Yes, Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal to own and carry in Mississippi without restriction, as state law does not classify them as prohibited weapons. Local jurisdictions, including Jackson and Gulfport, have not enacted ordinances banning their possession or open carry. However, concealed carry of any knife remains subject to Mississippi’s general concealed carry laws, requiring compliance with blade length restrictions if applicable.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Mississippi
- No State-Level Prohibition: Mississippi Code § 97-37-1(2) does not list balisongs as illegal weapons, unlike switchblades or gravity knives.
- Concealed Carry Restrictions: While balisongs themselves are legal, carrying one concealed in a vehicle or on one’s person may trigger scrutiny under Mississippi’s concealed carry statutes if the blade exceeds 3 inches (though enforcement is rare for balisongs).
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Biloxi and Tupelo have not imposed additional restrictions, but carriers should verify updates from the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office, which monitors 2026 legislative sessions for potential changes.
Note: Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) does not regulate balisongs, but transporting them across state lines may require adherence to destination laws. Always confirm with local law enforcement or the Mississippi Department of Public Safety for real-time compliance.