Butterfly knives, also known as balisongs, are a type of folding pocket knife with two handles that counter-rotates around the tang, which is the connecting point between the two handles. While butterfly knives are popular among knife enthusiasts, many states impose restrictions and regulations on owning and carrying them. Pennsylvania is one of those states, so it's important to understand the laws and regulations around owning and carrying a butterfly knife.
What Are the Pennsylvania Laws on Butterfly Knives?
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to possess, own, or carry a butterfly knife (balisong). This is true even if the knife is in the closed position and not being used. It is also illegal to manufacture, sell, or give away a butterfly knife in Pennsylvania. Possession or carrying of a butterfly knife is considered a misdemeanor, and can result in fines and/or jail time.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Laws?
The laws in Pennsylvania do not allow for any exceptions when it comes to owning and carrying a butterfly knife. Even if the knife is in the closed position and not being used, it is still illegal to possess or carry it. In addition, it is illegal to manufacture, sell, or give away a butterfly knife.
What Are the Penalties for Owning or Carrying a Butterfly Knife in Pennsylvania?
If you are caught in possession or carrying a butterfly knife, you could face misdemeanor charges, which could include up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison. If you are caught manufacturing, selling, or giving away a butterfly knife, you could face felony charges, which could include up to $2,500 in fines and/or up to seven years in prison.
What Are the Laws on Switchblades in Pennsylvania?
Switchblades, like butterfly knives, are also prohibited in the state of Pennsylvania. It is illegal to possess, own, or carry a switchblade in Pennsylvania. Possession or carrying of a switchblade is considered a misdemeanor, and can result in fines and/or jail time. The laws in Pennsylvania do not allow for any exceptions when it comes to owning and carrying a switchblade.
Are There Other Knife Restrictions in Pennsylvania?
In addition to the laws prohibiting butterfly knives and switchblades, Pennsylvania has laws that limit the type of knives that can be carried in public. It is illegal to carry any knife that has a blade over four inches in length in a public place. Carrying a knife with a blade longer than four inches in a public place is considered a misdemeanor, and can result in fines and/or jail time.
Conclusion
While butterfly knives may be popular among knife enthusiasts, they are illegal to possess, own, or carry in Pennsylvania. In addition, switchblades are also prohibited in Pennsylvania. It is also important to note that it is illegal to carry any knife with a blade longer than four inches in a public place. If you are caught in possession or carrying a butterfly knife or switchblade, you could face misdemeanor charges. If you are caught manufacturing, selling, or giving away a butterfly knife or switchblade, you could face felony charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are butterfly knives legal in Pennsylvania?
No, butterfly knives are illegal to possess, own, or carry in Pennsylvania.
What are the penalties for owning or carrying a butterfly knife in Pennsylvania?
If you are caught in possession or carrying a butterfly knife, you could face misdemeanor charges, which could include up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison. If you are caught manufacturing, selling, or giving away a butterfly knife, you could face felony charges, which could include up to $2,500 in fines and/or up to seven years in prison.
Are there any exceptions to the laws?
The laws in Pennsylvania do not allow for any exceptions when it comes to owning and carrying a butterfly knife.
What are the laws on switchblades in Pennsylvania?
Switchblades, like butterfly knives, are also prohibited in the state of Pennsylvania. It is illegal to possess, own, or carry a switchblade in Pennsylvania.
Are there other knife restrictions in Pennsylvania?
In addition to the laws prohibiting butterfly knives and switchblades, Pennsylvania has laws that limit the type of knives that can be carried in public. It is illegal to carry any knife that has a blade over four inches in length in a public place.
Can I carry a butterfly knife for self-defense?
No, it is illegal to possess, own, or carry a butterfly knife for any purpose in Pennsylvania.
Can I buy a butterfly knife in Pennsylvania?
No, it is illegal to manufacture, sell, or give away a butterfly knife in Pennsylvania.
Can I transport a butterfly knife through Pennsylvania?
No, it is illegal to possess, own, or carry a butterfly knife in Pennsylvania, even if it is in the closed position and not being used.
What is the penalty for manufacturing, selling, or giving away a butterfly knife in Pennsylvania?
If you are caught manufacturing, selling, or giving away a butterfly knife, you could face felony charges, which could include up to $2,500 in fines and/or up to seven years in prison.
What if I am caught in possession of a butterfly knife in Pennsylvania?
If you are caught in possession or carrying a butterfly knife, you could face misdemeanor charges, which could include up to $1,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison.