Legal note: This page is a CJRB educational summary, not legal advice. Massachusetts knife law can change, and local, federal, school, courthouse, airport, workplace, event, public-property, private-property, and transit rules may add restrictions. Use the source links below as a starting point and consult a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Last checked: July 25, 2026 · Primary sources: official state code, Justia, and official local/agency sources listed below
Massachusetts Knife Law Snapshot
Short version: Massachusetts lists many restricted knife categories, including stilettos, daggers, dirk knives, double-edged blades, ballistic knives, switch knives, automatic spring-release knives over 1.5 inches, certain locking-blade draw devices, and shuriken.
Massachusetts is strict on listed knives and blades.
Automatic spring-release knives over 1.5 inches are listed.
Several fixed or fighting knife types are listed.
Separate place rules and local policies matter.
Can You Carry a Knife in Massachusetts?
| Situation | Plain-English summary | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary folding pocketknife | Lower risk if not a listed restricted design and carried outside restricted places. | Medium caution | MGL c.269 section 10 |
| Stiletto, dagger, dirk, double-edged blade | These are listed in the dangerous-weapons carry provision. | Restricted | MGL c.269 section 10 |
| Switch knife or automatic spring-release knife over 1.5 inches | Automatic knives over the statutory blade threshold are listed. | Restricted | MGL c.269 section 10 |
| Ballistic knife / detachable projectile blade | Ballistic and projectile-style knife categories are listed. | Restricted | MGL c.269 section 10 |
| Shuriken / throwing star | Shuriken and similar pointed star-like objects intended to injure when thrown are listed. | Restricted | MGL c.269 section 10 |
Knife Type Notes
Use this as a practical EDC check. Ownership, open carry, concealed carry, place restrictions, age, and intent can be separate questions.
| Knife type | State summary | Carry risk |
|---|---|---|
| Small ordinary folders | Lower risk if not otherwise listed. | Medium |
| Switchblades / automatics | High risk if over 1.5 inches. | High |
| Double-edged knives / daggers / dirks | Listed restricted categories. | High |
| Throwing stars | Listed restricted category. | High |
Listed Weapons and Places
Place-based and local rules are where many EDC mistakes happen. Check the exact school, courthouse, airport, park, transit system, workplace, venue, and private-property rule before carrying.
| Rule area | What to know | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Listed weapon carry | Massachusetts is category-specific; identify the knife mechanism and blade style first. | Caution | MGL c.269 section 10 |
| Public guidance | Mass.gov collects official laws, cases, and sources for non-firearm weapons. | Caution | Mass.gov non-firearms weapons page |
Practical EDC Checklist
-
01Start with knife type: Confirm whether the knife is ordinary utility carry or a listed/restricted weapon category.
-
02Check carry method: Open carry and concealed carry can be treated differently.
-
03Check the place: Schools, courthouses, airports, jails, public buildings, parks, and private venues often have stricter rules.
-
04Check age and status: Minors, prohibited persons, and restricted-license contexts can change the answer.
-
05Avoid weapon-like conduct: Threatening display, unlawful intent, or criminal-use facts can turn a tool into a legal problem.
Relevant Legal Sources
| Source | Why it matters | Status | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGL c.269 section 10 | Dangerous weapons including listed knives. | Source | MGL c.269 section 10 |
| Mass.gov weapons non-firearms | Official legal-resource guide for non-firearm weapons. | Source | Mass.gov weapons non-firearms |
Get the 50-State Knife Law Cheatsheet
Enter your email and CJRB will send the EDC knife law checklist with state notes, status labels, and source links.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.