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Massachusetts Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws (2026)

Permitted: G.L. c.269 10(b) bans carrying automatic knives over 1.5 in., but Commonwealth v. Canjura (SJC, 2024) struck that switchblade ban as unconstitutional — autos are now legal to own and carry.

PermittedVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: malegislature.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Switchblade & Automatic Knife Laws in states bordering Massachusetts

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

ConnecticutRestricted
Carrying a switchblade with a blade over 1.5 inches on the person is a class E felony (Conn. Gen. Stat. 53-206); only automatic blades 1.5 inches or under may be carried.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: cga.ct.gov · Full Connecticut rule →
New HampshirePermitted
New Hampshire's weapon-carry statute bans only blackjacks, slung shots and metallic knuckles; knives (incl. switchblades) were removed in 2010, so automatics are legal to own and carry (RSA 159:16).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: gc.nh.gov · Full New Hampshire rule →
New YorkRestricted
A switchblade remains a per-se prohibited weapon (class A misdemeanor) under NY Penal Law 265.01(1); gravity knives were removed from the ban in 2019.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: nysenate.gov · Full New York rule →
Rhode IslandConditional
RI's weapons law never names switchblades/automatics; such a knife is legal to own and carry openly but, like any knife, can't be carried concealed if its blade exceeds 3 inches (R.I. Gen. Laws 11-47-42).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: webserver.rilegislature.gov · Full Rhode Island rule →
VermontPermitted
Vermont repealed its switchblade ban in 2025 (Act 64, signed 6/12/2025); autos/OTF/gravity knives of any length are now legal to own and carry (13 V.S.A. 4013 now covers only zip guns).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: legislature.vermont.gov · Full Vermont rule →

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