Ohio Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)
A comprehensive legal reference for weapons & self-defense in the state of Ohio. This guide covers current statutes, penalties, and restrictions for 11 different categories.
Body Armor
RESTRICTEDBody armor is legal with restrictions to purchase and wear in Ohio for civilians without felony convictions. No significant legislative changes to the controlling statute, R.C.
Ownership
Legal for civilians to purchase and possess body armor. No permit or registration required. Ohio has no state-level restrictions beyond the federal felon prohibition. All types and levels are legal.
Purchase
Legal to sell in-store and online. No special licensing or age restrictions.
Penalties
Felons face up to 3 years federal prison. Ohio does not have specific state-level enhanced sentencing for body armor, though courts may consider it an aggravating factor.
Age Restriction
18+
Brass Knuckles
ILLEGALOhio Revised Code § 2923.11 prohibits possession, sale, or manufacture of dangerous ordnance including brass knuckles. Brass knuckles are illegal to possess or sell.
Possession
Illegal to possess.
Sale & Purchase
Illegal to sell or manufacture.
Penalties
Misdemeanor of the first degree; punishable by fines and up to 6 months imprisonment.
Age Restriction
None (possession prohibited regardless of age).
Butterfly Knives
LEGALButterfly 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.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+ for purchase
Ohio permits permitless concealed carry for individuals 21 and older who are not prohibited persons, effective October 2022 under HB 227. Prior to this, a concealed handgun license was required.
Permitless Carry Rules
Persons 21+ may carry concealed without a license; prohibited persons remain barred.
Permit Availability
Sales subject to federal and state regulations; no special restrictions due to constitutional carry.
Penalties
Illegal possession or carrying can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
Minimum Age
21 years old
Flamethrowers
LEGALFlamethrowers are legal to own and use in Ohio with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.
Ownership
Legal, no permit required
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
No state restriction
Nunchucks
LEGALNunchucks are legal to own and possess in Ohio with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.
Possession
Legal
Sale & Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Open Carry
RESTRICTEDOpen carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Ohio without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. Ohio became a constitutional carry state in 2022, which was the last major change to its carry laws.
Open Carry Rules
Legal without permit for eligible adults
Permit Requirements
Legal through licensed dealers
Penalties
Prohibited in certain locations (schools, courthouses, etc.).
Minimum Age
18+ for long guns, 21+ for handguns
Ohio permits possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense. There are no state restrictions on container size or concentration, and no age restrictions. However, use of pepper spray in a crime can lead to enhanced penalties.
Carrying
Legal to possess and carry for self-defense.
Purchase
No state restrictions on sale or purchase.
Penalties
Use in commission of a crime may result in enhanced charges.
Age Restriction
None
Suppressors / Silencers
RESTRICTEDSuppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Ohio. Ohio law does not prohibit possession, sale, or use of suppressors beyond federal law.
Ownership (with NFA)
Legal with federal registration and tax stamp under the NFA.
Dealer Availability
Sales must comply with federal NFA requirements; no state restrictions.
Penalties
N/A if federal requirements are met; otherwise federal penalties apply.
Age Restriction
None beyond federal requirements (21+ for NFA items).
Ohio law does not prohibit the possession, sale, or carry of switchblades or automatic knives. Ohio Revised Code § 2923.11 excludes switchblades from the definition of 'deadly weapon' when carried openly or concealed, making them legal to own and carry.
Possession
Legal to possess and carry openly or concealed.
Sale & Purchase
Legal to sell and purchase.
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
None
Tasers & Stun Guns
RESTRICTEDTasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Ohio. A 2021 law removed the duty to retreat before using force in self-defense, which affects how stun guns can be used defensively.
Ownership
Legal without permit
Purchase
Legal
Penalties
N/A
Age Restriction
18+