Yes, butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal to possess and carry in West Virginia under state law, with no explicit bans or restrictions on blade length or opening mechanisms. Local ordinances in cities like Charleston or Morgantown may impose additional rules, but no statewide prohibitions exist. The West Virginia Division of Justice and Public Safety has not issued recent guidance on balisongs, though federal restrictions under the Switchblade Knife Act do not apply to manually operated knives. Retailers and owners should monitor potential 2026 legislative sessions for emerging proposals.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in West Virginia
- No Statewide Ban: West Virginia Code § 61-7-2 does not classify balisongs as prohibited weapons, distinguishing them from switchblades or gravity knives.
- Local Ordinance Variability: Municipalities such as Huntington and Wheeling retain authority to regulate knives via local public safety codes, though enforcement remains rare.
- School and Government Restrictions: Balisongs are banned on K-12 campuses and in state-owned buildings under WV Code § 61-7-11a, with penalties including misdemeanor charges.