South Carolina maintains permissive knife laws, allowing open and concealed carry of most pocket knives without blade length limits statewide. Local ordinances in cities like Charleston and Greenville impose stricter rules, while schools ban blades over two inches.
Legal Framework
State laws under South Carolina Code Sections 16-23-405, 16-23-430, and 16-23-460 define weapons but exempt common pocket knives from major restrictions. No bans exist on folding knives, dirks, daggers, or utility knives for general ownership or carry, reflecting a focus on individual rights. Switchblades and gravity knives face limits only if used unlawfully.
Open vs. Concealed Carry
Open carry permits visible knives on belts or sheaths in public…..