Knives
Penal Law § 265.01 — a switchblade on the list, other knives only with intent
In New York, criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree covers two kinds of knife possession.
On the list: a switchblade. Possessing a switchblade knife, a pilum ballistic knife or a metal knuckle knife is the offense in itself. A switchblade knife is any knife with a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in the handle.
With intent: other knives. Possessing a dagger, dangerous knife, dirk, machete, razor, stiletto or undetectable knife is the offense only with intent to use it unlawfully against another.
Gravity knives. A gravity knife is defined in the definitions section, but it is not among the items whose possession the fourth degree offense makes a crime in itself.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionAny knife can be charged as possession | What the law actually doesApart from the listed items, only with intent to use it unlawfully against another |
| The assumptionA gravity knife is a per se weapon | What the law actually doesIt is not on the fourth degree list |
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 York attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Penal Law § 265.01 — Criminal possession of a weapon in the fourth degree
- Penal Law § 265.00 — Definitions
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New York attorney.