The laws about knives in South Carolina are some of the laxest in the US. This makes it a knife-friendly state.
But you need to know these laws to make sure you can legally carry, use, or own knives. This guide breaks down the most important parts of South Carolina’s 2024 knife laws.
General Knife Ownership Laws
South Carolina law does not make it illegal to own a knife. It is legal for people to own almost any kind of knife, such as:
- Pocket knives
- Fixed-blade knives
- Switchblades (automatic knives)
- Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- Bowie knives and daggers
There are no laws in any state that say you can not own unusual or historically important knives like swords or throwing stars.
Knife Carry Laws
The law in South Carolina makes a difference between having a knife and carrying it.
The state lets people carry most knives openly as long as they are not hidden in a way that looks like they are something else. There are some limits to what you can do with concealed carry.
- Open Carry
It is usually okay to carry knives around with you, even big ones like machetes or Bowie knives. - Concealed Carry Restrictions
Most knives can be carried openly, but laws about concealed carry mostly cover knives that could be considered weapons. Keeping a knife hidden with the intent to use it illegally could get you in trouble with the law. The law often looks at intent and the situation. - Exceptions for Pocket Knives
Most laws about carrying concealed knives do not apply to folding pocket knives with blades shorter than three inches. Most of the time, these are thought of as tools instead of weapons.
Knives in Schools and Public Spaces
There are stricter rules about knives in places that are considered sensitive. It is against the law in South Carolina to bring knives to school, no matter what size or type they are.
Schools from K–12, colleges, and universities are all included. If you break this rule, you could face serious consequences, even criminal charges.
Knives may not be allowed at all in some public places, like government buildings and courthouses. Before bringing a knife into a public place, you should always check the rules for that area.
Self-Defense and Knife Use
South Carolina’s self-defense laws allow people to use knives for self-defense as long as they can show they did it to protect themselves or others from an immediate threat.
But if you use a knife in a bad way, like by waving it around threateningly without a reason, you could be charged with assault or reckless endangerment.
Local Ordinances
South Carolina does not enforce statewide preemption laws, but cities and towns can add more restrictions. Always find out the exact knife laws in your city or county to make sure you follow them.
Conclusion
South Carolina’s knife laws give people a lot of freedom when it comes to owning and carrying knives, but they also expect people to be responsible.
To stay out of trouble with the law, it is important to know about state laws, local ordinances, and restrictions in sensitive areas.
If you are not sure what to do, talk to an attorney to get clear answers. You can legally and safely use a knife in South Carolina as long as you follow the law.
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