Knife Laws in New Jersey

New Jersey knife laws are not difficult to understand, but they can expand in multiple directions and be misinterpreted.

There are also many different ifs in the law, so it is important to take precautions before buying a knife and carrying it. Here is what you need to know about New Jersey’s knife laws.

Legal Knives to Own in New Jersey

In New Jersey, it is legal to own a balisong or butterfly knife. It is also permissible to use disguised knives, such as the famous belt knife and lipstick knife.

In addition to throwing knives and stars, Bowie knives and other large hunting knives are also legal to own. In this case, the law can become confusing due to the fact that the purpose makes a difference.

It is legal in New Jersey to own any weapon as long as it is in use for an explainable and lawful purpose.

Illegal Knives to Own in New Jersey

The possession of any weapon used for an illegal purpose is also prohibited. In spite of the fact that gravity knives, switchblades, daggers, stilettos, dirks, and other dangerous knives are banned, even if they are used for a lawful purpose.

It is also unlawful for a person to possess such weapons if they are mentally ill, or if they have been convicted of a particular crime, such as assault, burglary, arson, escape, homicide, kidnapping, extortion, sexual assault, intimidation, robbery, or dealing in prohibited weapons.

Carry Limits

Carrying a legal knife is not subject to significant restrictions. However, if you are caught carrying switchblades, gravity knives, or stabbing knives, you may be charged with possessing a dangerous weapon. But, of course, such charges apply if there are suspicions about your purpose.

Concealed Carry

There is not any law describing concealed carry. So concealed carry is not the subject of law.

Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances

There are some restrictions about specific locations. Any type of weapon is illegal to carry in educational places like schools, colleges, and universities. If you carry a knife in schools then you will be guilty of a crime of the fourth degree.

Restrictions on Sale or Transfer

Those people who sell, manufacture, ship, or dispose of weapons are guilty of a fourth-degree crime. This law applies to those who sell or transfer a hunting or sharp knife with a blade of more than 5 inches to minors.

It is also illegal to sell a knife of an overall length of 10 inches to minors.

Statewide preemption

There is not a statewide pre-emption in New Jersey.

Major Cities in New Jersey with Knife Ordinances

Camden does not allow people to carry weapons or stab knives in a concealed manner. You are also banned from selling or carrying switchblades.

City, State	Law Title/ Chapter/ Section	Concealed Carry Legal	Max Size Restriction	Short description of the law
Elizabeth, NJ	2.96.010	Y		During a Declared Emergency Prohibit the sale/carrying/possession of on public streets/sidewalks/public parks weapons, including knives
Glen Ridge, NJ	9.24.010	Y		carry without lawful authority….. dangerous knife,
Hamilton, NJ	98-1	Y		Carry or possess any other form of weapons potentially harmful to wildlife and dangerous to human safety
Randolph, NJ	34-34	Y		No person in any public park or recreation area shall: carry any weapons
Sayreville Boe. NJ	5-11	Y		carrying or possession on the public street or public sidewalks, or in any public park or square any Knife

Exceptions

In New Jersey, the military people who are on duty have exceptions from knife laws.

Summary of Knife Laws in New Jersey

Finally, the restrictions in New Jersey are fairly light, but concealed carry raises some questions. In terms of critical dimensions, they apply primarily to minors.

For example, you are not allowed to sell or transfer to minors a knife longer than five inches (or 10 inches in overall length). Also, restrictions are fairly light and easy to counter.