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New Jersey Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws (2026)

Restricted: Possessing a switchblade, gravity or ballistic knife (or dagger, dirk, stiletto) 'without any explainable lawful purpose' is a fourth-degree crime; self-defense is not a lawful purpose (N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(e)).

RestrictedVerified Jul 7, 2026
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Official source: pub.njleg.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws in states bordering New Jersey

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

  • DelawareConditional

    Delaware repealed its switchblade ban (former 11 Del. C. 1446) effective July 30, 2025 (SB 108), so owning and carrying automatic knives is now broadly legal; carrying one concealed still requires a license (11 Del. C. 1442), and an un-repealed dealer-licensing provision (24 Del. C. 901) still nominally bars switchblade possession/sale.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: delcode.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →

  • New YorkRestricted

    A switchblade remains a per-se prohibited weapon (class A misdemeanor) under NY Penal Law 265.01(1); gravity knives were removed from the ban in 2019.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nysenate.gov · Full New York rule →

  • PennsylvaniaPermitted

    Act 119 of 2022 (eff. Jan 2, 2023) struck automatic/switchblade knives from 18 Pa.C.S. 908's 'offensive weapons' definition, making them legal to own and carry in PA.

    Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legis.state.pa.us · Full Pennsylvania rule →

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