Rhode Island Knife Laws: A Complete Guide

Rhode Island Knife Laws in Brief

Understanding Rhode Island Knife Laws: A Comprehensive Guide
Though the constitution does not expressly mention knife rights, the Second Amendment has long been understood by the people as preserving not only rights to own and to bear arms with no more restriction than is required for the defense of the nation, but also the right to own blades for self-defense in times of trouble. The Government cannot control what you keep in your home any more than it can restrict what kinds of knives you keep on you when you leave. As State Representative Michael Marcello noted in 2013 in support of a ban on stun guns, "I have absolutely no intention of preventing Rhode Island citizens from using common knives or any other tools that obviously may cause injury." And so the question isn’t whether we all agree that knives are our lawful property and that we don’t need a reason for owning them, but rather how specific laws apply to different knives, particularly as they’re used.
Rhode Island knife law is state law , in contrast to federal knife law. Federal knife laws govern federal property, and address interstate transport of otherwise legal knives, import, manufacture and distribution of knives. Conversely, state knife laws may allow or block the carry of knives that are themselves legal under federal law, but could be considered otherwise illegal under some state standards for carry, possession, etc. So know your local laws and uses of knives.
As of the publication of this post, knives generally fall into one of two categories: restricted knives or unrestricted knives. Restricted knives include switchblades, ballistic knives, disguised knives, metal knuckles, shurikens, and "any other knife or dangerous weapon with an automatic spring release or a sliding or other mechanically operated blade fitted into a handguard or sheath." All knives described by those functions are prohibited within a substantial distance of:
Unrestricted knives are legal to possess, carry, use, buy, and sell. They are not restricted as to length, type, or use.

Knives Defined: Legal Knife Types in Rhode Island

Both blunt and straight-edged knives are legal to own in the state of Rhode Island. However, the same cannot be said about pointed or double-edged knives. Around 1896, the Rhode Island government passed a law prohibiting the ownership of pointed or double-edged knives, or knives that were both pointed and double-edged.
It also specifically prohibited switchblades. This is defined as "’any knife which has a blade that folds, closes or opens into the handle thereof by the movement of a button, spring or other device in the handle of the knife.’" This went into effect in 1965.
Another law forbade "any person who goes armed to the terror of the public." Basically, this says that knives and weapons in public spaces could be considered disturbing the peace. If you use it for self-defense, then it is reasonable.
Basically, the only knives that are prohibited under Rhode Island law are double-edged, pointed, and switchblades, meaning that most other knives can be legally owned in Rhode Island. These include folding knives, such as camping knives, tactical knives, pocket knives, the aforementioned blunt and straight-edged knives, and others. It would ideally be best to check Rhode Island knife laws and consult with a lawyer if you may have a specific question regarding your particular knife.

Prohibited Knives Under Rhode Island Law

Rhode Island law forbids possession of a few types of knives, while several other types of knives are subject to restrictions that are effectively prohibitive. As in California (see California Knife Laws, as an example), "fixed blade" knives are not restricted in Rhode Island, provided they’re carried sheathed and they’re not used for unlawful purposes. The most significant knife prohibition in the General Law of Rhode Island is enforced in Section 11-47-42, which addresses prohibited weapons – including knives: "Every person who shall manufacture, sell, offer or expose for sale, keep for sale, or otherwise transfer to any person . . . any ball or blank cartridge, or imitation firearm, or bludgeon, air rifle, spring gun, switchblade knife, dagger, stiletto, bowie knife or other knife by the use of which means serious bodily injury can, feasibly or otherwise, be inflicted, shall be deemed to have committed a crime against the state of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations . . . ." This means that daggers, stiletto knives and "switchblade" knives are prohibited weapons in the state of Rhode Island. Police officials often enforce the switchblade knife prohibition through application of the criminal definition of "switchblade" provided in Section 11-47-29: Any knife or instrument which has blade which is released from the handle or casing is considered a switchblade according to RI law. This includes such items as flick knives and automatic opening knives. SECTION 11-47-46 COMPARED WITH SECTION 11-59-1 As of June 2014, Westlaw’s database of state statutes is missing Section 11-47-45, which was repealed in 1970. That section appears to have dealt with the proscription on switchblade knives that we see in Section 11-47-42. Notably, there is no separate proscription on the carrying of daggers and stiletto knives, and it appears that Section 11-47-42 may apply to all knives, with the exception of fixed-blade knives. The definition of stiletto knife in the criminal code includes folding knives that are often deemed to have blades that are 12 inches and longer, which may explain why daggers and stiletto knives are prohibited weapons in Rhode Island. Practitioners should take pains to ensure the blade length does not measure over 11.99 inches rather than the 12 inches provided in the language of the statute, since that is likely the side of caution enforced by law enforcement – and not the bounds of the statute’s text. It may be prudent to avoid carrying daggers, stiletto knives and/or knives with embedded blades in Rhode Island without first confirming with municipal codes, police agencies, local attorneys or legal authorities that a fixed blade will not be subject to confiscation and arrest. Ballistic knives are also prohibited weapons per Section 11-47-42. Ballistic knives are essentially swords or stilettos that have been modified so that they can be launched at high-speed, which undoubtedly qualifies them as "bludgeon[s]" as prohibited in Section 11-47-42. The general guidance for residents of Rhode Island is that they should be careful in their evaluation of any knife he or she wishes to carry. There may be isolated local ordinances or municipal codes regarding blades that effectively make many knives illegal throughout the state. Also, even if a particular knife may not be prohibited, it may be subject to restrictions or defenses that render violations potentially less severe or even avoidable.

Knife Carry and Transport Laws in the State

Open carry of knives and swords of any size, either on an individual or by a group on public land is legal. If you’re going to carry an 8-foot sword with you as you walk down the street, then you may attract attention, but that doesn’t make the sword illegal. The issue is how law enforcement officers will react if the officer believes he or she sees a violation of the state criminal code, or even just believes that the person may be doing something illegal, giving the officer "reasonable suspicion" of an illegal activity.
For concealed carry of a knife, there is basically no laws or restrictions on concealed knife carry in the state. Again, this is not a concealed carry permit to carry a knife. This is just simply stating that you carry a knife, sword, dagger, dirk, or stiletto, or any other dangerous weapon generally, sometimes known as "convenience" knives.
Like other states, Rhode Island prohibits the carrying of not just any knife, but any instrument that can be considered a "club." The law states that it is illegal to "carry a dangerous weapon in a manner capable of producing injury or fear of death or injury to another or property." A dangerous weapon is defined as something that can be used with direct intention of causing injury (a knife), or in "indirect manner, under the pretense of self-defense."
In general, the Carry concealed/sword cane law in Rhode Island allows a person to carry a sword cane. However, the law requires that an open, non-secure sheath be used to conceal the cane. Simply inserting the sword into the hollow cane barrel or a tight-fitting sheath on the inside of the barrel is against the law.
You need to be aware that, unlike other states, you cannot legally transport a sword cane in any fashion through Rhode Island. It doesn’t matter if you are driving through the state, or if you are simply transporting the sword cane in the back of a car; it is illegal to do so.
Also, like other states, you cannot take a sword cane on any of the waterways or waterways through Rhode Island waterways. This applies to both sword canes and other types of canes. The law requires that you use a cane with long enough grip to allow your arms to remain straight while transporting the cane through deep water, without the possibility of getting water inside the cane barrel.

Penalties for Violating Knife Regulations in Rhode Island

The legal consequences for violating knife laws in Rhode Island can be quite serious, with multiple potential penalties for those adjudicated guilty of offenses. Depending on the gravity of the offense, penalties may be imposed that range from a fine to life in prison. Thus, when facing a potential knife charge, it is important to know what punishments might be instituted for the offense.
One of the main state statutes controlling the legality of knives in Rhode Island is R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-5. Under this statute, it is unlawful to possess any dangerous weapon, including knives, with the intent to use that weapon unlawfully against another person. A person adjudicated guilty under this statute may face up to five years in prison. Additional penalties may be assessed if a dangerous weapon is used unlawfully against a minor. This section of the law states that it is an additional offense to use a dangerous weapon unlawfully against a child under the age of 16. An adjudicated violent offender under this section faces a minimum sentence of two years in prison and a lifetime firearm ban on all dangerous weapons.
The safe storage of a dangerous weapon on premises may also be an offense under R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-51. Under this section , it is illegal to store a dangerous weapon on premises where a person under the age of 16 resides. A person found guilty under this statute will face a fine of up to $500, while a person found guilty for a second or subsequent offense could face an additional fine of up to $5,000.
If an individual does not commit an offense described above, but is found to be in possession of a dirk, dagger, stiletto, or any other blade over four inches long, as listed in R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-47-38, he or she may be guilty of a simple assault. The punishment for this offense is a fine of $20, or a penalty not exceeding six months imprisonment, or both.
Fortunately, it is likely that a potential defendant will have multiple defenses available if charged with a knife offense in Rhode Island. Some of these defenses include:
If you are charged with a crime involving the illegal possession or unlawful use of a knife, it is important to work with an experienced Rhode Island criminal defense attorney to achieve the most favorable results possible.

Knife Exceptions and Special Rules

Some professions and circumstances have what you might call "special considerations" when it comes to Rhode Island knife laws. Some of these are detailed below:
Section 2-4-1 of the R.I. General Laws exempts the following from the weapons provisions: Also, a proviso in Section 11-47-2 exempts any knife that is "legal to possess […] under regulations issued by the United States Army." To put it another way, Section 11-47-2 says that "any knife, including any knife with a blade which closes automatically by release of a spring or other mechanical device or falls or slips from the handle by force of gravity or by launches itself by power of a spring or other mechanical device" is legal—as long as it’s "legal to possess if manufactured before October 1, 1959 by the United States Army." This means that the knife would need to have been authorized by the Department of Defense for military or government service at some point before October 1, 1959 (a knife used in World War II, for example). Some examples of military knives that may fall into this category are: The Wild Bunch Knife Set; the Navy Mark 2 Combat Knife; the Army Air Force Survival Knife; the Marine Corp Mark 1 Mod 0 Knife; the Airforce Survival Knife. Workplace knife possession issues are an important area of consideration for practical application of the knife laws. Workplaces should take care to consider workplace knife possession issues that may be unique to particular situations. A few such examples include: Further, special consideration should be given to when any such professionals or professionals in general use knives while involved in the course of their employment. Some examples of possible exceptions in special workplace situations include:

Tips for Knife Carriers and Owners in Rhode Island

To stay on the right side of the law, it’s crucial to understand the specific provisions and nuances of Rhode Island knife law. When possessing knives in the state, individuals must take the necessary precautions to avoid violating the state’s weapons regulations. Here are some tips for ensuring that your knife collection remains within the bounds of the law.
Understand the Law and Your Rights
The best way to ensure knife ownership in Rhode Island is to research and fully understand the law before purchasing or carrying a knife. Rhode Island laws surrounding knives are relatively straightforward, so gaining a clear understanding of what is permitted and prohibited is relatively easy. It is, however, a strict liability offense, which means that violating the law, even unknowingly, can lead to serious criminal charges.
Follow Local Ordinances
While knife laws are primarily established at the State level, some municipalities and towns have their own ordinances regarding blade length and the types of knives that are legal to possess. Be sure to brush up on local laws to ensure you’re complying with all municipal regulations.
Join Knife Forums and Organizations
Many states have forums where you can join other knife owners and enthusiasts in discussions about both state and national knife laws. You can also find advocacy groups that help to keep the public aware of proposed changes in knife legislation. By staying connected to the knife community, you can stay one step ahead of impending changes in the law.
Get Engaged in Advocacy
If you’re passionate about advocating for and supporting the preservation of knife rights, consider joining a knife organization or club. Members of these advocacy groups engage in measures to uphold knife rights on both a state and national level. Knife clubs are a great way to meet like-minded enthusiasts while staying informed on proposed changes to knife laws.
Be Watchful of Legislation
Staying aware of proposed knife legislation is just as vital to preserving knife rights as participating in local and national knife advocacy groups. With this knowledge, you can take further action against proposed legislation. Each year, a number of knife rights bills are passed from all pockets of the country. Be sure to stay abreast of any new bills that may affect your fundamental right to knife ownership.
Educate Others
As a knife enthusiast, you play an important role in educating other knife enthusiasts and new knife owners on the current status of knife laws in Rhode Island. Stay informed, and you’ll be better prepared to take action against proposed changes – both good and bad.

Additional Resources and Recommendations

Rhode Island General Laws on Knives
The full text of the Rhode Island General Laws is available at The General Assembly of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. Links to the sections pertaining to knives will be helpful as you research.
Rhode Island Knife Rights
This organization seeks to promote knife rights and educate residents about the state laws. Portions of the website are devoted to updates on rewriting the knife laws and changes to the Revamped Misdemeanor Penalty bill.
Rhode Island Police Department Knife Laws FAQ
This frequently asked question section on the Newport Police Department website addresses some common questions about knives . It provides guidelines about whether an officer could pull a knife on a person or how a knife should be displayed.
The American Knife and Tool Institute
This institute focuses on developing and promoting professional and business standards in the knife industry. It also is involved in legislative matters and has information about laws regarding knife possession in different states.
U.S. Knife Permits
This website describes the general knife laws for each state. This can serve as a general starting point in researching state knife laws.