Are Butterfly Knives Legal in Ohio? (2026)
Yes — Butterfly Knives are legal in Ohio as of 2026.
Law changed in 2021: Senate Bill 140, effective in 2021, legalized the manufacture, sale, and carry of butterfly knives.
Quick Answer
Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Ohio with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. Senate Bill 140, effective in 2021, legalized the manufacture, sale, and carry of butterfly knives.
- Age restriction: 18+ for purchase
What the Law Says
Ohio has no restrictions on the ownership or carry of butterfly knives.
— Ohio Rev. Code Ann. § 2923.11
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Possession | Legal |
| Sale & Purchase | Legal |
| Penalties | N/A |
| Age Restriction | 18+ for purchase |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
Senate Bill 140, effective in 2021, legalized the manufacture, sale, and carry of butterfly knives.
Enforcement Reality
Ohio repealed its ban on butterfly knives in 2021. They are now legal to own and carry, openly or concealed.
A common mistake is being unaware of the recent law change and believing butterfly knives are still illegal.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Ohio. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Real-World Scenarios: Butterfly Knives in Ohio
Can You Fly With Butterfly Knives Out of Ohio?
Butterfly Knives may be legal in Ohio, but airports are federal territory. TSA screens under federal rules, not state law. If the item is federally restricted, expect problems at the checkpoint. Even if it clears TSA, the laws of your destination state apply the moment you land. Plenty of travelers have learned this the hard way — legal when they packed, criminal when they arrived.
Can You Cross State Lines With Butterfly Knives From Ohio?
This is where people get burned. Ohio treats butterfly knives as legal, but neighboring Michigan treats it as restricted. The law changes at the state line — not gradually, not with a warning sign, instantly. "I bought it legally" is not a defense in the new state. Interstate highways near the Ohio/Michigan border are known enforcement corridors. If you're driving with out-of-state plates in a state where butterfly knives is illegal, you're a target.
Bottom Line
Butterfly Knives are legal in Ohio. You can carry them without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Ohio vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, carrying a butterfly knife is fully legal in 39 states, restricted in 10, and illegal in 1. Ohio falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
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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