Yes, butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal to own and carry in Maine as of 2024, with no state-level restrictions on their possession or concealed carry. The Maine Legislature has not classified balisongs as prohibited weapons under 17-A M.R.S. § 1058, unlike fixed-blade knives exceeding 3.5 inches or switchblades. Local municipalities retain limited authority to regulate knives in public spaces, but no city or town has enacted balisong-specific ordinances. The Maine State Police have not issued guidance treating balisongs as inherently dangerous, aligning with the state’s permissive knife laws.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Maine
- No State Prohibition: Balisongs are not listed as “dangerous weapons” under Maine’s criminal code, permitting ownership without a permit. This contrasts with states like New York, where balisongs are restricted.
- Concealed Carry Ambiguity: While open carry is unambiguously legal, concealed carry of balisongs may be scrutinized under 15 M.R.S. § 4552, which prohibits carrying concealed “dangerous weapons.” Courts have not clarified whether balisongs qualify, creating potential liability risks.
- Local Ordinance Risks: Municipalities like Portland or Bangor could theoretically regulate balisongs in public buildings or parks, though no such ordinances currently exist. Compliance officers should monitor municipal meeting agendas for emerging restrictions.
Enforcement Trends: Maine’s 2026 legislative session may introduce knife-specific regulations, particularly in response to rising balisong-related incidents in tourist-heavy areas. The Maine Criminal Justice Academy has not updated training protocols for balisong encounters, leaving law enforcement discretion largely unstructured.