New Hampshire Knife Laws: EDC Carry Rules and Restrictions

Legal note: This page is a CJRB educational summary, not legal advice. New Hampshire 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

New Hampshire Knife Law Snapshot

Short version: New Hampshire is generally favorable for ordinary knife carry and has statewide authority over firearms, ammunition, and knives. The reviewed current weapons section no longer lists switchblade/stiletto/dagger carry restrictions in section 159:16.

Generally allowed Ordinary knives

No general statewide blade-length cap found in reviewed sources.

Preempted Local knife rules

State authority covers knives.

Updated Section 159:16

Current text covers blackjack, slung shot, and metallic knuckles, not knives.

Place caution Schools/courts/private property

Place rules still matter.

Can You Carry a Knife in New Hampshire?

Situation	Plain-English summary	Status	Source
Ordinary pocketknife	Generally lower risk outside restricted places.	Generally allowed	RSA 159:16
Switchblade / stiletto / dagger	Current reviewed section 159:16 does not list these knives; older summaries may be outdated.	Updated	RSA 159:16
Local knife ordinance	New Hampshire reserves authority over knives to the state.	Preempted	RSA 159:26
Dangerous weapon during violent crime	Weapon possession during violent crime is separately addressed.	Conduct caution	RSA 159:15
Schools and private property	Check school, courthouse, employer, venue, and private-property rules before carry.	Check place	Local/place rules

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	Generally favorable.	Low
Switchblades / automatics	No current statewide ban found in reviewed sources.	Low
Dirks / daggers / stilettos	No current statewide carry ban found in reviewed section 159:16.	Low to medium
Throwing stars	No knife-specific statewide ban found in reviewed sources.	Medium

Preemption and Current Text

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
State authority	Knife regulation is reserved to state authority.	Caution	RSA 159:26
Current section 159:16	Current section 159:16 covers non-knife weapons listed there; older knife summaries should be checked against current text.	Caution	RSA 159:16

Practical EDC Checklist

01
Start with knife type: Confirm whether the knife is ordinary utility carry or a listed/restricted weapon category.
02
Check carry method: Open carry and concealed carry can be treated differently.
03
Check the place: Schools, courthouses, airports, jails, public buildings, parks, and private venues often have stricter rules.
04
Check age and status: Minors, prohibited persons, and restricted-license contexts can change the answer.
05
Avoid 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
RSA 159:16	Current carrying or selling weapons section.	Source	RSA 159:16
RSA chapter 159 index	Official chapter index including state authority over knives.	Source	RSA chapter 159 index
RSA 159:26	State authority over firearms, ammunition, and knives.	Source	RSA 159:26

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