An Expert Analysis of Ohio Knife Laws

Introduction

Ohio’s regulations concerning knives and other edged weapons are often perceived as intricate, necessitating a thorough understanding for individuals seeking to remain within the bounds of the law and ensure their safety. The legal landscape surrounding these implements has undergone notable transformations in recent years, particularly with the enactment of new legislation. This report aims to provide a comprehensive and expert-level analysis of Ohio’s knife laws, drawing upon current state statutes and their interpretations to clarify ownership, carry, restrictions, and potential legal ramifications. By examining the definitions of key legal terms, the permissibility of various knife types, the nuances of open and concealed carry, location-specific regulations, recent legislative changes, and the associated penalties for violations, this analysis seeks to serve as an authoritative resource for navigating the complexities of Ohio knife laws.

Defining Key Legal Terms

“Deadly Weapon” (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.11(A))

The Ohio Revised Code defines a “deadly weapon” within its weapons control statutes. According to Section 2923.11(A), a deadly weapon encompasses “any instrument, device, or thing capable of inflicting death, and designed or specially adapted for use as a weapon, or possessed, carried, or used as a weapon”. This definition establishes three distinct criteria under which an object, including a knife, can be classified as a deadly weapon. First, any item with the inherent capability to cause death falls under this definition. Second, instruments specifically designed or modified for use as a weapon are considered deadly weapons. Finally, an object can be deemed a deadly weapon if it is possessed, carried, or used as a weapon, regardless of its original design or primary purpose.

It is crucial to recognize that under Ohio law, a knife is not automatically presumed to be a deadly weapon simply by its nature. The determination of whether a knife meets the legal definition of a deadly weapon often depends on the specific context, including the type of knife and the circumstances surrounding its possession or use. The Ohio Supreme Court case State v. Cathel (713 N.E.2d 52 (1998)) affirmed that the prosecution bears the burden of proving beyond a reasonable doubt that a knife meets one of the three prongs of the statutory definition to be considered a deadly weapon in a particular instance. This legal precedent underscores the importance of intent and use in interpreting Ohio’s knife laws.

“Dangerous Ordnance” (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.11(K))

The Ohio Revised Code also defines “dangerous ordnance,” a category that includes certain types of knives subject to more stringent regulations. Section 2923.11(K) lists several items considered dangerous ordnance, including “any automatic or sawed-off firearm, zip-gun, or ballistic knife”. Of particular relevance to knife laws is the explicit inclusion of ballistic knives in this definition. A ballistic knife is defined as “a knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism”. The classification of ballistic knives as dangerous ordnance signifies a legislative determination that these knives pose a heightened risk due to their design and potential for rapid deployment as weapons. Consequently, the regulations surrounding the possession, carry, and sale of dangerous ordnance, including ballistic knives, are generally more restrictive than those applicable to other knives that might fall under the broader definition of a “deadly weapon.”

Legality of Knife Ownership and Sale

Generally, Ohio law permits the ownership and possession of most types of knives. This broad allowance includes common knives such as pocket knives, utility knives, hunting knives, folding knives, and fixed blade knives. Even specialty knives like Bowie knives, dirks, and balisongs are typically legal to own.

Automatic Knives (Switchblades, Springblades, Gravity Knives)

A significant development in Ohio’s knife laws occurred with the enactment of Senate Bill 140, which took effect in April 2021. This legislation repealed the previous statewide ban on the manufacture and sale of automatically opening pocket or folding knives, commonly known as switchblades, spring blades, and gravity knives. As a result, these types of knives are now legal to own and can be used for various purposes, including utility tasks. This legislative change reflects a broader trend towards recognizing these knives as potentially legitimate tools rather than inherently dangerous weapons, aligning Ohio’s regulations more closely with those in many other states.

Prohibited Knives

While Ohio law is generally permissive regarding knife ownership, there is a notable exception for ballistic knives. These knives, characterized by their detachable blades that can be ejected through a spring-operated mechanism, are generally prohibited from manufacture, possession, sale, or furnishing. This prohibition stems from their classification as “dangerous ordnance” under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.11(K). Although switchblades, spring blades, and gravity knives were previously listed alongside ballistic knives in § 2923.20 as prohibited for manufacture, sale, or furnishing, Senate Bill 140 removed this restriction. The continued prohibition of ballistic knives, while other automatic knives are now legal, suggests a specific legislative concern regarding the unique mechanism and potential for rapid, concealed deployment associated with ballistic knives.

Open Carry of Knives in Ohio

Ohio law generally permits the open carry of most types of legal knives. This means that individuals can carry knives visibly on their person without fear of legal repercussions in most circumstances. This approach aligns with the state’s general stance that visible carry implies a lack of intent to conceal for unlawful purposes. For a knife to be considered openly carried, the entire knife does not necessarily need to be in plain sight. Legal interpretations suggest that if any portion of the knife is visible to ordinary observers, it is considered unconcealed and thus falls under the purview of open carry. However, even when carrying a knife openly, it is unlawful to use it in a manner intended to scare or intimidate other people. Furthermore, this general permission for open carry does not extend to knives classified as illegal under Ohio law, such as ballistic knives. The permissibility of open carry for most knives in Ohio indicates a legislative balance between the right to possess and carry such tools and the need to maintain public safety.

Concealed Carry of Knives in Ohio

The legal landscape for carrying concealed knives in Ohio has become significantly more permissive following the enactment of Senate Bill 140 in 2021. Previously, the concealed carry of any “deadly weapon other than a handgun” was prohibited under Ohio law. However, Senate Bill 140 amended Ohio Revised Code § 2923.12 by adding subsection (H), which explicitly states that “deadly weapon” or “weapon” does not include any knife, razor, or cutting instrument if the instrument was not used as a weapon. This crucial change means that the concealed carry of a knife is generally legal in Ohio, provided that the individual is not carrying the knife with the intention of using it as a weapon against another person.

A key exception to this general permissibility is ballistic knives, which, due to their classification as “dangerous ordinance,” remain illegal to carry concealed. While the law now focuses on the intended use of the knife, some legal interpretations suggest that certain types of knives, such as stilettos, switchblades, butterfly knives, and gravity knives, could still be viewed as “deadly weapons by nature” if the circumstances indicate an intent to use them as such. However, the primary determinant for the legality of concealed carry for most knives is whether the individual intends to use the knife as a weapon. This emphasis on intent introduces a degree of subjectivity into the interpretation of the law, requiring individuals to be mindful of the reasons for carrying a concealed knife and how their actions might be perceived by law enforcement.

Restrictions on Specific Knife Types

• A. Ballistic Knives: As previously discussed, ballistic knives are subject to the strictest regulations in Ohio. They are classified as “dangerous ordnance,” making their manufacture, possession, sale, furnishing, and carrying (both open and concealed) generally illegal.
• B. Switchblades, Springblades, Gravity Knives: Following the passage of Senate Bill 140, these automatic knives are now legal to own, manufacture, sell, and carry in Ohio. The key stipulation is that they must not be used as weapons. This change removed them from the list of prohibited items under Ohio Revised Code § 2923.20.
• C. Other Knives (Dirks, Daggers, Butterfly Knives, Stilettos): While generally legal to own and open carry, the concealed carry of these knives might be subject to greater scrutiny depending on the circumstances and the perceived intent of the carrier. If these knives are carried with the clear intention of being used as weapons, they could potentially be classified as “deadly weapons,” thus affecting the legality of their concealed carry. The law emphasizes the purpose of possession, suggesting that carrying such knives for legitimate tool purposes would likely be permissible, whereas carrying them primarily for self-defense or with aggressive intent could lead to legal issues.

The legal framework in Ohio regarding specific knife types largely hinges on the distinction between knives as tools and knives as weapons, with the exception of the outright prohibition of ballistic knives. This requires individuals to be aware of both the design characteristics of their knives and the context in which they are carried.

Local Ordinances and Preemption

Ohio has established a statewide preemption law, codified in Ohio Revised Code § 9.68, which limits the authority of local jurisdictions to enact ordinances regulating firearms and knives that are more restrictive than state law.¹² This law aims to ensure uniformity in regulations across the state, preventing a potentially confusing patchwork of local rules. The scope of this preemption was explicitly expanded in 2022 with the passage of Senate Bill 156, which specifically included knives within the definition of “arms” that are subject to state regulatory authority. This means that local political subdivisions are generally prohibited from creating or enforcing ordinances that would inhibit a person’s ability to own, possess, purchase, acquire, transport, store, carry, sell, transfer, manufacture, or keep any knife, whether carried openly or concealed, as long as it is permitted under state law.

Despite this statewide preemption, some historical local ordinances concerning knives might still exist in municipal codes or could potentially be subject to legal challenges to determine their validity under the current state law. For example, the city of Akron has an ordinance (§ 137.31) that prohibits carrying a knife with a blade length of two and one-half inches or longer without proper justification. Similarly, Cleveland’s ordinances (§ 627.11) prohibit the knowing possession of a knife with a blade of the same length at or about a public place. Given the current state preemption law, these types of local restrictions are likely to be unenforceable as they are more restrictive than the general permissions granted under state law for the open and concealed carry of most knives. While some sources mention potential local restrictions in cities like Columbus and Rocky River , specific details were not available in the provided research material. The enactment of the preemption law signifies a move towards a more consistent and less fragmented approach to knife regulation throughout Ohio.

Knife Laws in Specific Locations

School Safety Zones (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122)

Ohio law imposes strict regulations on the possession of deadly weapons and dangerous ordnance within school safety zones. Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122 prohibits any person from knowingly conveying or possessing a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance in such zones, which include school buildings, school premises, school activities, and school buses. In this context, a knife can be considered a deadly weapon if it meets the definition outlined in § 2923.11(A). There are specific exceptions to this prohibition for law enforcement officers, authorized school security officers, and individuals who have received written authorization from the school board or governing body. Additionally, the possession of any object that is indistinguishable from a firearm is also prohibited in school safety zones. Violations of this section can result in felony charges, underscoring the state’s commitment to maintaining safe and weapon-free environments for students and school personnel.

Courthouses (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.123)

Similar to school safety zones, Ohio law also restricts the possession of deadly weapons and dangerous ordnance in courthouses and other buildings where courtrooms are located. Ohio Revised Code § 2923.123 prohibits the knowing conveyance, attempted conveyance, possession, or control of any such items in these locations. As with schools, knives meeting the definition of a deadly weapon under § 2923.11(A) are included in this restriction. Exceptions to this law exist for peace officers, prosecutors, and individuals who are conveying or possessing a deadly weapon or dangerous ordinance for use as evidence in a pending legal case. Courthouse security measures often include screening procedures, and all knives are generally prohibited to ensure the safety and order of judicial proceedings. Violations of this statute can also lead to felony charges.

Other Restricted Locations:

Beyond schools and courthouses, other locations in Ohio may have restrictions on the possession of knives. Some sources mention government buildings and airports as areas where knife possession might be prohibited or regulated. However, specific state statutes detailing these restrictions were not readily available in the provided snippets. It is also important to note that private property owners have the right to prohibit weapons, including knives, on their premises. Individuals are responsible for being aware of and complying with any such restrictions in these and other specific locations.

Recent Changes and Updates to Ohio Knife Laws

• A. Senate Bill 140 (Effective April 12, 2021): This bill brought about significant changes to Ohio’s knife laws. It repealed the statewide ban on the manufacture and sale of automatic knives, including switchblades, spring blades, and gravity knives, making their ownership and use legal. Additionally, it clarified the definition of “deadly weapon” in the context of concealed carry, stating that a knife, razor, or cutting instrument not used as a weapon is not considered a deadly weapon. These changes generally liberalized knife laws in Ohio, providing greater freedom for individuals to own and carry various types of knives.
• B. Senate Bill 156 (Effective September 13, 2022): This legislation established “knife preemption” in Ohio by including knives under the state’s existing firearm preemption statute (Ohio Revised Code § 9.68). This prohibits local jurisdictions from enacting knife ordinances that are more restrictive than state law, aiming to create uniformity across the state. The bill also clarified that the constitutional right to bear arms in Ohio includes knives.
• C. Recent Developments (2023-2025): Senate Bill 58, signed into law on January 8, 2025, prohibits the imposition of fees for the possession of knives. Other recent legislative activity, such as House Bills 37 and 56 (effective October 24, 2024) and Senate Bill 156 from the 136th General Assembly (introduced March 25, 2025), did not introduce changes to Ohio’s knife laws as indicated by the provided research material.

The recent legislative trend in Ohio has been towards a deregulation of knife laws, granting more freedom to knife owners and ensuring consistent application of these laws statewide through preemption.

Penalties for Violating Ohio Knife Laws

• A. Carrying Concealed Weapons (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.12): Generally, violating this section by carrying a concealed deadly weapon (which could include a knife used as a weapon) is a misdemeanor of the first degree. However, the penalty can escalate to a felony of the fourth degree if the offender has a prior conviction for this or a violent offense, or if the weapon is a loaded firearm or dangerous ordinance. Committing this offense aboard an aircraft can result in a felony of the third degree. If the concealed weapon is a handgun and the individual possesses a valid concealed handgun license, less severe penalties apply if the license is presented promptly.
• B. Illegal Conveyance or Possession in a School Safety Zone (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.122): Violations of this statute are typically a felony of the fifth degree, but can be elevated to a felony of the fourth degree for repeat offenders.
• C. Illegal Conveyance or Possession in a Courthouse (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.123): Similar to school safety zones, these violations are generally a felony of the fifth degree, with the possibility of becoming a felony of the fourth degree for those with prior convictions.
• D. Unlawful Transactions in Weapons (Ohio Revised Code § 2923.20): Manufacturing, possessing for sale, selling, or furnishing ballistic knives, classified as dangerous ordnance, likely constitutes a felony of the fourth degree. Prior to the 2021 amendments, similar actions involving switchblades, spring blades, or gravity knives were misdemeanors of the second degree.
• E. Negligent Homicide/Assault with a Deadly Weapon (Akron Ordinance § 135.01, § 135.04): Local ordinances, such as those in Akron, may specify penalties for crimes like negligent homicide or assault committed through the use of a deadly weapon, which could include a knife. Negligent homicide in Akron using a deadly weapon is a misdemeanor of the first degree.

Penalties for knife-related offenses in Ohio vary significantly based on the specific law violated and the circumstances surrounding the violation. Offenses involving dangerous ordnance or occurring in sensitive locations like schools and courthouses generally carry more severe penalties.

Conclusion

Ohio’s knife laws present a nuanced landscape, characterized by a broad allowance for ownership and carry, tempered by specific restrictions and considerations of intent. While most types of knives are legal to own and can be carried openly or concealed, the crucial factor determining the legality of concealed carry is whether the knife is intended to be used as a weapon. Ballistic knives remain a notable exception, facing a general prohibition due to their classification as dangerous ordnance. Sensitive locations such as school safety zones and courthouses have strict prohibitions on the possession of deadly weapons, including knives that meet the statutory definition. Recent legislative changes, particularly Senate Bills 140 and 156, have moved towards deregulation and the establishment of statewide uniformity through preemption, granting greater freedom to knife owners and limiting the authority of local jurisdictions to impose stricter regulations. Despite this trend, the subjective element of “intent to use as a weapon” continues to be a critical aspect of Ohio knife law. Individuals carrying knives in Ohio should exercise responsibility and be aware of the potential legal implications of their actions. In situations involving specific concerns or doubts about the legality of a particular knife or manner of carry, seeking advice from legal counsel familiar with Ohio’s weapons laws is strongly recommended. Furthermore, given the dynamic nature of legislation, staying informed about any future changes to these laws is essential for ensuring continued compliance.