Knives
RCW 9.41.250 — the spring blade knife, and carrying with intent to conceal
In Washington, two sections reach knives: one on the spring blade knife and furtive carrying, and one on displaying a weapon in an alarming way.
Spring blade knives. Manufacturing, selling, disposing of or possessing a spring blade knife is a gross misdemeanor. A spring blade knife has a blade released automatically by a spring or other mechanical device, or by gravity or an outward, downward or centrifugal thrust. A knife with a spring, detent or other mechanism that biases the blade toward closure, which has to be overcome by hand, wrist or arm to open it, is not one.
Furtive carrying and alarming display. Furtively carrying a dagger, dirk or other dangerous weapon with intent to conceal it is a gross misdemeanor, and so is carrying, exhibiting, displaying or drawing a knife or other cutting or stabbing instrument in a manner, under circumstances and at a time and place that manifests an intent to intimidate another or warrants alarm for the safety of other persons.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionEvery assisted opening knife is a spring blade | What the law actually doesNot one biased toward closure that has to be overcome by hand |
| The assumptionOpenly carrying a knife is always lawful | What the law actually doesNot in a manner that manifests intent to intimidate or warrants alarm |
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 Washington attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- RCW 9.41.250 — Dangerous weapons — Penalty
- RCW 9.41.270 — Weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm; unlawful carrying or handling
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Washington attorney.