutional after the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision last year, … Continued... Read More

Anti-Second Amendment forces are trying to repeal Preemption in Ohio. SB 78 is a dangerous bill that if passed would repeal the entirety of Ohio’s preemption law, including Knife Law Preemption which was just enacted last year after six years of Knife Rights’ efforts. The initial Sponsor’s Hearing on the bill was held today before the Senate Veterans and Public Safety Committee. No action was taken. Repeal of knife law preemption would leave millions of knife owners living in and traveling through Ohio vulnerable to the whims of local county, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1311, died in the Senate again this year, once again the victim of Texas politics having nothing to do with our bill or its subject matter. It’s not much solace, but ours was just one of hundreds of bills in both houses of the legislature failed to move as a result of this political infighting and power plays. We thank our bill authors, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights supported Louisiana Constitutional Carry bill, HB 131, which includes knives, was passed by the House by a bipartisan vote of 71-39. All “weapons,” including knives, are covered by the bill. The bill now moves to the Senate. We thank the primary sponsors for ensuring this bill covers all weapons, including knives. We work tirelessly to persuade legislators that Constitutional and Permitless Carry isn’t just about firearms or handguns. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 1311, was passed today by the full House with a unanimous bipartisan vote. We thank our bill sponsors, Representatives Harold Dutton and Ryan Guillen, for their efforts, and all of you who emailed to get this bill out of committee. HB 1311 now moves to the Senate for action. Knife Rights will let you know as soon as it is appropriate to contact your Texas Senators to support HB 1311. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights has filed a federal lawsuit challenging the City of Philadelphia’s ban on “use or possess(ion of) any cutting weapon upon the public streets or upon any public property at any time,” as well as within 100 ft. of any school. Joining Knife Rights in the case are Knife Rights members Keith Fetsurka and Scott Mele. They are represented by attorneys John W. Dillon at the Dillon Law Group and William Sack. Named as defendants are Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw and the City of Philadelphia. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights supported Nebraska Constitutional Carry bill, LB 77 which covers knives and includes Knife Law Preemption, has been signed by Governor Jim Pillen. Gov. Pillen said, “this bill fulfills the promise I made to voters to uphold our Second Amendment rights and the ability of all law-abiding Nebraskans to defend themselves.” NOTE: The new law does not take effect until 90 days after the legislature adjourns. With an expected June 9th adjournment, … Continued... Read More

Since 2013 Knife Rights has worked to Rewrite Knife Law in Tennessee starting with our signature Knife Law Preemption. In 2014 we worked with our legislative friends and Tennessee Sheriffs to repeal the state’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives and carry of knives with blades over 4 inches. Yesterday, Governor Bill Lee signed Knife Rights supported SB 172 that repealed the ban on carry of pocket knives by adults voting on school grounds on an election day. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights supported Florida Permitless Carry bill, HB 543, which includes knives, has been signed by Governor DeSantis. Once in effect, concealed carry in Florida without a permit will no longer be limited to a “pocket knife.” NOTE: Permitless Concealed Carry does not become effective until July 1st. Because there is not yet Knife Law Preemption in Florida, local laws may still limit what knives can be carried and how. … Continued... Read More

Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin yesterday evening signed HB 2298 that removes switchblades from the list of weapons that cannot be carried concealed in the state. NOTE: Repeal does not become effective until July 1st. Until that date, concealed carry of automatic knives remains illegal in Virginia. We sincerely appreciate Delegate Lee Ware for sponsoring this bill. We also must acknowledge the support for this effort from our good friends at the Virginia Citizens Defense League and especially, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights today filed a federal lawsuit challenging California’s complete ban on common automatic knives 2-inches and greater that the State prohibits as illegal “switchblades.” Joining Knife Rights in the case are Knife Rights members James Miller, Garrison Ham, and Eliot Kaagan and knife retailer members North County Shooting Center and Poway Weapons and Gear. They are represented by attorney John W. Dillon at the Dillon Law Group. Named as defendants are California Attorney General Rob Bonta and other government officials. … Continued... Read More

On February 20th, Amazon is ending its Amazon Smile donation program for non-profits that has been a very successful program for the Knife Rights Foundation. Doing so will likely save them millions and, perhaps as important, allow them to donate to programs they prefer and for which donations they can gain more publicity for themselves and their preferred causes. It no doubt annoyed them no end to fund numerous 501(c)(3) organizations which were anathema to their woke culture. … Continued... Read More

North Dakota Representative Claire Cory has introduced HB 1479 that would remove “switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword, dagger, or knife with a blade of five inches [12.7 centimeters] or more” from the definition of a “dangerous weapon.” It would also enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state. Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. … Continued... Read More

Mississippi Senator Joseph “Mike” Seymour has introduced SB 2383, a bill that would enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state. Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights’ criminal justice reform effort that repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere within a state. … Continued... Read More

Our repeal last year of Virginia’s ban on switchblades (automatic) knives did not include repeal of the ban on concealed carry. Our good friend Delegate Lee Ware, who sponsored the first attempt at repealing Virginia’s switchblade ban in 2017 (vetoed by Gov. McAuliffe), has introduced HB 2298 that would remove switchblades from the list of weapons that cannot be carried concealed. Knife Rights will let you know when it is appropriate to contact your Virginia legislators to support HB 2298. … Continued... Read More

Longtime Knife Rights Texas bill sponsor, Representative Harold Dutton, has introduced HB 1311, a bill that would remove two commonly visited places where Location-Restricted Knives (knives over 5 1/2 inches) are banned. Those locations are restaurants and bars that derive 51% of their income from sale or service of alcoholic beverages and amusement parks. Knife Rights will let you know as soon as it is appropriate to contact your Texas lawmakers to support HB 1311. … Continued... Read More

Repeal of Pennsylvania’s ban on possession and carry of Switchblade Knives takes effect today. Manufacture and sale of automatic knives in the state is also now legal. WARNING: Without knife law preemption in Pennsylvania, cities and towns can still prohibit automatic (and other) knives, and many do. To find local knife restrictions go to: https://kniferights.org/how-to-find-local-knife-laws/ or download Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App. WARNING: Concealed carry of an automatic knife “…with the intent therewith unlawfully and maliciously to do injury to any other person…” remains illegal in Pennsylvania. … Continued... Read More

The repeal of restrictions on the carrying of a Bowie knife or a concealed knife in Alabama take effect today with enactment of Constitutional Carry in the state. WARNING: Local jurisdictions may still restrict or ban knives. Knife Rights looks forward to working to enact its signature Knife Law Preemption going forward in Alabama. This would void those restrictions and bans and prevent any being put in place in the future. To find local knife restrictions go to: https://kniferights.org/how-to-find-local-knife-laws/ or download Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App. … Continued... Read More

All of us at Knife Rights would like to wish you and yours a happy, healthy and sharp new year. Our record of 40 bills enacted repealing knife bans in 26 states and over 150 cities and towns since 2010 is proof of our commitment and effectiveness. After a near record 2022, with that significant momentum we are hard at work on our 2023 legislative agenda. With your sustained support, … Continued... Read More

2022 has been a very good year for Knife Rights and our supporters. If you consider your support for Knife Rights as an investment, we are giving you an excellent return on that investment. More on that below. If you are looking to make a tax-deductible donation before year’s end, our 501(c)(3) Knife Rights Foundation could sure use your support as we look forward to another busy year ahead (Click here and select Knife Rights Foundation). … Continued... Read More

Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh has acknowledged in a brief to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit that knives are “arms” covered by the Second Amendment. Unfortunately for him, he tried to use a ban on Bowie knives from the 1800s as an argument that Maryland’s ban on “assault weapons” is legal. It’s an argument that just doesn’t make the cut. As background, when the U.S. Supreme Court recently issued its Bruen opinion upholding the right to carry firearms and setting strict scrutiny as the test, … Continued... Read More

Conforming their bill with the already amended Senate version, the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee has amended A4769 that originally targeted knife (and other tool and sports equipment) carriers with felony level offenses. The amended bill removes the prohibition on “weapons” (which included knives) in an expansive list of “sensitive places” from the bill (click for original alert for full details). This is a huge victory for knife owners in the state. … Continued... Read More

With last week’s repeal of Pennsylvania’s switchblade ban (effective January 2, 2023) we now count 40 bills repealing knife bans signed into law in 26 states since 2010! WOW! When I started Knife Rights in 2006, most folks I spoke with told me I was crazy and there wasn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that I’d ever repeal a knife ban. A few were supportive, even if they had doubts about my sanity. … Continued... Read More

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf today signed House Bill 1929, repealing Pennsylvania’s ban on automatic knives! The repeal is effective on January 2, 2023. Until then possession of automatic knives (except as a curio) remains illegal in Pennsylvania. We still have work to do in Pennsylvania; without knife law preemption, cities and towns can still prohibit automatic (and other) knives, and many do. Download our LegalBlade App 2.0 to find your local knife laws. … Continued... Read More

The New Jersey Senate Law and Public Safety Committee yesterday amended S3214 that originally targeted knife (and other tool and sports equipment) carriers with felony level offenses. The amended bill removes “weapons” (which included knives) from the bill (click for original alert for full details). This is a huge victory for knife owners in the state. The bill is expected to move to another committee and will eventually move to the Senate floor for a vote. … Continued... Read More

House Bill 1929, repealing Pennsylvania’s ban on automatic knives, passed the Senate today unanimously (50-0). The bill previously passed the House 202-1. HB 1929 now moves to Governor Wolf for his action. We will let you know when it is time to take further action. Knife Rights has worked diligently to get HB 1929 through the Senate and onto the Senate floor for final passage since it was voted unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee over a month ago. … Continued... Read More

Felony Level Offense for Simple Knife Carry Carry an otherwise legal pocket knife in New Jersey and become a felon! If you live or work in New Jersey, please email your legislators today: Links at the end of this article. The expected knee-jerk responses by anti-gun rights states and cities to the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent Bruen decision upholding the right to carry “arms” for self-defense continues as New Jersey tries to one-up New York and California. … Continued... Read More

HB 1929, repealing Pennsylvania’s ban on automatic knives, today passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a unanimous vote. The bill previously passed the House 202-1. It now moves to the Senate floor for second consideration. We would especially like to thank Judiciary Committee Chairwoman Lisa Baker, with whom we worked closely, for taking up HB 1929 in her committee and advancing it to the floor of the Senate. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Virginia Switchblade Ban Repeal Bill, SB 758, is effective July 1st, 2022. The possession, carry, sale, purchase and manufacture of automatic (switchblade) knives will be legal in the state. NOTE: The concealed carry knife bans in Virginia, including of switchblade (automatic) knives, will still remain in effect: “If any person carries about his person, hidden from common observation, (i) any dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, … Continued... Read More

New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu on Friday signed Knife Rights supported HB 1178, a bill that prohibits the state from enforcing any federal statute, regulation, or Presidential Executive Order that restricts or regulates the right of the people to keep and bear arms, including, specifically, knives. This is the first such law to be enacted that specifically includes knives. The new law is effective immediately. In a week where the Supreme Court issued an historic opinion on the Second Amendment that affirms constitutional protections for the right to bear arms, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ bill to repeal Louisiana’s ban on the concealed carry of switchblades, HB 463, was signed Thursday by Governor John Edwards. NOTE: The new law does not go into effect until August 1st. Until then, concealed carry of a switchblade (automatic) knife remains illegal in Louisiana. In 2018 Knife Rights was able repeal Louisiana’s complete ban on switchblades,but in order to get it passed we had to compromise by including the restriction that the knife not be “intentionally concealed on one’s person.” Last year, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights is celebrating Thursday’s opinion by the Supreme Court of the United States affirming that the right to bear arms, which includes knives, exists outside the home. Moreover, that the states cannot unreasonably restrict this right to the point of effectively denying it to the majority of law-abiding persons. Knife Rights Chairman Doug Ritter said, “This is a huge win for the Second Amendment community and knife owners. The two pillars upon which Knife Rights stands are “Essential Tools – Essential Rights.” We cannot fully retain the former without the latter. … Continued... Read More

(UPDATE 6/21 with Enactment Date) This morning Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 156, in a ceremony attended by Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner. This bill signing is the culmination of nearly seven years of our efforts in Columbus to eliminate all of Ohio’s terrible knife laws. Gov. DeWine told Todd “that he was happy to sign the bill because it’s good for business and good for Ohio.” … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ bill to repeal Louisiana’s ban on the concealed carry of switchblades, HB 463, was passed unanimously by the Senate. It  previously passed the full House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 92-2. It now heads to Governor John Edwards for his action. Knife Rights sincerely appreciates the efforts of Dan Zelenka, President of the Louisiana Shooters Association, for his support of our legislative agenda in Louisiana. In 2018 Knife Rights was able repeal Louisiana’s complete ban on switchblades,but in order to get it passed we had to compromise by including the restriction that the knife not be “intentionally concealed on one’s person.” Last year, … Continued... Read More

The Ohio House yesterday passed Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill SB 156. A clarifying technical amendment was made to the bill in committee, so it also required a concurrence vote by the Senate, which concurred late yesterday. SB156 is the culmination of six years of work in Ohio and it is now on its way to Governor Mike DeWine for action. Use Knife Rights Legislative Action Center to ask Gov. … Continued... Read More

In Missouri a bill to enact firearms and weapons law reforms, HB1462, has passed the Senate Governmental Accountability and Fiscal Oversight Committee including further legalization regarding the possession of switchblade (automatic) knives. When Knife Rights worked to enact SB489 in 2012, repealing Missouri’s total ban on switchblades, we had to compromise and instead of a clean repeal, it was with the proviso that switchblades were prohibited if “in violation of federal law.” … Continued... Read More

HB 1929, a bill to repeal Pennsylvania’s ban on automatic knives, passed the House by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 202-1. Congratulations to our good friend sponsor Representative Martin Causer for his efforts that got this bill through the House with nearly unanimous bipartisan support. Knife Rights was pleased to be able to work with Rep. Causer as part of our comprehensive plan to see important criminal justice and knife law reform enacted in Pennsylvania. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ supported language in Georgia SB 319, that would enact Constitutional Carry in the Peach State, has been passed and is off to the Governor for his action. Governor Kemp has said he would sign a Constitutional Carry bill if passed. He is expected to sign the bill post haste, which would make Georgia the 25th state with Constitutional Carry. SB 319 would eliminate the existing 12-inch limit on carry of knives without a concealed carry permit. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ bill to repeal Louisiana’s ban on the concealed carry of switchblades, HB 463 ,was passed by the full House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 92-2. It now moves to the Senate. We will let you know when it is time to contact legislators in support of HB 463. In 2018 Knife Rights was able repeal Louisiana’s complete ban on switchblades,but in order to get it passed we had to compromise by including the restriction that the knife not be “intentionally concealed on one’s person.” Last year, … Continued... Read More

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed Knife Rights supported HB 272, a bill enacting Constitutional Carry in the state. Restrictions on the carrying of a Bowie knife or a concealed knife in Alabama are repealed. Knife Rights deeply appreciates sponsor Representative Shane Singer’s including these knife ban repeals in this bill. Congratulations to Rep. Stringer and his 36 co-sponsors for their success in getting this bill enacted. NOTE: Constitutional Carry and repeal of these knife bans does not go into effect until January 1, … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Virginia Switchblade Ban Repeal Bill, SB 758, that passed with broad bipartisan support, has been signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin. We sincerely appreciate Gov. Youngkin signing this bill after nearly 5 years of effort to repeal the ban. NOTE: Repeal does not become effective until July 1st. Until that date, possession of automatic knives remains illegal in Virginia. NOTE: The concealed carry knife bans in Virginia, … Continued... Read More

Pennsylvania Senator Sharif Street has introduced SB 1013, Knife Rights’ bill to repeal the Keystone State’s ban on switchblade (automatic) knives and enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemptionn. This is a complimentary bill to the previously filed HB 1929 in the House. Co-sponsors at filing are Senators Maria Collett and Wayne Fontana. Knife Rights will let you know when it is time to contact your legislators to support SB 1013 and HB 1929. … Continued... Read More

More Firearms Owners ID Act Repeal bills have been introduced in Illinois. These are identical to bills previously filed in the 2021-2022 session. The Prairie State allows multiple identical bills. Knife Rights supports these bills that would do away with the Illinois FOID card, including repealing the requirement that a person needs a FOID card in order to possess a switchblade (automatic) knife in the state. When Knife Rights repealed Illinois’ total ban on switchblades in 2017, … Continued... Read More

A number of identical bills have been filed in Virginia to repeal the state’s ban on carry of “dangerous weapons,” including a “bowie” [sic] knife or dagger, “without good and sufficient reason” in a place of worship (§18.2-283). As we have in previous sessions, Knife Rights supports these efforts to allow persons to carry whatever knife they want, whether as a simple tool or for self-defense. Knife Rights will let you know when it is time to contact your legislators to repeal of this irrational ban in Virginia. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ bill to repeal Washington’s civilian ban on “spring blade” (automatic) knives, HB 1224, has been reintroduced. In 2012 the law was changed to allow civilian possession and carry of assisted-opening knives and the manufacture and distribution of automatic knives and expanded possession and carry to first responders and military members. For the past decade we have worked to eliminate the remaining ban on “spring blade” knives, getting very close on occasion, … Continued... Read More

Alabama’s Constitutional Carry bill is now in effect, including repeal of restrictions on the carrying of a Bowie knife or a concealed knife. WARNING: Local jurisdictions may still restrict or ban knives. Knife Rights looks forward to working to enact its signature Knife Law Preemption going forward in Alabama. This would void those restrictions and bans and prevent any being put in place in the future. To find local knife restrictions go to: https://kniferights.org/how-to-find-local-knife-laws/ or download Knife Rights’ LegalBlade App. … Continued... Read More

By a vote of 55 to 36 the Ohio House passed Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 243. Passage came only hours after HB 243 passed out of the Government Oversight Committee by a vote of 8 to 4 after five hearings! The Senate previously passed their version of this bill, SB 156. We’d like to congratulate HB 243 sponsor Rep. Al Cutrona on passage of this bill. We sincerely appreciate all the effort he’s put in getting the job done. … Continued... Read More

Last week, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) heard oral argument in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. This case involves New York’s “may issue” permitting system, a de facto ban on carrying a firearm outside the home for self-defense. Knife Rights Foundation signed on to an Amicus Curiae (Friend of the Court) brief supporting the plaintiff, NYSRPA. While the case obviously involves firearms, … Continued... Read More

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has vetoed our bipartisan Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, that would have enacted Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in the state. Strongly supported by both parties, enactment of the Michigan Knife Rights Act would have protected millions of Michiganders from harassment by police for carrying simple tools they use every day for work. Whitmer’s veto is evidence that she does not care about needless interactions between Michigan residents and law enforcement. … Continued... Read More

With a bipartisan vote of 66 – 38, the Michigan House voted final passage of our Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, that was passed by the Senate last week. This is Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption bill. Once the bill is enrolled, it will pass to the Governor for action. As soon as the bill makes it over to Governor Whitmer’s office we will ask you to contact the Governor using Knife Rights’ … Continued... Read More

The Ohio Senate has passed Knife Rights’ Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 156, by a vote of 23-7. It now moves to the House where a companion bill, HB 243, is awaiting a vote by the House Government Oversight Committee, expected shortly. SB 156 Sponsor Senator Kristina Roegner said, “Ohioans carrying knives, whether for work or self-defense, face a confusing and impossible to follow patchwork of local ordinances. Currently, what is legal to carry and possess in one town may be a serious crime to possess in another. … Continued... Read More

Thanks for your generous support! The 2021 Ultimate Steel Spectacular is CLOSED. Winners in both the Tail End Bonus Drawing and Main Drawing will be drawn digitally the week of Oct. 4. Then we will begin the process of contacting each winner individually in the order they were drawn so that they can select their prize. Winners each have up to 48 hours to make their selection, so this can take weeks or months.Thanks for your patience as we complete the process. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ good friend Representative Martin Causer today introduced HB 1929, a bill to repeal Pennsylvania’s ban on automatic knives. Rep. Causer is working with Knife Rights to move this bill forward as part of our comprehensive plan to see important criminal justice and knife law reform enacted in Pennsylvania. Knife Rights will let you know when it is time to contact your legislators to support HB 1929. Knife Rights is America’s grassroots knife owners’ organization; … Continued... Read More

Louisiana HB 124, providing for the concealed carry of any “instrumentality customarily used or intended for use as a dangerous weapon” as long as the carrier has a concealed handgun permit, takes effect on today, August 1, 2021. This includes knives, except, unfortunately, switchblades. In 2018 Knife Rights was able repeal Louisiana’s complete ban on switchblades,but in order to get it passed we had to compromise by including the restriction that the knife not be “intentionally concealed on one’s person.” … Continued... Read More

10 Years Ago Wall Street Journal Article Ignited Knife Owners' Civil Rights Movement July 25, 2016: Knife Rights was born ten years ago today after I read an outrageous and highly inflammatory article headlining the Wall Street Journal, entitled "How New, Deadly Pocketknives Became a $1 Billion Business" demonizing so-called "tactical knives." A discredit to the Journal, the overwrought and sensationalist article was filled with distortions, misrepresentations, innuendo, outright lies and cherry-picked quotes pushing a transparent rabid anti-weapon and anti-freedom agenda. But, the story didn't quite spark the anti-knife response the reporter probably hoped for -- in fact, it had precisely the opposite effect. Reading that article I became incensed at the blatant, misguided attack on our everyday tools. I realized that there was no NRA for knife owners. There was no aggressive, proactive grassroots organization working to stop the U.S. from sinking into the anti-knife, anti-freedom pit that already exists in Europe and the U.K. That article ignited a new civil rights movement. Over the past decade Knife Rights has literally rewritten knife law in America. More knives and more freedom couldn't have been further from his objective, but that's exactly what he got. Thank you, Wall Street Journal.... Read More

Knife Rights Foundation has joined with FPC American Victory Fund and a number of state Second Amendment advocacy groups submitting an Amicus Curie (Friend of the Court) brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in a critical Second Amendment case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. This is the first Second Amendment case to be heard by SCOTUS in over a decade. Both that case, … Continued... Read More

In a 6-3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled on July 1, 2021 that a California law requiring nonprofits to reveal the names of their major donors to the government is “facially unconstitutional.” Had that decision gone the other way, Knife Rights could have been compelled to release the names of its major donors to the state. Knife Rights supported the efforts to void California’s new law that may have exposed its donors to potential harassment and impacted our ability to raise funds. … Continued... Read More

Louisiana HB 124, supported by Knife Rights, has been signed by Governor Edwards, providing for the carry of any “instrumentality customarily used or intended for use as a dangerous weapon” as long as the carrier has a concealed handgun permit. This would include knives, except, unfortunately, switchblades. The law does not go into effect until August 1, 2021. In 2018 Knife Rights was able repeal Louisiana’s complete ban on switchblades,but in order to get it passed we had to compromise by including the restriction that the knife not be “intentionally concealed on one’s person.” … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, was passed today by the House with a bipartisan vote of 69-41. HB 4066 is Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law preemption bill. The bill will now move to the Senate. We’d like to express our thanks to our bipartisan sponsors, Representatives Andrew Fink, John Reilly, Steve Johnson, Steve Carra, Joseph Bellino, Brad Paquette, John Damoose, Beau LaFave, Gregory Markkanen, Matthew Maddock, Luke Meerman, … Continued... Read More

The first hearing on Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Preemption bill, HB 243, was held Thursday, June 17. The Government Oversight Committee sponsor’s hearing is the first of three hearings to be held on this bill. Sponsor Representative Al Cutrona introduced the bill and answered questions from committee members. Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, had been in Ohio the week prior lobbying for this bill and its companion Senate bill, … Continued... Read More

If you are a Texas resident, use Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to urge members of the Texas Senate Committee on State Affairs to push for a vote on HB 956. Time is running out. Every indication is we have the BIPARTISAN votes needed to pass the bill in Committee and on the floor of the Senate, but the bill is stalled. Governor Abbott has indicated he would sign the bill. The Chairman has not allowed a vote to be held. … Continued... Read More

We are very happy to announce that the Texas Knife Lockdown bill, HB 4415, has, for all practical purposes, died without a committee vote. All normal deadlines to move the bill have passed. To paraphrase, stick a knife in it, it’s done! This ill-conceived bill would have required broadly defined “retail establishments” in Texas, including knifemakers at knife shows, to only display knives “in a locked transparent case accessible only with the assistance of an employee of the establishment.” … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, was passed out of the House Local Government and Municipal Finance Committee by a vote of 8-5. HB 4066 is Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption bill for Michigan. The bill will now be eligible for a vote by the full House. Knife Rights will let you know when it is time to contact your legislators to support HB 4066. Knife Law Preemption is a Knife Rights criminal justice reform effort that nullifies existing ordinances and prevents new local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. … Continued... Read More

Knife Rights’ bipartisan Texas Knife Law Reform Bill, HB 956, was passed by the Texas House of Representatives today by a vote of  142 to 2. It now moves to the Senate for their consideration. Thanks to all our Texas members and supporters who used Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to email their Representatives to support this bill. HB 956 would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives (having blades over 5 1/2 inches) are banned, … Continued... Read More

At the SB 140 Enactment Celebration held at Rick Hinderer Knives on Tuesday, Ohio Senator Kristina Roegner, that bill’s sponsor, announced the filing of her Senate Knife Law Preemption bill, SB 156. This is a companion bill to HB 243, filed in the House by Representative Al Cutrona. These bills follow on SB 140 because, unfortunately, without knife law preemption, numerous cities and towns in Ohio are still able to ban many knives that are perfectly legal under Ohio’s statutes. … Continued... Read More

On Tuesday, April 13, at the Rick Hinderer Knives factory in Shreve, Ohio, before a gathering of legislators and other advocates who helped make it happen, Rick assembled a prototype of his first automatic (switchblade) knife that is now legal to manufacture in Ohio with the enactment the day before of SB 140, Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Reform bill. Rick Hinderer thanked the assembled legislators, Knife Rights and other advocates, … Continued... Read More

STOP the Texas Knife Lockdown! Texas HB 4415 would require “retail establishments” to display ALL knives “in a locked transparent case accessible only with the assistance of an employee of the establishment.” A committee hearing was held yesterday with emotional testimony from the family of a young man tragically murdered in a Corpus Christi Walmart last year. Knife Rights representatives and friends provided testimony in opposition to this well-intentioned, but ill-conceived and draconian bill. … Continued... Read More

Today, April 12, is the enactment date for SB 140, Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Reform bill. Effective today Ohio knife law is changed in the following manner: 1. The ban on manufacture and sale of “switchblade,” “spring blade” and “gravity” knives is repealed. Possession and open carry has always been legal and concealed carry was legal except for the jeopardy inherent in the extreme vagueness of Ohio’s concealed “deadly weapon” … Continued... Read More

The Texas House Criminal Jurisprudence Committee held a hearing yesterday for HB 956 that would remove from statute a number of places where Location-Restricted Knives (having blades over 5 1/2 inches) are banned. Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, Todd Rathner, gave testimony on the bill at the hearing (photo below). This bill hearing and vote came about only after Todd spent weeks lobbying in Austin to gain support for the bill and to get the bill scheduled for a hearing. … Continued... Read More

Ohio Representative Al Cutrona has introduced HB 243 to enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Ohio. This bill follows on Gov. DeWine’s signing of Knife Rights’ Ohio Knife Law Reform bill, SB 140, earlier this year. Those reforms become law on April 12th. Unfortunately, without knife law preemption, numerous cities and towns in Ohio are still able to ban many knives that are perfectly legal under Ohio’s statutes. … Continued... Read More

A Louisiana bill, HB 124, has been prefiled that would allow carry of any “instrumentality customarily used or intended for use as a dangerous weapon” as long as the carrier has a concealed handgun permit. This would include all knives. In 2018 Knife Rights was able repeal Louisiana’s complete ban on switchblades, but in order to get it passed we had to compromise by including the restriction that the knife not be “intentionally concealed on one’s person.” … Continued... Read More

A Texas bill, HB 4415, has been introduced that would require “retail establishments” to display knives “in a locked transparent case accessible only with the assistance of an employee of the establishment.” For purposes of this bill,”knife” is very broadly defined as “any bladed hand instrument that is capable of inflicting serious bodily injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person with the instrument.” “Retail establishment” is also very broadly defined as “a place of business open to the general public for the sale of goods or services.” … Continued... Read More

Two companion bills have been introduced in the Texas Senate and House, SB 18 and HB 2249, that would restrict the powers of state and local government to infringe on constitutional rights during declared emergencies. Among others whose rights would be protected, it would shield businesses which engage in the knife trade, as well as knife owners, from interference by the government at such times. In addition, two more bills with this Knife Rights-supported language have been filed. … Continued... Read More

Unfortunately, despite thousands of emails sent via Knife Rights’ Legislative Action Center to Chairman Hansen and committee members, the clock has run out on the bipartisan Washington “Spring Blade” Ban Repeal bill, HB 1224. The House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee didn’t hear the bill before deadline on Feb. 15th and as a result it is dead for this year. This means that Washingtonians must still live with an archaic ban making possession of simple automatic knives illegal while the residents of 44 other states have no such burden, … Continued... Read More

Despite a 90-degree temperature swing from his home base to -20F (not including wind chill), Todd Rathner, Knife Rights Director of Legislative Affairs, was in North Dakota on Monday to testify and lobby in support of HB 1339, a bill to remove “switchblade, gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword [and] dagger” from the list of “dangerous weapons” that may not be carried concealed without a concealed weapon license. Knife Rights will always show up, … Continued... Read More

Minnesota State Senator Paul Utke and Representatives Cal Bahr, Tim Miller, John Poston, Erik Mortensen, Eric Lucero and Donald Raleigh have introduced, respectively, SF 1026 and HF 824, Constitutional Amendment bills “providing for the right of the people to acquire, keep, possess, transport,​carry, transfer, and use arms including firearms, knives, or any other weapons and​ ammunition, components, and accessories for these arms.” Knife Rights appreciates our friends in Minnesota including knives in this proposed amendment. … Continued... Read More

Longtime Knife Rights friend Vermont Representative Patrick Brennan has filed H.254 to enact Knife Rights’ signature Knife Law Preemption in Vermont. The bill simply adds “knives” to the existing Vermont firearms preemption statute. Knife Law Preemption repeals and prevents local ordinances more restrictive than state law which only serve to confuse or entrap law-abiding citizens traveling within or through the state. Preemption ensures citizens can expect consistent enforcement of state knife laws everywhere in a state. … Continued... Read More

Longtime Knife Rights friend Vermont Representative Patrick Brennan has filed H.201 that would repeal the state’s ban on switchblade knives three inches or more in length. Switchblades (automatic knives) with a blade 3 inches or more in length are the only knives outlawed in Vermont. Vermont has Constitutional (Permitless) Carry so, you can carry any legal firearm open or concealed and you can carry any knife open or concealed except a switchblade with a blade 3 inches or longer. … Continued... Read More

The Michigan Knife Rights Act, HB 4066, Knife Rights’ signature knife law preemption bill, has been re-introduced. Last year the Act was passed by the House with a bipartisan vote of 71-36, but was never moved in the Senate due to the pandemic stopping most legislation from proceeding. Sponsors include author Rep. Steven Johnson, who has previously led the effort on this bill, as well as Representatives Andrew Fink, John Reilly, … Continued... Read More

An Illinois bill to repeal the Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) Card Act, HB 150, has been introduced by Representative Joe Sosnowski. This is identical to HB 4067 that did not get a vote last year. Repeal would be a plus for those wishing to possess an automatic knife in Illinois. As background, when we got the state’s total switchblade ban repealed in 2017, we had to compromise to require a FOID card in order to possess an automatic knife (as opposed to requiring a CCW, … Continued... Read More

A North Dakota bill to remove “switchblade, gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword [and] dagger” from the list of “dangerous weapons” that may not be carried concealed without a concealed weapon license, HB 1339, has been introduced. The bill retains the under 5-inch limit for concealed carry of any knife without a CWL. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Luke Simons, Rick Becker, Cole Christensen, Sebastian Ertelt, Jeff Hoverson, Terry Jones, … Continued... Read More

A bipartisan “Spring Blade” Ban Repeal bill, HB 1224, has been introduced by Washington State Representatives Kelly Chambers and Mike Chapman. HB 1224 would repeal the ban on sales and civilian possession of “spring blade” knives, as well as specifically exclude them from the definition of “dangerous weapon.” HB 1224 is identical to the bill that passed the Senate last year, but which never received a floor vote in the House before time expired. … Continued... Read More