Throwing Bowie Knives

Maryland’s knife laws are somewhat archaic and cryptic. This article will clear the matter for you in everyday English. It gives you an outline of what is allowed and what is not allowed along with law citations and case examples. It than goes into detail about how the law works so that you can understand Maryland knife law inside and out.

What is Legal to Own

• It is legal to own a balisong knife, also called butterfly knife.
• it is legal to own dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other slim knives.
• It is legal to own switchblades, gravity knives, and automatic knives.
• It is legal to own ballistic knives.
• It is legal to own disguised knives like belt knives and lipstick knives.
• It is legal to own throwing stars and throwing knives.
• It is legal to own undetectable knives.
• It is legal to own Bowie knives and other large knives.

There are no limitation on the type of knife you can own in Maryland.

Limits on Carry

• You can not conceal carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife, or bowie knife.
• You can not open carry a throwing star, dirk, switchblade, gravity knife, or bowie knife with the intent to harm someone.
• You can open or conceal carry any sized pocket knife you wish.

If a knife is not listed above, it is most likely to be legal for concealed or open carry. Read on to see why.

Dangerous Weapons Defined

Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 4-101 (2012)

§ 4-101. Dangerous weapons

(a) Definitions. —

(4) “Star knife” means a device used as a throwing weapon, consisting of several sharp or pointed blades arrayed as radially disposed arms about a central disk.

(5) (i) “Weapon” includes a dirk knife, bowie knife, switchblade knife, star knife, sandclub, metal knuckles, razor, and nunchaku.

(ii) “Weapon” does not include: 1. a handgun; or 2. a penknife without a switchblade.

(c) Prohibited. —

(1) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon of any kind concealed on or about the person.

(2) A person may not wear or carry a dangerous weapon, chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner.

(3) (i) This paragraph applies in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Caroline County, Cecil County, Harford County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, Talbot County, Washington County, and Worcester County.