2025 Indiana Knife Laws: Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities

Indiana has relatively permissive laws regarding knife ownership and carry, distinguishing it from many other U.S. states. In general, individuals can own and carry most types of knives, both openly and concealed, without restrictions on blade length or the need for special permits. This reflects the state’s approach to prioritizing individual rights in tool ownership.

However, there are a few key restrictions aimed at public safety. For instance, the manufacture, possession, sale, and use of ballistic knives are strictly prohibited. While Chinese throwing stars were once banned statewide, this prohibition was lifted on July 1, 2023, making them legal to possess and carry. Despite this, knives—including throwing stars—remain prohibited on school property, school buses, and certain government buildings, such as airports and courthouses.

Another important aspect of Indiana’s knife laws is the absence of statewide preemption for local regulations. This means that cities and counties can enact their own rules, potentially imposing stricter regulations, such as limits on blade length or restrictions on carrying knives in specific public spaces like parks or courthouses.

Overall, Indiana’s knife laws balance individual freedoms with public safety concerns. While the state allows broad ownership and carrying of knives, it places targeted restrictions on certain dangerous items and in sensitive locations. This evolving approach reflects a more nuanced policy, with a focus on context rather than broad prohibitions. To ensure compliance, it’s important for individuals to be aware of both state laws and any local ordinances that may apply.

This guide aims to clarify Indiana’s knife laws by outlining what is permitted, what is prohibited, and where specific restrictions apply. It is designed to help individuals understand their rights and responsibilities, reducing the risk of legal complications.

Definitions and Classification of Knives Under Indiana Law

Understanding the precise definitions and classifications of knives within Indiana Code is fundamental to navigating the state’s regulations. The law distinguishes between general instruments and those specifically prohibited, with intent often playing a pivotal role.

A. General Definition of “Knife” (IC 35-47-5-2.5(a))

Under Indiana Code Title 35, Article 47, Chapter 5, Section 2.5(a), the term “knife” is specifically defined for this section. It refers to an instrument that meets two key criteria: first, it must consist of a sharp-edged or sharp-pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds; and second, it must be intended to be used as a weapon. This definition is particularly significant because it introduces the element of

intent. The legal determination of whether an object is considered a “knife” under this specific statute hinges not just on its physical characteristics but also on the possessor’s purpose. This concept of intent is a recurring theme throughout Indiana’s knife laws, particularly in contexts such as possession on school property or when considering the legality of carrying a knife for self-defense.

B. Explicitly Prohibited Knives

Indiana law explicitly prohibits the manufacture, possession, or transfer of certain knife types due to their inherent design and perceived danger.

Ballistic Knives (IC 35-47-5-2)

Ballistic knives are unequivocally prohibited under Indiana law. Indiana Code 35-47-5-2 defines a ballistic knife as any knife with a detachable blade that can be ejected from the handle as a projectile. This ejection can occur by means of gas, a spring, or any other device contained within the handle. These devices are often likened to fictional weapons due to their unusual and dangerous mechanism, but they are very real and strictly outlawed. The state-level prohibition makes it a Class B misdemeanor to manufacture, possess, display, offer, sell, lend, give away, or purchase ballistic knives.

Chinese Throwing Stars (IC 35-47-5-12)

The legal status of Chinese throwing stars in Indiana has undergone a significant change. Historically, Indiana Code 35-47-5-12 defined a “Chinese throwing star” as a “throwing-knife, throwing-iron, or other knife-like weapon with blades set at different angles”. This definition was specifically crafted to restrict items commonly known as shuriken, which feature multiple blades set at varying angles. Importantly, this historical definition suggested that a throwing knife with a single blade or blades at the same angle would not fall under the prohibition.

However, as of July 1, 2023, Indiana Code 35-47-5-12, which previously banned the manufacture, sale, or possession of Chinese throwing stars, has been repealed by P.L.22-2023, SEC. 4. This legislative action means that Chinese throwing stars are now generally legal for possession and carry throughout the state. Despite this statewide legalization, a critical nuance remains: Chinese throwing stars are explicitly listed as a prohibited item on school property or a school bus pursuant to IC 35-47-5-2.5(b). This legislative evolution demonstrates a shift in the state’s regulatory philosophy. Initially, the comprehensive ban likely stemmed from a perception of these items as inherently dangerous or associated with criminal activity. The subsequent repeal indicates a re-evaluation, possibly acknowledging their use in martial arts or recreational contexts, aligning with Indiana’s broader permissive approach to knife ownership. Nevertheless, the continued prohibition in sensitive environments like schools underscores that the state prioritizes safety in specific contexts, even for items no longer deemed universally illegal. This highlights a trend towards more nuanced, context-dependent regulation rather than broad, sweeping prohibitions, requiring individuals to be aware of the specific context of their possession, not merely the item itself.

C. Legality of Other Specific Knife Types

Beyond the explicitly prohibited categories, Indiana law addresses the legality of various other knife types, often reflecting a generally permissive stance with some important distinctions.

Automatic Knives/Switchblades

A significant legislative amendment occurred in 2013, which removed a prohibition on automatic knives that had been in effect since 1957. As a result of this change, automatic knives and switchblades are now generally legal to own and carry in Indiana. This legislative shift reflects a broader trend towards loosening restrictions on certain knife mechanisms.

Gravity Knives

The legal status of gravity knives in Indiana presents an area of considerable ambiguity and conflicting interpretations within the available legal resources. Some sources assert that gravity knives are prohibited under Indiana Code 35-47-5-2, defining them as knives with blades released by the force of gravity or centrifugal force, and stipulating that their possession constitutes a Class B misdemeanor.

Conversely, other legal interpretations contend that Indiana has no specific statewide law that bans the general use or possession of gravity knives. These interpretations argue that gravity knives, in a general sense, are not explicitly defined as prohibited under Indiana law, except for their inclusion within the definition of “knife” specifically for violations occurring on school property under IC 35-47-5-2.5(b).

Official statutory text for IC 35-47-5-2  prohibits “any knife with a detachable blade that may be ejected from the handle as a projectile by means of gas, a spring, or any other device contained in the handle of the knife.” It is crucial to note that these statutory snippets

do not explicitly mention “gravity knives”. The determination of whether a gravity knife falls under this prohibition hinges on whether its specific mechanism causes the blade to be “ejected… as a projectile.”

A careful review of the most authoritative statutory source, IC 35-47-5-2.5(b), reveals that it does explicitly include “gravity knife” within its definition of “knife.” However, this definition is explicitly qualified with the phrase “As used in this section”, which means its applicability is confined

specifically to the prohibition of knives on school property. Therefore, while a gravity knife is unequivocally considered a “knife” for the purposes of the school property ban, its general legality outside of school property is not directly addressed by a specific statewide prohibition unless its operation also meets the stringent definition of a “ballistic knife” (i.e., a detachable blade ejected as a projectile). The prevailing interpretation from some legal commentators suggests that gravity knives are generally permissible outside of school zones, provided they do not function as ballistic knives.

This divergence in interpretations underscores a significant legal ambiguity. The distinction lies in how precise statutory language, particularly limiting phrases like “As used in this section,” restricts the scope of a prohibition. This situation implies that individuals might encounter inconsistent enforcement or legal challenges due to varying interpretations by law enforcement agencies or prosecutors. Such circumstances highlight the critical importance of seeking legal counsel if specific questions regarding gravity knives arise, as the nuances of statutory interpretation can have substantial practical implications.

Commonly Permitted Knives

Indiana’s permissive approach extends to a wide variety of other knife types. Generally, individuals are permitted to own and carry common knives such as pocket knives, hunting knives, and utility knives. Beyond these, the law also allows for the possession and carry of daggers, dirks, poniards, stilettos, balisongs (also known as butterfly knives), and even swords. There are no specific restrictions on the everyday carrying of pocket knives, provided they are not used inappropriately, such as in a threatening manner or to commit a crime. This broad allowance reflects the state’s general philosophy of minimal regulation on most types of knives.

Table 1: Prohibited Knives & Key Characteristics (Statewide)

Type de couteau	Statutory Basis (IC)	Definition/Features	State-Level Prohibition
Couteau balistique	IC 35-47-5-2	Detachable blade ejected as a projectile by gas, spring, or other handle device.	Manufacturing, possessing, displaying, offering, selling, lending, giving away, or purchasing are Class B misdemeanors.
Chinese Throwing Star	IC 35-47-5-12 (Repealed as of 7/1/2023)	Historically: Throwing-knife, throwing-iron, or other knife-like weapon with blades set at different angles.	Generally Legal Statewide. However, remains prohibited on school property or school bus per IC 35-47-5-2.5(b).

Knife Carry Regulations in Indiana

Indiana’s knife carry laws are generally permissive, allowing for both open and concealed carry of most knives. However, this broad allowance is subject to important exceptions concerning specific locations and the intent behind carrying a knife.

A. Open Carry

In Indiana, there are no specific state-level restrictions on the open carry of knives. Individuals are generally permitted to openly carry any type of knife that is not explicitly prohibited by state law, provided that the intent is not to use it unlawfully. This includes large knives, such as combat knives or machetes, and even swords, as long as they are not classified as illegal weapons. While open carry is broadly legal, it is important to consider the context. Carrying a large knife in a manner that could be perceived as suspicious or threatening might lead to law enforcement interaction, even if the act itself is not illegal. Responsible carrying, including secure sheathing and situational awareness, is advised to avoid causing public alarm.

B. Concealed Carry

Indiana’s laws regarding the concealed carry of knives are also relatively permissive. There are no state statutes that explicitly prohibit the concealed carry of most knives. This means that individuals can generally carry knives concealed without issue, provided they are not in a restricted location or intending to use the knife for unlawful purposes. The absence of statewide blade length restrictions for concealed carry further contributes to this leniency. However, the legality of concealed carry, like open carry, is contingent upon the intent of the individual. Carrying a knife, even concealed, with the intent to commit a crime, could result in criminal charges.

C. Blade Length Restrictions

A unique aspect of Indiana’s knife laws is the absence of formal statewide restrictions on blade length. There is no specific state law that outright bans carrying knives of certain lengths, whether openly or concealed. This means, for example, that carrying a large knife or even a sword is not restricted by state law based solely on its length.

However, this statewide permissiveness does not extend universally across all jurisdictions within Indiana. Local ordinances may impose their own, more restrictive, regulations concerning blade length. For instance, some localities might prohibit carrying knives with blades longer than a specified length, such as eight inches, or even three inches in certain cities like Fort Wayne. This highlights a critical practical implication: while state law is lenient, individuals must diligently check the specific regulations in their city or county to ensure full compliance. The absence of statewide preemption means that local laws can indeed be more stringent than state law, creating a patchwork of regulations across Indiana.

V. Restricted Locations and Circumstances

While Indiana generally allows broad knife carry, specific locations and circumstances trigger strict prohibitions, reflecting a prioritization of safety in sensitive environments.

A. Schools and Educational Institutions (IC 35-47-5-2.5)

Carrying knives on school property, school buses, or special purpose buses is strictly prohibited under Indiana Code 35-47-5-2.5. This prohibition applies to any cutting instrument or knife that is “intended to be used as a weapon”. The definition of “knife” for this section is broad, explicitly including daggers, dirks, poniards, stilettos, switchblade knives, gravity knives, and throwing stars. A violation of this statute is generally a Class B misdemeanor. However, the severity escalates to a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a previous unrelated conviction under this section, and to a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury to another person.

There are narrow exceptions to this rule: the prohibition does not apply if the knife is provided by or authorized by the school corporation for an authorized purpose, or if the knife is securely stored in a motor vehicle. This demonstrates a clear legislative intent to create weapon-free zones in educational settings, while accommodating legitimate, authorized uses or secure transport.

B. Government Buildings and Courthouses

Knives are generally prohibited in government buildings and courthouses across Indiana. While state law may not have a single, overarching statute for all government buildings, local ordinances often fill this gap. For example, in Vanderburgh County, knives are not permitted in the county courthouse or the Civic Center building, which houses most city and county government offices. These restrictions are common for most cities and counties, reflecting a standard security protocol in official public spaces.

C. Airports

Airports generally do not allow individuals to carry knives on their person when entering the premises. This aligns with federal regulations, such as those enforced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which regulate items allowed on board aircraft. For instance, pocket knives up to 2.36 inches (6 cm) in length without fixed or locking features may be permitted in carry-on baggage, but knives with larger blades or locks must be packed in checked bags. This restriction is a critical safety measure in air travel environments.

D. Private Property and Local Ordinances

Property owners retain the right to prohibit knives on their private premises. Beyond state-level and common public building restrictions, local ordinances play a significant role in defining additional restricted areas. Indiana does not have statewide preemption, meaning cities and counties can enact more restrictive knife laws than the state. For example, South Bend enforces a ban on carrying knives in public parks. This absence of statewide preemption means that individuals must verify local city or county ordinances to ensure compliance, as regulations can vary significantly from one municipality to another. This highlights a crucial practical consideration: understanding Indiana knife laws requires not just knowledge of state statutes but also diligent awareness of local regulations, as these can impose additional limitations on knife carry.

Table 2: Restricted Locations & Consequences

Location	Specific Restriction	Statutory Basis / Authority	Typical Penalty
School Property, School Bus, Special Purpose Bus	Possession of any knife “intended to be used as a weapon”	IC 35-47-5-2.5	Class B Misdemeanor (up to 180 days jail, $1,000 fine); Class A Misdemeanor for repeat offense; Level 6 Felony if bodily injury results.
Government Buildings, Courthouses	General prohibition on knives	Local Ordinances (e.g., Vanderburgh County)	Misdemeanor charges, fines, imprisonment (varies by local ordinance)
Airports	General prohibition on carrying knives on person (TSA rules apply to carry-on/checked)	Federal Regulations (TSA), Airport Policy	Confiscation, fines, potential federal charges
Private Property	Prohibited by property owner	Property Owner’s Discretion	Removal, trespassing charges (if applicable)
Public Parks (e.g., South Bend)	General prohibition on carrying knives	Local Ordinance (e.g., South Bend)	Misdemeanor charges, fines (varies by local ordinance)

Age Restrictions and Permits

Indiana’s knife laws include specific provisions regarding age and the transfer of knives, although they do not require permits for general knife ownership or carry.

A. Age Restrictions for Possession and Transfer

Under Indiana law, there are restrictions on the transfer of dangerous weapons, including knives, to minors. Specifically, Indiana Code 35-47-2-7 states that an individual cannot sell, transfer, or give any deadly or dangerous weapons or knives to any person under 18 years of age. This statute primarily addresses the transfer of firearms but is broadly interpreted to apply to other dangerous weapons, including knives.

However, a minor under 18 years of age can possess a dangerous knife if they have explicit permission from a parent or guardian. This provision allows for supervised possession, acknowledging the legitimate uses of knives for minors in contexts such as scouting, hunting, or other recreational activities under adult supervision. This balance allows for practical use while preventing unsupervised access to potentially dangerous instruments by minors.

B. Permits for Ownership or Carry

Indiana does not require any special permits or licenses for the general ownership or carry of knives, whether openly or concealed. This aligns with the state’s generally permissive stance on knife laws, contrasting with states that impose licensing requirements for certain types of weapons. The focus of Indiana’s regulations is primarily on the type of knife (e.g., ballistic knives), the location of carry (e.g., schools), and the intent behind the possession or use, rather than on a permit system for individuals.

Consequences of Law Violation

Violating Indiana’s knife laws can lead to serious legal consequences, with penalties varying significantly based on the nature and severity of the offense. Understanding these potential outcomes is crucial for ensuring compliance.

A. Misdemeanor Charges

Misdemeanor charges typically apply to lesser offenses under Indiana knife laws. These include, but are not limited to, carrying a knife in a prohibited area, such as on school property, or a first-time offense without any aggravating factors.

Specific misdemeanor classifications and their associated penalties include:

• Class B Misdemeanor: Violations related to ballistic knives (IC 35-47-5-2) and possession of a knife on school property (IC 35-47-5-2.5) are generally classified as Class B misdemeanors. The penalties for a Class B misdemeanor can include imprisonment for up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
• Class C Misdemeanor: Historically, possession of a “Chinese throwing star” was a Class C misdemeanor , punishable by up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. While the statewide ban on throwing stars has been repealed, this historical penalty illustrates the range of misdemeanor consequences.

B. Felony Charges

Felony charges are reserved for more severe violations, particularly those involving the unlawful use of a knife or repeat offenses. Examples include using a knife in the commission of a crime, such as a violent offense, or if the possession of a knife in a restricted area results in bodily injury to another person.

Specific felony classifications and their associated penalties include:

• Level 6 Felony: If the offense of possessing a knife on school property (IC 35-47-5-2.5) results in bodily injury to another person, it escalates to a Level 6 felony. Penalties for felonies can range from one year to six or more years in prison and significant fines of up to $10,000.
• Felonious Assault: Threatening someone with a knife is considered a serious crime, often classified as felonious assault, demonstrating Indiana’s firm stance against offensive and frightening acts with knives. Using a knife unlawfully or to threaten someone will elevate lawful possession to a criminal offense. Similarly, using a concealed knife to threaten or harm someone can lead to serious legal consequences, potentially elevating the situation to a criminal offense.

C. General Consequences and Impact on Minors

Beyond incarceration and fines, a conviction for knife-related charges can have lasting repercussions. These may include a permanent mark on an individual’s criminal record, which can significantly limit future opportunities for employment, housing, and impact one’s overall reputation. Such charges can disrupt various aspects of a person’s life, leading to financial strain and long-term barriers to achieving personal and professional goals.

For minors, the consequences of knife possession can be particularly significant, especially if the knife is carried in restricted areas like schools or used in a threatening manner. Juvenile charges may result in outcomes such as probation, mandatory counseling, or even placement in a detention facility, depending on the severity of the offense.

Table 3: Penalties for Violations

Violation Type (Examples)	Classification	Maximum Jail Sentence	Maximum Fine
Ballistic Knife (Manufacture, Possession, etc.) [IC 35-47-5-2]	Class B Misdemeanor	180 days	$1,000
Knife on School Property (General) [IC 35-47-5-2.5]	Class B Misdemeanor	180 days	$1,000
Knife on School Property (Previous Conviction) [IC 35-47-5-2.5]	Délit de classe A	1 year	$5,000
Knife on School Property (Bodily Injury) [IC 35-47-5-2.5]	Level 6 Felony	6 years	$10,000
Chinese Throwing Star (Historical, now only on school property)	Class C Misdemeanor (Historically)	60 days	$500
Unlawful Use / Threatening with Knife	Felony (e.g., Felonious Assault)	1 to 6+ years	$10,000

Conclusions

Indiana’s knife laws strike a distinctive balance, largely favoring individual freedom in the ownership and carry of knives while implementing targeted restrictions for public safety. The state’s general permissiveness allows for the open and concealed carry of most knife types, including automatic knives, daggers, and even swords, without statewide blade length limitations or permit requirements. This approach reflects a legislative philosophy that views knives predominantly as tools for various legitimate activities, including utility, hunting, and self-defense.

However, this broad allowance is not without critical caveats. The state maintains an absolute prohibition on ballistic knives, recognizing their unique and dangerous projectile-ejection capabilities. While the statewide ban on Chinese throwing stars was recently repealed, they remain strictly prohibited in sensitive locations such as school properties and school buses. This nuanced evolution in legislation demonstrates a continuous effort to refine regulations, moving towards more context-specific prohibitions rather than blanket bans, thereby balancing individual liberties with community safety.

A pivotal aspect of Indiana’s knife law landscape is the absence of statewide preemption. This means that local municipalities and counties possess the authority to enact their own ordinances, which may be more restrictive than state law. Consequently, individuals must not only be familiar with Indiana’s state statutes but also diligently research and adhere to any local regulations that may impose additional restrictions on knife types, blade lengths, or areas of carry, such as public parks or government buildings.

Furthermore, the element of “intent” is a recurring and crucial factor in determining the legality of knife possession, particularly in restricted areas like schools, where the intent to use a knife as a weapon significantly escalates the offense. Violations of these laws carry substantial penalties, ranging from misdemeanor charges with fines and short-term imprisonment to felony charges with lengthy prison sentences for more severe offenses, such as using a knife in the commission of a crime or causing bodily injury.

In conclusion, while Indiana offers considerable freedom regarding knife ownership and carry, responsible citizenship necessitates a thorough understanding of the specific prohibited items, location-based restrictions, and the potential for more stringent local ordinances. Adherence to these regulations is paramount to ensure legal compliance and contribute to public safety.