Knife Laws In Nevada
Nevada is one of those states in the US where knife laws are relatively permissive. The law is straightforward, nevertheless, the verbose statutes sometimes require an easy explanation. The law in Nevada is sophisticated but to curb knife-related delinquencies in the state the language, the direction and the status of knives should be comprehensible and clear. However, people are rejoiced to keep any knife as a survival knife to encounter an intruder or an animal in the woods.
The state’s Knife laws were revised in 2010
In 2010, Nevada picked up bans on possession of certain types of knives and annulled any blade length limitations that had been imposed in the state. It is pertinent to note, that Nevada also lifted preemption. So, now in Nevada local or municipal ordinances concerning knives will prevail to regulate knife laws in the state.
Here is some useful information you should know regarding knives before landing in Nevada.
Nevada Knife Laws
As per Amendment No. 203 (BDR 15-87) made to Senate Bill 176.
“Nevada permits its inhabitants to own, manufacture, sell, buy or give away any kind of knives. Switchblades and belt buckle knives, which were earlier illegal to carry, can now be legally owned.”
Due to the recent changes made in the knife law in Nevada, the knife-related ambiance in the state is relished. Now, almost all knives are legal to own, and in most circumstances, carry in the state.
Other letups in the knife legislation in Nevada
- Lifted the ban on several other blades for concealed carry
- You can conceal carry dirks and daggers
The exception to the rule
To carry a machete or a sword in a concealed form. You would have to get a proper CCW (Carrying Concealed Weapons) permit first to avail the opportunity.
What is legal in Nevada?
Since 2010, the major restrictions on knives are rolled back.
As per the law,
“It is legal to carry, own, or sell any class of knife or another bladed instrument.”
Knife types permitted unrestricted ownership and possession
In Nevada, you are allowed to avail yourself of the unrestricted possession of several knives. For instance,
- Dirk
- Dagger
- Balisong
- Bowie
- Hunting
- Throwing (including stars), Ka-Bar, gravity, machete, sword, pocket, butterfly, and switchblade.
As we mentioned earlier, there is no pre-emption law in the state of Nevada. Each county introduced its own set of rules and regulations to maintain discipline within the geographical territory. As far as Nevada is concerned, the state itself has lifted restrictions on multiple knives, such as the belt buckle knife and switchblade in 2015.
The list of legal knives includes:
• Bowie Knife
It is a large combat knife and a promising rescue tool. A bowie knife is a fixed-bladed knife that comes with a clip point and a cross-guard. It is widely used in butchering and a utilitarian tool used in hunting. Bowie knife is banned in many states in the US. However, it is permissible in Nevada.
• Dagger
It is from the Dirk family. A dagger is a tool that requires expertise to manage its sharpness and heftiness, otherwise can injure you. It is marked by its sharp point and two sharp edges on either side. It is also legal in Nevada.
• Dirk
Dirk is a slender knife used extensively by the Scottish regiments in the 1800s, this is a longer version of the dagger and requires training to hold the tool to avoid any mishap. People in Nevada love to use dirk.
• Throwing Knives
It is a gaming knife and constructed in a manner to hold and maintains its weight in a way that it can be thrown effectively. Throwing a knife can badly injure anyone if wrongly wielded. However, it is permissible under the knife legislation in Nevada.
• Stiletto
It is a stabling knife. It has a needle-like appearance due to its long slender blade.
• Balisong Knife
It is mostly known as a butterfly knife. It is introduced ed by the Filipinos, a Balisong knife is marked by its two counter-rotating handles that serve as the resting spot for the blade.
• Pocket Knives
Pocket knives are usually tiny knives and are sneakily placed in the pocket. A foldable knife that contains one or more blades that fit inside the handle of the knife.
• KA-Bar Knife
It is a type of combat knife. People who are thrill-seekers adore the KA-Bar knife. It gained popularity during the Second World War.
• Ballistic Knife
It refers to a type of knife that comes with a detachable blade that can be ejected by the press of a trigger on the handle.
• Gravity Knife
A variant of a knife that has its blade obscured in its handle that is released by the force of gravity.
• Belt Buckle Knife
It belongs to a type of knife that performs a dual function; both as a blade and as a belt buckle. The blade of the knife is concealed within the belt.
• Switchblades
It is one of the most concerning knives and is mostly banned in many states in the US. It is also known as an ejector knife; its blade is contained in its handle that can be opened with a lever or switch.
What is illegal in Nevada
Nevada is the state where you can enjoy the use of almost every knife. Most of the restrictions are lifted, however, ownership of metal knuckles is still prohibited. Metal knuckles may include certain trench knives from World War I.
Types of illegal knives are:
• Machetes
It is used as an ax, it is made up of a broad blade. It is a deadly weapon and the wrong possession can lead to any ferocious activity.
• Kukri
Popular in the Indian subcontinent, it has a distinctive curve in its blade. It has been mostly used in tribes and is a dangerous weapon.
• Sword
It is a combat knife of the past. It consists of a long blade attached to a hilt and it is primarily used as a slashing weapon. Sword is a deadly weapon and can destroy peace in moments. That’s why prohibited in Nevada.
Blade Length restriction in Nevada
Nevada lifted restrictions on blade length in 2010. However, each county and municipality maintain its own rules and regulations regarding knives.
Concealed carry laws in Nevada
As per the state’s law,
“In Nevada, it is permissible to carry a concealed dirk, dagger, belt buckle knife, pocketknife, or other class of legal knife. Concealed carry of a machete is illegal.”
Knife-free zones in Nevada
As per the knife legislation in Nevada,
“It is illegal to carry a concealed dirk, dagger, switchblade, or trefoil on any school grounds or school
The exception to the rule
Kitchen knives are utility knives used to prepare or consume food. So, the knives that are used for utilitarian purposes are justified on school premises. For instance, utility knives used in school projects, and scalpels used by medical students are exempt from these restrictions.
Restricted Places to Carry Knives in Nevada
The list of restricted places where the carrying of knives is strictly prohibited is as follows:
- Educational institutions such as schools, colleges, universities, etc.
- Licensed childcare facilities center (and vehicles belonging to them).
- Government buildings such as courtrooms, municipality offices, police stations, administrative buildings, etc.
- State and National Parks.
- Public transport.
- Federal properties such as airports, banks, etc.
Penalties for Carrying Knives Inside a restricted venue
According to the law,
“The penalties for a first offense for carrying a knife inside a school premises is up to $2,000 or 12 months imprisonment or both. This penalty also falls under gross demeanor.”
Brandishing a knife in Nevada
According to the law,
“In case of brandishing a knife, the penalty for a first offense is a misdemeanor charge. This may include imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of $1,000 or both.”
What is a “deadly weapon” in Nevada
As the Section 202.265 and 202.320 indicates,
“Dirks, daggers, swords, and switchblades may be considered as ‘dangerous and deadly weapons.”
Legal consequences of carrying a deadly weapon in Nevada
According to the law in Nevada,
“If you are caught with a deadly weapon while executing a crime, the penalty involves an increased jail time, which may extend up to twice the sentence period that is initially assigned for committing the crime.”
Final thoughts
The knife legislation is meant to secure the state’s peace and harmony, and the rules and regulations are introduced and enforced to curb delinquency. There is a long list of knives that are permissible under the knife legislation in Nevada. Moreover, due to the undue relaxing knife law, strict scrutiny is obligatory. There are only a few banned knives in Nevada, but other than that, the only thing you always need to remember is that you cannot conceal carry stabbing knives, machetes, or illegal knives. It is observed that with the lack of a pre-emption law, the knife laws of the state became inconsistent with the knife laws of its counties and cities, which are though on the stringent end of the spectrum.
