In some parts of the United States, it is illegal to have or carry such a knife in public. In particular jurisdictions, balisongs are classified as a "gravity knife", "switchblade", or "dagger". In California, balisong/switchblade knives are legal to own, purchase, offer, and transportation if the length of the blade is not more than 2 inches.
(Penal Code area 17235 & 21510.) In Hawaii, it is illegal to have, manufacture, offer, transfer, or transfer any balisong/Butterfly-type knife. In Kansas, there were once legal constraints on butterfly knives, however, as of July 2013, the Kansas Comprehensive Knife Rights Act legalized the carrying of all types of bladed weapons.
In Chicago it is prohibited to bring a concealed knife with a blade longer than 2. 5 inches. Hidden carry of a double-edged knife is forbidden. Automatic (switchblade) and gravity knives are restricted. In Indiana it is legal to own and carry a butterfly knife both open or hidden. In Kentucky, the balisong is legal for hidden and open bring anywhere one is not otherwise forbidden from carrying a hidden deadly weapon.
In Maine, it is legal to own sell and carry In Massachusetts, the balisong is legal for hidden and open bring so long as it does not" [present] an objective danger of danger to a person of sensible and typical sensibility." Restrictions also apply depending upon the area of the individual carrying the knife (such as within a public school).
In New Mexico, possession of a butterfly knife is unlawful, since the butterfly knife is a "switchblade" within the meaning of the statute making belongings of switchblades unlawful. In New york city, the balisong has been figured out not to be a gravity knife, and therefore not forbidden under the Penal Law [see: Individuals v.
2003)] However, the law forbiding gravity knives was discovered to be unconstitutional and their possession was legalized in 2019. In Found Here , residents are allowed to bring most pocketknives most of the time. Statute S.14-269, which forbids the hidden carrying of any "bowie knife, dirk, dagger", or "other lethal weapon of like kind" doesn't apply to an "regular pocket knife brought in a closed position".