Knives
N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3(e) — named knives without an explainable lawful purpose
In New Jersey, knowingly possessing a gravity knife, switchblade knife, dagger, dirk, stiletto or ballistic knife without any explainable lawful purpose is a crime of the fourth degree.
Any other weapon: the circumstances decide. Knowingly possessing any other weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as it may have is also a crime of the fourth degree.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA switchblade is fine as long as it is never used | What the law actually doesPossession without any explainable lawful purpose is the offense |
| The assumptionOnly what a knife is matters | What the law actually doesFor other weapons, the circumstances of possession decide it |
Federal buildings, courthouses, airports, schools and private property with its own rules are separate questions, and so are court decisions on whether a listed knife is protected by the Second Amendment. Whether a particular knife, or a particular way of carrying it, falls inside the section is a question for a licensed New Jersey attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-3 — Prohibited weapons and devices
- N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 — Unlawful possession of weapons
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.