Knives and pepper spray in Pennsylvania (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Pennsylvania's offensive weapons section lists items such as blackjacks, metal knuckles and stun guns and a catch-all for implements with no common lawful purpose. It does not name knives.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | Section 908 defines 'offensive weapons' as bombs, grenades, machine guns, sawed-off shotguns, specially concealable firearms, blackjacks, sandbags, metal knuckles, stun guns and other implements for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serve no common lawful purpose. Folding knives are not named. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | Switchblade and other locking knives are not named in the section 908 definition of 'offensive weapons'. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Fixed-blade knives are not named in section 908. The catch-all covers an implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | It is a defence that the weapon was possessed solely as a curio or in a dramatic performance, was briefly possessed after being found or taken from an aggressor, or in circumstances negating any intent or likelihood of unlawful use. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | Automatic knives are not named in the definition of 'offensive weapons' in section 908, which Act 119 of 2022 amended. The catch-all for implements for inflicting serious bodily injury with no common lawful purpose still applies. [1] |
Notes
- Other sections, such as those on possessing instruments of crime or weapons on school property, were not read here.
Sources
- Pennsylvania General Assembly: 18 Pa.C.S. section 908 Prohibited offensive weapons (Internet Archive snapshot of 11 August 2026) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Pennsylvania and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Not named in 908 | Not named in 908 | Only if no common lawful purpose | ⚠ Not yet verified | Defences: curio, performance, found |
| Delaware | Closed pocketknife up to 3.75 in is not a deadly weapon | Deadly weapon; separate offence repealed 2025 | Concealed without licence: class G felony | Not an offence to carry concealed (s. 1443) | Defence: lawful purpose, no intent to harm |
| Maryland | Penknife without switchblade is not a "weapon" | Listed weapon; sale or display is banned | Concealed banned; open only if no intent to injure | Allowed; not with intent to injure unlawfully | Reasonable precaution against apprehended danger |
| New Jersey | Not listed; "manifestly appropriate" test | Banned without explainable lawful purpose | Dagger, dirk, stiletto banned without lawful purpose | 18+, one pocket-sized device up to 3/4 oz | Explainable lawful purpose; military and officers exempt |
| New York | Not listed; offence only with unlawful intent | Switchblades banned; gravity knives not listed | Offence only with intent to use unlawfully | Allowed 18+ (pocket-sized spray, no prior felony) | — |
| Ohio | Not a weapon unless used as one | ⚠ Not yet verified | Offence only if used as a weapon | ⚠ Not yet verified | Defences: work risk, fear of attack, home |
| West Virginia | Allowed; 18+ for concealed | Switchblade/gravity: 18+ may carry concealed | Over 3.5 in counts; sport/tool knives excluded | Not a deadly weapon if only for self-defence | 18+, citizen or resident, not prohibited |
More rules in Pennsylvania
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence (misdemeanour) · Growing at home: Prohibited
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 35 mph; 25 mph local residential · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 55 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 16 yrs 6 mths (junior licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Pedalcycle · Minimum age: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, 18+ (licensed sale outlets) · Minimum age to buy: 18
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes (state law) · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (holding) · Hands-free use: Hands-free; one-button only
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Only occupants under 18
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (minors)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.