Yes, Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal to own and carry in Tennessee as of 2024, with no state-level restrictions on possession or concealed carry. Local ordinances may impose additional rules, but no Tennessee municipality currently bans them outright.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Tennessee
- State Statute Alignment: Tennessee Code Annotated § 39-17-1302 does not classify balisongs as prohibited weapons, unlike fixed-blade or switchblade knives.
- Concealed Carry Exemption: Balisongs are not explicitly listed in T.C.A. § 39-17-1302(a)(1)(A)-(F), allowing legal concealed carry if not used unlawfully.
- Local Jurisdictional Nuances: Nashville-Davidson County and Memphis may impose knife-specific ordinances, but no active bans target balisongs specifically. Verify municipal codes annually due to evolving local enforcement.
Prohibited Use Context: While possession is permitted, balisongs may be confiscated if brandished in a threatening manner under disorderly conduct statutes (T.C.A. § 39-17-305). Law enforcement retains discretion in public safety assessments.
Compliance Note: Tennessee’s 2026 legislative session may introduce knife law revisions; monitor updates from the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and local sheriff’s departments for procedural shifts.