South Carolina’s current statewide knife law is less restrictive than many older summaries suggest. In March 2024, Act 111 repealed former § 16-23-460, the provision commonly cited for concealed dirks, daggers, razors, and similar weapons. [1]
Do not rely on an old summary saying a South Carolina concealed-weapons permit is required to conceal a dirk or dagger under § 16-23-460. That section was repealed. Current school restrictions, criminal-use statutes, local ordinances, facility rules, and private-property policies still apply.
Which knives can adults own?
The current statewide provisions reviewed here do not create a categorical possession ban on ordinary manual folders, conventional fixed blades, automatic knives, OTF knives, or balisongs merely because of those labels. South Carolina also does not impose one general statewide blade-length limit for ordinary adult possession.
Possession and lawful carry do not authorize threatening use. South Carolina separately enhances penalties for possessing or displaying a firearm or knife during the commission or attempted commission of a violent crime. [2]
What are the open- and concealed-carry rules?
Former § 16-23-460 is no longer part of current law. Act 111 expressly repealed it effective March 7, 2024. A current article should therefore not repeat its old list of concealed weapons or claim that a firearm-oriented concealed-weapons permit is the route to concealing those knives. [1]
No current statewide section cited here creates a general prohibition on open or concealed carry of every lawful knife. That is not blanket permission: intent, behavior, restricted locations, local ordinances, and private-property rules remain separate.
How should knives be transported in a vehicle?
With former § 16-23-460 repealed, the old claim that a knife in a glove compartment automatically requires a CWP is not supported by that statute. For ordinary transport, keep the knife closed or sheathed and secure it so it cannot move or be handled casually. Check the destination and any local ordinance.
The school-property statute has its own vehicle exception: a weapon may remain inside an attended or locked motor vehicle when secured in a closed glove compartment, console, trunk, or closed fastened container in the luggage compartment. [3]
What restrictions apply at schools?
South Carolina Code § 16-23-430 prohibits carrying on one’s person, while on elementary or secondary school property, a knife with a blade over two inches, along with other listed weapons and objects that may inflict bodily injury or death. The statute applies to people generally, not only minors. [3]
The two-inch rule is a school-property rule, not a statewide blade limit. School policies may be stricter and may prohibit even smaller knives.
What about courthouses and government buildings?
The statewide school rule does not automatically answer courthouse or government-building questions. Security screening, court orders, agency policies, posted rules, and local ordinances may prohibit knives. Check the specific facility before arriving and do not assume the repeal of § 16-23-460 overrides building security rules.
Are there general age restrictions?
The current sections cited here do not establish one universal minimum age for owning every ordinary knife. School law is location-based rather than limited to minors. Retailers, parents, schools, local ordinances, and the facts of a juvenile case may impose additional restrictions.
Can cities and counties regulate knives?
South Carolina’s express preemption statute, § 23-31-510, covers firearms, ammunition, and firearm components. Its present text does not include knives. [4]
That means an article should not claim that § 23-31-510 invalidates all local knife ordinances. Municipal rules for knives, parks, events, transit, and government property require a separate local check.
Practical takeaway
South Carolina no longer has the former § 16-23-460 concealed-weapon restriction. Most ordinary knife ownership is not categorically banned at the state level, but K–12 school property has a specific over-two-inch rule, criminal use is separately punished, and local or facility restrictions remain important.
Last reviewed: August 24, 2026.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. South Carolina knife law can depend on conduct, location, local ordinances, facility policy, age, and court interpretation. Verify current official sources or consult a qualified South Carolina attorney about a specific situation.
Sources & References
- [1] South Carolina Act 111 of 2024. Repeal of § 16-23-460 and related changes.
- [2] South Carolina Code, Title 16, Chapter 23. Current weapons offenses, including knife use during violent crimes.
- [3] South Carolina Code § 16-23-430. Weapons on elementary or secondary school property and vehicle exception.
- [4] South Carolina Code § 23-31-510. Express local preemption for firearms and ammunition; current text does not include knives.
- [5] South Carolina Legislature: Code of Laws master table. Current official code index.
