Knives
W. Va. Code § 61-7-2 — a blade over three and one-half inches, a switchblade or a gravity knife
A knife is an instrument intended or readily adaptable to be used as a weapon, with a sharp-edged or sharp-pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing or tearing wounds.
- Any dagger, dirk, poniard or stiletto with a blade over three and one-half inches in length.
- Any switchblade knife, with a spring-operated blade that opens on pressure to a button or catch.
- Any gravity knife, whose blade is released by gravity or centrifugal force and locks in place.
A deadly weapon is concealed when carried so that another person in the ordinary course of events would not be put on notice of it. An adult who is not prohibited may carry one concealed without a license.
Schools and courts bar deadly weapons, knives included. A particular case is a question for a licensed West Virginia attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- W. Va. Code § 61-7-2 — Definitions
- W. Va. Code § 61-7-7 — Persons prohibited from possessing firearms; right of nonprohibited persons to carry concealed
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed West Virginia attorney.