Is Butterfly Knives Legal in Idaho? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Butterfly Knives are legal in Idaho as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Age restriction: 18+ for purchase
Penalty
None
Last Updated
2026-03-25
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Quick Answer

Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Idaho with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.

Key Conditions & Exceptions:
  • Age restriction: 18+ for purchase

What the Law Says

Idaho law does not restrict the ownership or carry of butterfly knives, except in schools and government buildings where knives with blades over 6 inches are prohibited.

Idaho Code § 18-3302
Category Details
Possession Legal
Sale & Purchase Legal
Penalties N/A
Age Restriction 18+ for purchase
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant legislative changes in recent years.

Enforcement Reality

Idaho has very permissive knife laws. Enforcement is minimal unless a knife is used with criminal intent.

Charge Level
Misdemeanor for carrying into a school or government building.
Enforcement Likelihood
Low, except in prohibited locations.
Common Triggers
Carrying a knife with a blade over 6 inches into a school or government building.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is carrying a knife with a blade over 6 inches into a school or government building, which is illegal.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Idaho. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Idaho vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, carrying a butterfly knife is fully legal in 38 states, restricted in 11, and illegal in 1. Idaho falls in the LEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Butterfly Knives:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to carry Butterfly Knives in Idaho?
Yes — Butterfly Knives are legal in Idaho as of 2026. Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Idaho with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Can you carry a butterfly knife in Idaho?
Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Idaho with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
What is the age restriction for carrying a butterfly knife in Idaho?
18+ for purchase
Does the law on carrying a butterfly knife change at the Idaho border?
Yes. Butterfly Knives are legal with restrictions in neighboring Utah. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Idaho law does not restrict the ownership or carry of butterfly knives, except in schools and government buildings where knives with blades over 6 inches are prohibited.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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Explore all related legal topics in Idaho — statutes, penalties, and enforcement in one place.

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