Columbus, OH – Ohio’s knife laws have undergone significant changes in recent years, reflecting a broader trend towards liberalization of regulations on bladed instruments. These revisions have important implications for residents and visitors to the state, offering greater clarity and uniformity in what was once a complex legal landscape.
Recent Legislative Developments
The most notable change came with the signing of Senate Bill 140 by Governor Mike DeWine on January 11, 2021, effective from April 12, 2021. This legislation marked a major shift in Ohio’s approach to knife regulations. Firstly, it repealed the ban on the manufacture and sale of “switchblade,” “spring blade,” and “gravity” knives. This change not only broadened the types of knives that can be legally sold and owned in Ohio but also lifted restrictions on their manufacture, opening new opportunities for businesses within the state.
Additionally, SB 140 introduced a crucial definitional change. A knife, razor, or cutting instrument is now considered a “deadly weapon” or “weapon” only if it is used as one. This effectively means that the mere possession of a knife does not automatically classify it as a weapon, which was a significant source of legal ambiguity under the previous law.