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” changes are themselves a big win from a practical perspective, we won’t stop until we eliminate all bans in the state.
Governor Meyer said, “When used properly, knives are essential tools for hunting, fishing, camping, and other outdoor sporting events and activities. SB 108 is a common‑sense update, modernizing Delaware’s knife laws, so citizens gain the freedom to carry and use these tools responsibly without fear of legal penalty. Together, with advocates and lawmakers, we’re making our laws smarter, fairer, and more reflective of real life.”
Knife Rights has led the effort to repeal switchblade bans or restrictions in 21 states, starting with New Hampshire in 2010. Repeals have since been enacted in Alaska, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and now Delaware.
This leaves only three states where civilian possession of automatic (switchblade) knives remain, New Mexico, Minnesota and Washington. Knife Rights is challenging Minnesota’s ban in Federal Court. Washington is in the Ninth Circuit where our Federal lawsuit against California’s partial ban is proceeding on appeal. A win there would apply to Washington’s ban.
Since 2010 Knife Rights’ efforts have resulted in 57 bills & court decisions repealing knife bans & protecting knife owners in 36 states and over 200 cities and towns! Knife Rights is America’s grassroots knife owners’ organization; leading the fight to Rewrite Knife Law in America™ and forging a Sharper Future for all Americans™.
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