Are Butterfly Knives Illegal in New York?

New York's Knife Laws: A Turbulent History

New York has historically been one of the most restrictive states in the nation for knife ownership and carry. For decades, butterfly knives (balisongs) were classified as gravity knives under New York's Penal Law § 265.01, making them illegal to possess regardless of intent. However, significant legal reforms in 2019 and subsequent years have dramatically changed the landscape for knife owners in the Empire State.

Understanding New York's knife laws requires examining the interplay between state law and the laws of New York City, which has historically maintained even stricter regulations than the rest of the state. What's legal in upstate New York may still be illegal in Manhattan.

Gravity Knives and the 2019 Reform

For years, New York Penal Law § 265.01 defined a gravity knife as any knife with a blade that opens by the force of gravity or centrifugal force. Under this definition, butterfly knives — which open by centrifugal force through wrist flipping — were treated as illegal gravity knives. This led to thousands of arrests over the decades, disproportionately affecting working-class communities and people of color.

In May 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a reform bill that decriminalized the possession of gravity knives. The bill, which had been passed by the State Assembly multiple times before finally becoming law, eliminated gravity knives as a category of prohibited weapon under New York's criminal code.

The key changes were:

• Possession of a gravity knife was decriminalized statewide
• Gravity knives were removed from the list of "deadly weapons" under Penal Law § 265.01
• Existing criminal records for gravity knife possession became eligible for sealing

This reform was a watershed moment for knife rights in New York. It effectively removed the legal basis under which butterfly knives had been prosecuted for decades.

What This Means for Butterfly Knives

Following the 2019 reform, butterfly knives are no longer classified as illegal gravity knives in New York State. Possession of a butterfly knife in your home or on your person is no longer a criminal offense under state law.

However, the practical reality is more nuanced than a simple "legal" or "illegal" designation:

• NYPD and other law enforcement agencies may still be operating under older training and assumptions
• Officers may still detain individuals carrying butterfly knives to verify legality
• Prosecutors may attempt to use other statutes if they believe the knife was being carried with criminal intent
• The perception that butterfly knives are illegal remains widespread among law enforcement

New York City: A Separate Jurisdiction

New York City operates under its own complex web of knife regulations, separate from and often stricter than state law. While the 2019 state reform decriminalized gravity knives, New York City's Administrative Code § 10-133(b) still prohibits carrying knives with blades longer than 4 inches in public places.

Additionally, NYC law prohibits carrying any knife "with intent to use it unlawfully against another." This intent-based provision gives law enforcement broad discretion, and carrying any knife — including a butterfly knife — in NYC carries a degree of risk based on circumstances and the interpreting officer.

NYC also maintains restrictions on knives in specific locations:

• Schools and school grounds
• Government buildings
• Public transportation (subway, buses)
• Licensed premises serving alcohol
• Parks and recreation areas (with exceptions for knives needed for specific activities)

Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry in New York

New York State does not have a blanket prohibition on open carry of knives, but the practicalities are complicated:

• Open carry: Not explicitly prohibited by state law for non-restricted knives, but local ordinances and police discretion play a significant role
• Concealed carry: New York requires a concealed carry permit (pistol license) for concealed weapons, though this has historically applied to firearms more than knives

The 2022 Supreme Court decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen affirmed an individual right to bear arms for self-defense, which has had ripple effects on how New York approaches blade carry. However, the full implications for knife law are still being worked out in courts.

Federal Land and New York

Federal regulations apply on national parks, federal buildings, and other federal property within New York. Generally, federal law prohibits weapons (including knives) in:

• Post offices and federal courthouses
• National parks (unless state law permits)
• Federal buildings
• Military installations

Practical Advice for Butterfly Knife Owners in New York

If you live in or visit New York and own a butterfly knife:

• Know your rights under the 2019 reform — possession is legal under state law
• Be aware that NYC has additional restrictions on blade length and public carry
• If stopped by police, remain calm, be cooperative, and clearly state that the knife is legal to possess
• Avoid carrying in NYC unless you're fully aware of the local ordinances
• Consider joining organizations like the Knife Center or American Knife & Tool Institute for updates on changing laws
• Never carry a butterfly knife (or any knife) with the intent to use it as a weapon

The Road Ahead

New York's knife laws continue to evolve. Advocacy groups are pushing for further reforms, including clearer definitions of legal carry, elimination of blade length restrictions, and education campaigns to ensure law enforcement understands current law. The 2019 gravity knife reform was a significant step, but work remains to fully modernize New York's knife legal framework.