Learn how the new law, SB 108, updates knife regulations and what this means for knife owners.

Delaware became the 22nd state to repeal switchblade/automatic knife bans or restrictions with the signing July 30 of bipartisan SB 108 by Governor Matt Meyer.

According to the Knife Rights website, the bill not only removes restrictions on the sale or possession of automatics in Delaware, it also amends the “Deadly Weapons” exemption for “ordinary pocketknife” by deleting “folding” in order to cover all knife types. It also increases the legal blade length from 3 to 3.75 inches.

“SB 108 is a common-sense update, modernizing Delaware’s knife laws, so citizens gain the freedom to carry and use these tools responsibly without fear of legal penalty,” Meyer said.

In addition to Delaware, states repealing switchblade bans or restrictions include Alaska; Colorado; Hawaii; Illinois; Indiana; Kansas; Louisiana; Maine; Michigan; Missouri; Montana; Nevada; New Hampshire; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; Tennessee; Texas; Vermont; Virginia; and Wisconsin.

This leaves only three states where civilian possession of automatic knives remains banned: New Mexico, Minnesota and Washington. Knife Rights is challenging Minnesota’s ban in federal court. Washington is in the Ninth Circuit where KR’s federal lawsuit against California’s partial ban is proceeding on appeal. A win there would apply to Washington’s ban.

More On Knife Bans:

• England Knife Ban
• Massachusetts Supreme Court Strikes Down Switchblade Ban
• Virginia Lifts Ban on Concealed Carry Switchblades: What You Need to Know