← Virginia knife laws›Concealed Knife Carry

Virginia Concealed Knife Carry (2026)

Conditional: An adult may carry a common folding pocketknife concealed, but concealing a dirk, bowie, stiletto, ballistic knife, machete or like weapon is a Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code 18.2-308).

ConditionalVerified Jul 7, 2026

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Official source: law.lis.virginia.gov →

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

Concealed Knife Carry in states bordering Virginia

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

District of ColumbiaConditional
No general concealed-knife ban; DC bars possessing a knife with a blade over 3 inches only with intent to use it unlawfully (22-4514(b)); switchblades are banned outright.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: code.dccouncil.gov · Full District of Columbia rule →
KentuckyPermitted
Since 2019 (SB 150) Kentucky allows permitless concealed carry of deadly weapons — including non-ordinary knives — for adults 21+ who may lawfully possess them (KRS 527.020).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: apps.legislature.ky.gov · Full Kentucky rule →
MarylandConditional
An adult may carry a common penknife concealed, but Md. Crim. Law 4-101 bars carrying any concealed 'dangerous weapon' (dirk, bowie, switchblade, star knife); a non-switchblade penknife is excepted.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: mgaleg.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
North CarolinaConditional
Carrying a concealed bowie knife, dirk, dagger or other deadly weapon of like kind (off one's own premises) is a Class 2 misdemeanor; an ordinary pocketknife carried closed is exempt (N.C.G.S. 14-269).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ncleg.gov · Full North Carolina rule →
TennesseePermitted
Tennessee does not restrict carrying a knife, openly or concealed; the carrying-with-intent-to-go-armed offense (T.C.A. 39-17-1307(a)(1)) reaches only a firearm or a club, not knives.
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: publications.tnsosfiles.com · Full Tennessee rule →
West VirginiaPermitted
Adults 21+ may carry a concealed deadly weapon (any knife) without a license; a pocketknife with a blade 3.5 in or less, or a recreational/tool knife, isn't a regulated 'deadly weapon' (W. Va. Code 61-7-2).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

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