Legal note: This page is a CJRB educational summary, not legal advice. Mississippi 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
Mississippi Knife Law Snapshot
Short version: Mississippi restricts concealed carry of bowie knives, dirk knives, butcher knives, switchblade knives, and other deadly weapons, with statutory permit/exceptions context. Schools, minors, and felon possession need separate caution.
Open tool carry is lower risk outside restricted places.
These are listed in the concealed-weapon statute.
Weapons on educational property are separately restricted.
Providing weapons to minors or intoxicated persons is restricted.
Can You Carry a Knife in Mississippi?
| Situation | Plain-English summary | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary pocketknife | Generally lower risk when carried openly as a tool and not in a restricted place. | Generally allowed | MS Code section 97-37-1 |
| Concealed bowie, dirk, butcher, or switchblade knife | These listed knives are restricted when carried concealed on or about the person unless an exception applies. | Restricted | MS Code section 97-37-1 |
| Other concealed deadly weapon | Other deadly weapons are also covered by the concealed-carry statute. | Concealed caution | MS Code section 97-37-1 |
| Educational property | Mississippi separately restricts weapons on educational property. | Avoid | MS Code section 97-37-17 |
| Minors or intoxicated persons | Supplying listed weapons to minors or intoxicated persons is restricted. | Restricted | MS Code section 97-37-13 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket knives | Lower risk if open and tool-like. | Low |
| Bowie / dirk / butcher knives | High caution if concealed. | High concealed |
| Switchblades | Listed in concealed-carry statute. | High concealed |
| Balisongs | No balisong-specific rule found in reviewed sources. | Medium |
Concealed Carry and School Rules
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concealed listed knives | Mississippi's knife risk centers on listed knives carried concealed. | Caution | MS Code section 97-37-1 |
| Educational property | School-related restrictions are separate from ordinary carry. | Caution | MS Code section 97-37-17 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MS Code section 97-37-1 | Concealed deadly weapon statute. | Source | MS Code section 97-37-1 |
| MS Code section 97-37-13 | Supplying weapons to minors or intoxicated persons. | Source | MS Code section 97-37-13 |
| MS Code section 97-37-17 | Weapons on educational property. | Source | MS Code section 97-37-17 |
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.