Why It Matters: For many years, some states have maintained vague, outdated laws banning the sale, possession, use, and manufacture of certain types of knives. It is not uncommon for many dated, unnecessary statutes to remain on the books for years and become largely ignored. However, these state laws can still cause legal issues if not clarified by overriding legislation. In the current legislative session, both Delaware and Vermont have seen positive results towards rescinding outdated standards.
Highlights:
- As previously reported, Delaware Senate Bill 108 (SB 108) amends statute concerning switchblades (mechanical opening knives) by removing that knives must be folding , and by increasing the allowable maximum blade length to 3.75 inches..
- Vermont Senate Bill 61 (SB 61) eliminates existing prohibitions on switchblade knives with a blade length of 3 inches or more.
- The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) submitted written testimony in support of SB 108. CSF also worked with the Vermont Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus leadership to strategize engagement and support for SB 61.
Issues of laws regarding knives are not necessarily what most people think about or consider from day-to-day. As a tool commonly used throughout the trades, outdoors, or just as an everyday carry, there are statutes that vary from state-to-state concerning the legality of certain variants of knives based on how they open, operate, length, et. al. This legislative session has seen positive movement to rescind outdated laws surrounding mechanically opening knives and blade lengths.
Delaware SB 108 , sponsored by Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Co-Chairs, Rep. Jeff Spiegelmand and Sen. Brian Pettyjohn, removes prohibitions in Title 11 of the State Code related to owning or possessing certain types of knives that may be opened by one hand. This relates to many cutting implements that are lawfully used as tools by many tradespeople, and they are also popular among outdoor, hunting, and camping enthusiasts. SB 108 passed in the Senate in May and was sent to the House where it will be heard in the House Committee on Judiciary, this Wednesday, June 11, 2025
Vermont SB 61, which removes prohibitions on switchblade knives with a blade of 3 inches or more from the current law, has reached Governors Sportsmen’s Cacus (GSC) member Phil Scott’s desk where it awaits his signature. SB 61 was sponsored and championed by National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Vice President, and Vermont Legislative Caucus Co-Chair, Sen. Pat Brennan this session. Sen. Brennan, who has been a longtime advocate for such knife rights in Vermont, said, “It’s been a long time coming and a lot of work reaching across the aisle, and we finally got it passed.” Brennan continued, “It’s common-sense legislation on an antiquated law.”
CSF thanks Rep. Spiegelman and Sen. Pettyjohn and looks forward to working with the Delaware Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus to encourage the passage and adoption of SB 108. CSF would also like to thank Sen. Pat Brennan for his dedication to this issue and working tirelessly over many years to get this legislation passed and to the Governor’s desk. CSF strongly encourages Governor Phil Scott to sign SB 61 into law.
